Does the rent include any utilities like water that might increase?

For those of you that are not familiar- digging a well can effectively eliminate your water bill.

One that fulfills one of Maslow's basic needs (food, water, shelter) or one that doesn't?

I don't want schedule a time every month for SDG&E to come check the meter for the neighbor's water bill.

Water is all shared on the same meter.

I have been reading that hardwood is not great for kitchens (especially in rentals) because water can ruin hardwood floors, especially if spills/pee/etc. are not quickly cleaned up (a very possible scenario depending on the tenant).

I like the idea of pedestal sink to add feel of more space and prevent water damage. 

We live in San Diego, so we're open to anywhere that has warm water and sand.

Large mutli-family owners would be wise to require insurance as a water issue in one unit can damage another. 

Utility companies normally let tenants get pretty far behind before the landlord is notified- if the utility company puts a lien on the property for unpaid bills, it is better to have closer control over the bills- If there is a water leak or other problem with the property, the tenant doesn't have to bear the costDisadvantages of having utilties in owner names:- If tenants start using a lot more water/power, it is more difficult to quickly adjust rent or get them to conserve- with pandemic or other freezes on rent or evictions, there is no recourse for utility increases- if the tenant qualifies for low income utility pricing, it has to be in their nameOnce you decide what your guiding principle is, you can align your current rental agreement to match.