Skip to content
Two investors reviewing resources on a laptop

Get industry-leading resources — for free

Unlock resources for every investing strategy and stage with a free account.

By continuing, you agree to BiggerPockets LLC's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

User Stats

26
Posts
6
Votes
Jeremy Michiels
  • Investor
  • Dallas, TX
6
Votes |
26
Posts

All bills paid - include in rent or charge separately

Jeremy Michiels
  • Investor
  • Dallas, TX
Posted

New to investing and am assessing a 4-plex. It currently cash flows well, but includes all utilities in the existing leases. As I seek more revenue opportunities, I'm curious if it is better to leave as is or migrate billing separately for water and utilities based on some allocation formula after I receive the actual bills. 

My question is...In your experience is it better to include utilities in the rent payment or line-item these out for each tenant?

Any other things to watch out for in "all bills paid" properties?

Longer term I will investigate splitting the meters to offload this entirely.

Thank you in advance.

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

1,489
Posts
1,024
Votes
Alex Deacon
  • Investor
  • Pittsburgh, PA
1,024
Votes |
1,489
Posts
Alex Deacon
  • Investor
  • Pittsburgh, PA
Replied

@Jeremy Michiels it is always better to buy a property with split utilities hands down. That doesn't mean you cant make money on a property that doesn't have them split. I own both styles. If you want to split up the utilities in the future keep in mind that can be very expensive.

Loading replies...