Water during turnover

[Jeff Lee]

I had a recent turnover between tenants on my house in Alexandria, VA. My property management company recommended, after the tenants had closed their water company account, that I turn the water back on so 1) prospective tenants can see the water actually runs and they and any contractors can use the bathroom if needed, and 2) the power-washing contractors have access to water as needed while powerwashing the driveway and house exterior.

The account was active for maybe 2 or 3 weeks between tenants and probably only used about 10 gallons of water, but the water company charged me almost $100 for all the associated fees and the 1st thousand gallons. At that rate, I could have given the contractors naturally filtered, artesian spring water to run through their pressure washer and bottles of Voss to every prospective tenant. 

Anyone have advice for dealing with water companies or keeping water on between tenants without incurring ridiculous charges?

[Josh Jenkins]

See if utility company has an "Auto Leave-On" form for Landlords. This is probably an easy question for your property manager to answer (but I'd call utility company to check also). We have that here in Texas. It's great because you avoid connection fees and have water for carpet cleaning (and electricity for everything but yours may be separate company). They also charge just for usage instead of all the "extras" you normally get. Just have to be sure to schedule disconnect or verify that tenants have switched bill over. I have to admit I've been burned once or twice for $100. Not the best way to start out with new tenants.