water bill pay options

[Justin Reader]

over the past four months I have acquired 5 rental properties. I am currently seeking the best ways to handle the water bill. what are some ways that you may or may not incorporate the water bill into the tenants rent?  

[Nathan Gesner]

@Justin Reader here's more help.

Say the average water bill is $60 a month.

Split it in half and then add 10-15% to cover excess use. Each tenant pays $35 a month and it's included in rent. If you look at a water bill, most of the charges are base fees so the tenants are paying less than they would if they had their own meter.

Then add a simple clause to your lease that says anything above that amount may be passed on to the tenants separately. If the bill goes up $5, then you may just eat the difference. If it goes up $100 and it's due to the tenant's toilet running constantly, then you may decide to pass it on to that tenant. If you can't determine who's responsible, split it equally. If it's due to a broken pipe or something the tenant has no control over, then you may eat it.

This gives you the flexibility.