You'll find the list of all books mentioned in the BP podcast at the following link:http://garifunainstitute.com/math/bpbooks.phpI created this list for my personal consumption and to share with my close friends.

Water is included for my duplexes, but I have a clause if the consumption goes over some dollar amount per month or quarter, it will be billed to the tenant.

My water bill I received over the past weekend had indeed shown an increase in consumption.

@Erik CabralHere you would have to sub-meter the water and provide measured consumption for each unit, to be able to separate the billing (and not have it blow back on you).  

David the energy figure for your ADU is estimated at 2.8 KW, at $2.75 for each KW total is around $7700 with a 28% credit of $2150; net cost $5550.Here is what I have found on the California energy website:Moreover, the 2019 Standards require PV systems sized to offset just the annual electricity consumption of a highly efficient dual-fuel home.

Karen,Definitely a leader in the U.S.A and much of North America, though there are other places which exceed even California's standards (Australia for water consumption; Germany for renewables; Scandinavia and {part of} Canada for insulation, etc)

We both make a very decent income but we don't see any of it because we have had a high consumption lifestyle for far too long.It's good that you found that discipline and took control over your situation to realize your goals.

If all else fails you pretty much have to go find the pieces of the puzzle yourself: track down utility consumption figures from each provider, confirm property tax amounts with the municipality, and try and estimate what you expect you'll need for R&M and CapEx - this can be tough if you don't have a lot of experience but it's still a necessary exercise even if the seller does have solid financials to share.

There are companies out there who will install sub-meters, bill and collect from tenants, take a cut and provide you with net (and of course, you pay the municipal bill).Reducing consumption is of course a no-brainer.  

I lead a frugal, efficient life in a city that's all about conspicuous consumption, and it's so encouraging to be reminded that smart money decisions will pay off in the not-too-distant future.