A water bill of $800... ahhh!!

[Vy Mai]

We just received a bill of $800 for sewage and water... It's usually just $200 or less. I called the city and they said the meter is fine. I had a plumber come take a look at it and he said nothing is leaking. The city is sending someone over to look at the meter to make sure for $75. Has anyone experienced this problem before? Any advice? I really don't think our tenants can use that much.

[Thomas S.]

It is concerning and if not a meter problem or a leak, guess what, it's your tenants.

Don't expect them to admit anything, you will need to hunt them down. Tenants have been known to start a laundry business in the community if they have machines available in the unit to use.

4X the usual is very serious and needs to be tracked down immediately. When was your last regular inspection performed on the property. 

If you do not find any problem and next month the bill is back to normal send your tenants a bill for $600 with a full explanation including pre and post water bills.