Water Budget and My Numbers

[Corey Gregg]

Hello!  I am looking to buy a duplex in New Orleans--ideally I can house hack for about a year then move out and it will be a cash-flowing rental property.  My problem is that I don't know what to estimate for water expenses, and this variance can turn a potential cash-flow positive property into a cash-flow negative property.

I have rented in the city for years, but only recently did I have to start paying for my own water.  The first bill was shocking to me (about $300 per month and billed after 4 months in the apartment, which is a 2bd/2br).  I have appealed this with NOSWB and they are evaluating it.

2 questions:
1) What is an expected water bill for a 2/2 apartment in a duplex, triplex, or fourplex?
2) Is it common to find multifamily properties with split water meters, so that the tenant pays for water?  If so, this would make my math much easier.

Thank you everyone.