Splitting the Utilities between Renters (1 meter on 2 units)

[Ed Taslak]

Hi There Everyone,

I'm wondering if I can split the utilities cost between tenants for a duplex I am looking at. Unit 1 is a 3 bed 1 bath (upstairs) and Unit 2 is a 1 bed 1 bath (downstairs). Is it possible/legal to have the utilities under my name and I charge the tenants for the usage? 

I'm thinking like based on number of people living in each unit; so say 3 people living upstairs 1 living downstairs, upstairs unit gets charged 75% of the utilities cost, downstairs gets charged 25%. 

Any advice for a new investor? I think this property I found is a good deal but the utilities are not split. Also the heating/cooling is not split up either so I would need to figure something out for that as well. Any tips in these departments? 

Thanks,

-Ed