Advice Needed on Lease Renewal and Utility Inclusion

[Rey Jaj]

I have two units up (out of four) for lease renewal at the end of July. These are the only units that currently do not pay utilities, which amounts to about $250 per month per unit. I included utilities in the new renewal agreement while keeping the rent the same.

One of the units has responded, stating that they would prefer to continue having utilities included otherwise, they may consider moving out. I need your advice on how to proceed with this situation.

[Lindsey Mannix]

HI Rey,

Another option of something to offer them is that you'll cover up to a certain amount and any overage, they will pay. If they're a tenant you'd rather see go, I'd let them go and find another resident who is okay paying for utilities. We've also found that including it in the rent, people aren't as conscious of lights, water, etc...

~ Lindsey