Water Sewer Trash MUST be in owner name?!

[Mike W.]

Hey all! I have a few rentals in Boise area and the local W/S/T company mandate the utility bill be in the owners name. It has been a struggle getting the tenant to pay and is always behind on payment. He pays rent on time but trying to send him that variable bill to pay along with his rent is difficult. I don't want to include a set amount in his rent because they become wasteful. Any suggestions or has anyone heard of this?

Thanks!!

[Elizabeth Colegrove]

@Mike W. 

Could you charge him an average each month and than figure out the exact amount at the end of the year? Kind of like what the electricity companies or commercial do every year. So you charge him $100 a month for water. At the end of the year you figure out the actual usage and he either owes you or your owe him.

I have had no problem adding in "extra" fees but the tenants alway know about it

For the increase:

I wouldn't bill it as an "increase". I would simply tell him, I have noticed that your utility payments are always late. Unfortunately per my policy all rent and utility payments must be paid on time. Due to fair housing I must enforce the policy and rules. Therefore starting x, all late fees will be enforce. For your convenience since you are a great tenant.  please just add X to your rent each month for trash and sewer since they are the same amount each month.