It takes a lot to get the utility bill that high.

Curious if anyone is using the Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS) method for their property in Detroit, MIchigan ?   

@Blair Ross Jr Using the actual local utility to submeter or separate utilities is the best way as they have the authority to shut the utility off if the tenant fails to pay.

Minor exterior renovation to update space.I created a schedule showing increases to rents, estimated move-outs due to changes, swapping those vacant units to MTR's, and reducing the property's utility obligations.

Which utilities are separately metered?

During this time I did not have any utilities turned on, and when I called to have the water turned on today, I was told there was a charge of close to $500 as a service fee going back to when I purchased the home in March 2024.

I would suggest you provide the utilities and internet.

It's not a sound way of doing business, especially if you hire some random VA to call for you in an area they know nothing about.Agents should always be building their sphere and creating warm inbound marketing from social media, events, and meetups instead of doing spray and pray.

I buy my own insect spray and vigorously spray into the large gap to warn other critters away.

Don't even get us going about S8 tenant retaliation via abuse of utilities!