Duplex with a shared heating system

[Mike Dorneman]

I'm considering writing an offer on a duplex, however the property has a shared heating system. An oil burner with 2 diverters so each unit can control their own heat. The current owner pays the oil bill however collects about $100/month over market value rent for that area from each side. So basically the current landlord is estimating the oil will be within his $200/month allotment.

I see a number of issues with this and am wondering if anyone has dealt with this in the past. Perhaps some technology that can measure usage per diverter, or any else than me paying it each month. I'd be concerned that tenants would not be happy simply splitting it, because I would imagine at some point one will feel the other used more oil, then we've got a problem.

Thoughts?

TIA

[John Underwood]

If each tenant is paying an extra 100 per month or 2400, will this not more than cover annual heating oil costs? If yes then your good.