The previous owners were paying all the utilities for Electric, Property Taxes, Sewer, Water, Lawn care, Trash Pick Up.  

Our objective is to eliminate water / humidity near the building foundation and also get rid of these hedges that just trap leaves and trash beneath them.

I had no luck with hot water tanks, I depreciate it over ten years, and they only last 5 to seven.

Oh well, you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make her drink.

We're closing on our first rental next week and going to challenge ourselves by being the property manager.We're going to have the tenant pay thier own water, sewer & trash.What's your experience with the tentents being responsible for it?

And for the sake of conservatism, let's guesstimate that the total expenses of the property (maintenance, water utility, property tax, insurance, management, and vacancy) will equal 50% of the monthly rent, or $250/month in expenses.So, thus far, we would be earning $250/month, or $3,000/year.

. - Yes Keith - it's that way in small town KS and some of the other flyover states - but you'd have to visit to get a feel for the area - if you are from/live in NYC you'd possibly die from culture shock -- I think small town KS is cool and appreciate it - but these areas are in different solar system compared to large metropolises. 

They are RE investors that tap the banking system for financing.Here's what I've read in terms of landlord responsibility:In NY the residential landlord has no duty to mitigate its damages and may recover the full value of remaining payments owed under the lease for the entire lease term even if the landlord makes no attempt whatsoever to offset, minimize, or cover its losses.Looking for some advise. 

I just used their system, its https.Edit - I see you added a correction post, never mind.

My tenant here in Thousand Oaks, CA stopped paying rent and also stopped watering so the grass and landscaping is damaged.