Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
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

Updated over 4 years ago,

User Stats

10
Posts
5
Votes
Shawn Reidy
  • Investor
  • Richmond, VA
5
Votes |
10
Posts

How to address water usage/bill on duplex

Shawn Reidy
  • Investor
  • Richmond, VA
Posted

I'm writing in hopes of getting some advice about how to tackle a situation that I'm dealing with regarding the water bill.  Here's the background:

-I recently purchased a duplex and am occupying one unit and renting the other

-Currently, the owner (me) is footing the water bill for the building

-My unit has in-unit laundry, the other does not

-The water bill averages $200/month

I'm considering the following options and would really appreciate any advice on how you would handle the situation:

1) Once I move out, continue to pay the water bill (expensive over the long run)

2) Work in a flat fee to the rent and pay the difference myself each month (tough sell to tenants)

3) Install a secondary meter and charge tenants back at the end of each month for their usage (requires more work on the part of the property manager, hassle to charge precise bill to tenants each month)

4) Run a second water line, completely separate bills and make the tenants completely responsible for their own water bill (most expensive, initially)

What are your thoughts, and can you think of any better options to deal with the issue?  Any and all input is greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

Loading replies...