Power/water for triplex common areas?

[Aaron Hale]

Hey BP,

I’m closing on a triplex in Akron soon, our first multi-family, and was wondering how utilities for shared/common areas were handled. I’m sure for commercial apartments, there is a separate electrical box paid by the landlord. What about smaller properties?

I’m considering putting in coin-op laundry units in the basement and wondering who pays for the water and electricity? Should it be separated Do others just leave it connected to one unit? Maybe offer a rent discount for that unit’s usage?

Thanks.