Utitities and the Wifi Bandit

[DeRon Johnson]

I think this is my second post? :-) I have a SFH that I'll be renting in October. Already have a PM lined up, but had some questions that I didn't get a real warm and fuzzy on all of them.

1. Solar Panels -  I'm ok here, I plan on keeping in my name and taking the average of the last year, and charging the tenant that amount. My panels were free and I get a fixed rate of $.1378 a therm. My bill tend to average around $100. 

2. Yard Irrigation - I live in an HOA, so I want to keep the grass looking good. It's on a separate meter. My question is how do I go about billing for this? I may be able to call the water company and ask will they split the bill into two and send me the other bill. Not sure. Would like some advice on how others have handled Yard Irrigation.

3.  Gas - No problem here, They can take the gas bill 

4.  Vivint Alarm System - I have Vivint installed with multiple cameras around the house.  Do I terminate the service and remove the cameras?  

5.  Wifi - My issue here is that three out of the last four require wifi. Solar reports its usage through it, I can control the yard irrigation, and security works through it as well.  

I'm sure I'm not the first to come across a similar scenario and would appreciate any advice.  

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

Regarding #2, I would not try to split the bill. Instead, have the PM include a requirement to the Rental Agreement that Tenant must maintain water and electric to the system 24/7; must report damaged heads or leaks immediately; and is responsible to restore the yard to current condition upon move out. Also, you should address mowing...frequency, height limits, and if necessary shrubs and bushes maintenance to keep vegetation away from the structure.

#4, recommend leaving the system, but either stop the service or allow/require Tenant to subscribe. I would not want monitoring of a detached home by Owner when occupied. Multi-Family properties, sure, common area cameras are awesome, but SFH is different situation.

#5, again include in Rental Agreement a requirement for internet access, for equipment monitoring only on your part. Be sure PM is upfront about these requirements when showing and prior to signing of Docs. Consider requiring a separate acknowledgement from the Tenants.