Make sure it clearly states how much they can do without actual approval from you as not hearing from you should not be considered consent, but understand that in an emergency like heat goes out in January that they can arrange for repairs if they cannot get in touch with you.  

The alternative is to keep things on the same meter as you have now and work out some kind of arrangements with a renter if that is what you have in mind to include the water in the rent. 

I like to look for properties with 3 or 4 units - you can often get more rental income and spread your vacancy risk across more tenants.I also look out of state for investments and work with some good people that bring potential deals that I arrange for myself, friends and family.

Often times tenants have divorce, car accidents, loss of employment and health issues.One of the things landlords have to be careful about is tenants want to make their problems the landlords problem.First your want to let her know that you are truly sorry that she is having medical problems.If you are wanting to waive some of the rent is totally up to you, but you do need to remind her that she still has financial obligations and needs to see what arrangements she could do to have the rent paid right away.If you have any emergency contacts for her on file youu may want to check with them and see if they are able to help her.I would also recommend that you get a real estate attorney that is familiar with evictions and consult with the attorney.

Do you and your brother have a partnership arrangement?  

Ideally, that is what I want.You can continue to talk to them during that time period, and discuss payment arrangements, but make it clear the clock is ticking down.

See if they would be open to an arrangement where you buy one unit from the owners who will take the cheapest price. 

Welcome @David Flowers it’s a pleasure to have you here!

Sign the lease, sub-let to a partnership, rent is lower than market sometimes with net profit lease arrangements.

I'm going to show him your response and use it as a framework for our business arrangement.