Duplex with common-utilities ?

[Stephen S.]

Let's start by assuming that I have a duplex with utilities which cannot be separated.  So separating the utilities is not an option in this case.

How can I handle the utility costs?

I can add secondary meters and then calculate each tenant's portion:  and then privately bill one tenant and pay the other tenant that amount.

I can keep the utilities in my name and include the utilities in the rent amount.

Which brings up another point:  in the secondary-meters scenario one tenant or the other would obviously have the utilities in their name.  OK;  so what happens if that tenant moves out first? <g>

What suggestions do you have?

What would you do if presented with this situation?

.  

[Jim C.]

@Stephen S.- I have a duplex that didn't have separate meters for Electric, so I added a separate meter on one side of the duplex near the breaker panel for that duplex and then take a reading for that unit each month. I kept the Electric in my name, then when the Bill comes in, I simply subtract off the Sub-metered usage from the bill and then can bill each tenant for their usage. I used a standard meter can that I purchased from Home Depot and then bought a Digital WattHour meter (about $25) from a Seller on Ebay.