Duplex - Mixed Water Heater and Heating Systems

[Jennifer Zeller]

Hello! 

I currently own a Duplex which I have had for almost 2 years now. It has come to my attention that apartment A has a much higher electric and gas bill than apartment B. Unit A also has far less tenants than Unit B. Upon further investigations I have discovered that Unit A is taking on the entire water heater bill, due to there only being one water heater for both apartments. In addition, several of the radiators which are located in Unit B are controlled by the regulators in Unit A and only heat Unit A after Unit B is completely heated up. Is there any way this can be fixed? Has anyone run into a similar situation before? 

My first initial thought is getting a 2nd water heater and having it plumbed to be for Unit B, so those are separate. The current setup is that each Tenant Unit A and B are responsible for their own gas/electric accounts and I pay the quarterly water bill. 

Thank you for any advice. 

[Patrick Mellea]

Hi, 

I have the exact same situation.  As far the cost, you should pay that yourself as owner and charge a rent that "includes utilities."  So my current tenants do not pay utilities, but rent is priced accordingly.  

Regarding the heaters, I have same issue and unless you separate, which can be costly, I don't have a good solution.  I just ensure my first floor tenants keep the thermostat at 68 degrees from 6am to 11pm and 65 degrees 11pm to 6am (NJ Law).  If upstairs tenant complains, I ensure the thermostat is set accordingly.  If others have better solutions, would be great to hear.

Thanks,

Pat