If you are renting out one or both sides, you can bill back for water usage, even without a second meter. 

I own a two-story duplex where water constantly drips down the siding, even when it hasn't rained for days or weeks.

Purchase price: $340,000 Cash invested: $7,000 Water front, 4 bed, 2 bath, detached 1 car garage, pier and dock.

I found the county criteria which reads as:"Property must be minimum of 1 acre, meet the underlying zone district, have adequate parking, meet the requirements set for by the Wildfire Hazard Overlay District, have valid water and sanitation, have legal access, use the primary dwelling unit, be free of violations, and have no substantial detriment to the intent of the Zoning Resolution."

Mainly because I "assumed" how long could utilities such as water ,trash and electric really get backed up without getting shut off.

If he doesn't want to do that, boiling water works well-but make sure it is very targeted.My guess is he's trying to push you to see how far he can go because you're a new landlord and a woman. 

Hi all,I have a single family home I purchased in June 2021 for 200k.Aside from cleaning up the yard, painting, and new water heater there have been no improvements.I recently got a letter that my taxes are going up as they believe the property to be worth 225k as of June 2022. 

The inspector pointed out structural issues, potential plumbing issues (hard to confirm since the water was not on but scary enough) since the house was built in the early 1900's.  

A lot of other investors who go the same path will be burned and stuck under water once it's ready to sell.

My rental property has sprinklers in the yard yet tenant will be responsible for paying for water.