Prevent Abuse of Shared Electric/Water in SFH Rental

[Brandon O.]

Hello BP!

I recently purchased a 2 unit SFH and will live in one, rent out the other. The house has 1 meter each for water and electric and I plan on including these utilities in the rent.

Couple of questions:

1. Should I advertise the rental unit w/ utilities included, or specify the base rent and include a fixed cost per person (or something to this effect)?

2. How do I encourage conservation of the utilities to minimize my expenses?

3. Other tips/ideas?

Thanks!

[Steve Babiak]

Install separate meters for each unit. That is the fairest approach, so each pays to the degree that they actually consume.