what should I do. Detroit rental

[Brandon Cook]

Just got a new rental property in Detroit. Had to spend the last month fixing it up and its all ready to go. My only question is what do I do about the utilities? I got the power and gas on but didn't bother to turn the water on. The current water bill is at $0. I know the plumbing is fine but I'm thinking about letting the tenant turn the water on, is this possible?? -Brandon

[Andrew S.]

Is it particularly expensive in Detroit to turn on water?  if you have never turned it on before, how can you be "99% sure" that all the plumbing is ok?  If there is a leak, its MUCH easier to fix it while the place is empty, so I don't know why you would take the chance on that just to save what?  20 bucks?