Water meters, power meters?

Question

I was recently at a payment center for my local water and power company and I began a discussion with an RE investor and he was outraged at how his tenants were consuming water. This landlord, I kinda felt his pain, said his bills were dynamic monthly. The bills ranged from 2k down to $700 bucks, he just had no way to predict what his bill was going to be every other month.

He pleaded with the cashier/worker to help him find a way to save money; naturally, the water worker said that they were powerless to help him. Add insult to injury the guy was a plumber by trade, he said he could get the meters cheap but, the total cost is upwards of 4k each, he has a 4 units all on the same meter (ouch).

So, my question is, what would you do, as a landlord/investor?  I wont bias your opinion with my own.

Chad Jarrah · Answer

I know it's pretty standard for a landlord to pay the water bill, but it's not unheard of to put this on the tenant. I've started doing this with my last two tenants. A few years ago I set a cap on the water bill for one of my tenants - I would pay up to a certain amount and if it was exceeded, it was on them. Recently with my newest tenant I made the water bill completely on them and they were fine with it. Good luck!

Matthew Paul · Answer

here are water meters for sub metering for less than $ 200.00

http://www.flows.com/residential-water-meter-no-le...

Submeter each unit bill the tenant for water used .

Laura Morris · Answer

How did you approach your water utility about sub-metering? I like having tenants be responsible for their own consumption. Thanks!

Davon Lowery · Answer

thanks @matthewpaul I will have to research this and see if this is practicable for my units.

Davon Lowery · Answer

Right Rob, when my units were empty the only consumption was from the lawn. Now they are washing and one can assume they are consuming water normally and my bill has more than doubled. I can only assume it will increase as they settle into the unit.

Rob Beland · Answer

I pay the water bill for all of my multis. Its pretty standard in my experience. I have to just keep an eye on it. My rentals dont have washing machines.

Water meters, power meters?

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