Why do you pay water for the rental; if so?

Question

Some landlords pay the water instead of allowing the tenant to pay.  Of those who  pay;  Why do you pay the water bill?

Marc Wisneski · Answer

Here in Colorado, water utility companies can lien the property for unpaid bills.  We keep the water in our name as to monitor the usage and not to get stuck at the end of the lease with a $500 surprise. (which has happened)  
            We simply charge the bill monthly to the tenants as we get the bill and pay the bill online with a credit card (gaining FF miles of course) to not loose out on a cash flow basis.  
            It' s a CYA issue.

Mark R · Answer

If the water bill is under the landlords name then they must have the water on at all time or else fines will rack up. This is the case for NYC. If the property is properly sub-metered and it is in the tenants name then I guess that portion of it can get cut off. Since it's the tenants responsibility.

Nathan Habben · Answer

In Iowa, the landlord can go to the water utility's office and fill out a form stating the property is being rented out and any delinquent water bill is the responsibility of the tenant.  The form must be filled out again each time there is a new tenant.

This will prevent the landlord from having liens put on the property for nonpayment of the water bill.  Therefore my tenants are responsible for paying water and I don't have to worry about it.

Do any other states have this option?

Brendan O'Brien · Answer

I can't imagine you would be allowed to cut off water.  Would any city allow that?

Justin H. · Answer

I just do a cost-analysis of what water usually costs in the building..

I add that money into the rent, and divide it among the tenants..

In my 2 family unit, its about 11 bucks per month, or 44 per quarter.

Nothing huge, but why pay for it.

Account Closed · Answer

Jeffrey that sounds like a good idea.  Now; if they don't pay rent at all would you or could you cut off the water?   That is something I would like to do but the laws that be may not approve?

Jeffrey Hanlon · Answer

I pay the water and write in their lease that they will be billed for such and it is treated for rent.  Therefore, if they don't pay as billed, its grounds for eviction.  That way, it's paid, and I don't have to worry about a lein being placed on my properties.

Michael Shadow · Answer

I'm the same as everyone above too.

I pay the water and sewer because the city doesn't sub meter the building so I have no way of knowing which tenants are using how much water.
            
            I have a duplex that I make the tenants pay the sewer bill but if they don't pay then it's my responsibility to pay or they will put a lien against the property and not the tenant.  Some experienced tenants know this and will refuse to pay the bill.
            
            -Michael

Tom C · Answer

Mark, Same in my town.. All of the slum lords pay water and trash to get around the dwelling permit issue.

Jon Holdman · Answer

The downside to providing water to the tenants is they may use an unreasonable amount.  I've looked at more than one REO where there was clearly a laundry being operated in the basement.