Water bill included in the rent

[Kristen Ray]

Hello BP!

For those of you that have sinlge family and/or small multi family properties that are submetered for water and you include the water bill in the rent, have you put a clause in your that states the owner will cover the water bill up until a particular amount? What has been your experience?

[Nathan Gesner]

I just write something tailored to the situation. It doesn't have to be full of $5 words and legal jargon. Keep it simple and clear:

"Rent rate includes water use up to $75 per month. Anything above this amount will be Tenant's responsibility. Landlord will present Tenant with a copy of the water bill showing excess use and the additional charges. The additional charge shall be due with the payment of the next month's rent payment."

Easy, peasy.