Utilities on duplex, add a meter?

[Meredith Carter]

Does anyone have experience with a multi family property only have one meter for power?

Doing my due diligence on a pair of duplexes around the Birmingham, AL area that each have their own meter. The current owner just pays the power bill and then charges the tenants power to their monthly rent.

I have always had tenants pay their own utilities and have it in their name.

Is it hard to have the power company split the duplexes into two separate meters or should I just add power into the rent per month?

Any advice or suggestions would be great!

[Alex Verdugo]

Out here in Tucson, most duplexes have either shared power, water, or both.  Most landlords simply add it to the rent.  I've had places where I've been the tenant and paying an extra $100 above-market rent for utilities included is a good deal.