Fear of being stuck with an enormous utility bill

[Cheryl Butler]

I am looking at a duplex, and according to the leases the landlord pays for the water. The water is billed quarterly, and I am afraid that if there is a leak somewhere I won't know until I receive an enormous water bill. I realize that as the leases roll over I can change the terms so that the tenant pays for the water, but am wondering how high the risk factor is in the meantime. I have already checked with the city, and there isn't a process for checking the readings online or anything, so my only option would be to drop by the property and look at the meter myself. What if a tenant gets ticked off and leaves all the faucets running? I appreciate any input on this subject!