All Forum Posts by: Patrick Donovan

So Elizabeth would you suggest that I let them pay for my air conditioning and credit them in the summer months or just let them pay it and basically call it even since I will be paying heat and water? Because I agree that I could get myself into a jam with paying all utilities.

The only problem with splitting all utilities is I would not be able to afford it in the beginning because basically all I have will be going towards down payment, closing costs, ect. To do that I would have to put in second furnace and A/C and reconfigure HVAC and meters and all of that. With raising rents how much can I raise it simply because I include all utilities ? I would assume there has to be some limit.

I am a new investor and will be living in my duplex in which gas, water, and trash are on one meter, but electric is split. There is only one A/C unit which is connected to the rental sides electric bill. Living in Iowa the winters get below zero often and summers get into the 90's on hot days. Would it be better for me to suck it up and pay all utilities and try and get a little more from rent? Or should I let tenants pay for my A/C, get a little less in rent and possibly give a credit to help ease the electric bill a little? I would be paying gas, water, and trash already. I appreciate any insight at all!! Thanks