Adding another meter for multi-family unit?

[Daniel Sobsey]

HI BP Forum,

Myself and a few partners just closed on a 2-unit multi family in North Bergen, NJ. The bottom unit was previously owner occupied and they were paying utilities for the entire building since there was only one meter. During closing, the top unit was kept month to month however before we rent the bottom-unit we need to find a way to split the utility bills by unit. Few questions:

- What are the estimated costs to add another meter so we have one meter for the top and one for the bottom unit?

- How long does this operation take?

- If we were to keep 1 meter, is there an equitable way to split up the utility bills for each unit?

- Has anybody else had a similar situation and how did you resolve it?

Thanks all.