duplex - utilities are not seperated, so landlord stuck paying. cost for seperate meters?

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im looking at a small duplex thats for sale, deal looks good except the current landlord pays utilities because they are not seperatly metered. 

have you ever had to get units seperatly metered for gas, electricity and water? is it possible? just curious what did it cost you?

[Joel Owens]

Check FIRST if rentals for the area it is common to include utilities in the rent charged per month.

If all landlords are doing it then you can waste money separating out as the tenants will move down the street.

If landlords separate out utilities and is common for the area then move to the next step. You will have to check on all that is involved for separating out. Optimally you want the tenants to have a direct connection and bill to the utility company. If not then having a sub-meter company is an option for billing tenants and collection.

With  a 2 unit all of that may not be practical. It is true that utility usage is about 25 to 30% higher when the landlord pays for it and includes it in the rent.