Baltimore water bills and tenants

[Nicole A.]

For those of you investing in Baltimore County Maryland--and especially with multi-units--how do you handle the water bills?

-Do you pay it yourself and "include" it in the rent?
-Do you have a method of determining which unit owes what per bill if it's not separately metered?
-Is it legal to say in a lease that if the water bill is above $XX amount, that the tenants owe the difference?

[Account Closed]

@Nicole W. I found this on the Peoples Law Library. Hope it helps. 

http://www.peoples-law.org/keeping-your-house-out-tax-sale

• Call your county government and inquire if there are any programs available to assist you.
• For Baltimore City residents
  • If you have received an incorrect water bill, contact the Department of Public Works and request an information conference.
  • If you have had a water leak, contact the Department of Public Works and request a credit.
  • If you a Baltimore City resident, 65 or older and have a maximum income of $25,000, you can qualify for a Low Income Senior Citizens Water Discount, which may reduce your water bill by 35%.
  • For any billing issues including obtaining credits, call the Department at 410-396-5398.
• If you are having issues paying your electric bill (which does not trigger a tax sale), you can apply for energy assistance. Call BGE at 410-685-2200 or contact the Office of Home Energy Programs at 800-352-1446 (Baltimore City residents should call 410-396-5555). Grants can help with past-due amounts and future payments.