Water Bill Back in Minnesota

[Ann Keefe]

Hello! I’m a newbie and in the process of purchasing a side by side duplex in the twin cities area and will be owner occupying one side. When it comes time to renew the lease I would like to shift some of the responsibility of the water bill to the tenants so I’m not paying for a whole family’s water usage and to also provide them with an incentive to conserve. The duplex has a single water meter but each unit has its own hot water heater. Minnesota law seems to allow for single meter utility bill back but doesn’t elaborate on what is considered “fair and equitable.” What do you recommend BP?