who pays the water when renting a SFH?

Question

Who pays the water when you rent out a single family home?  I'm in Ohio if that matters.  Thank you.

Todd Plambeck · Answer

Tenant

Scott Schultz · Answer

we require the tenant to pay the cost, BUT, the Property Manager puts water in their name, ad bills the tenant for it, his way they can evict if the tenant doesnt pay, and you dont end up with it on your taxes at the end of the year.

Josh Hanna · Answer

@Jim Mcmillen In my county the water stays with the property owner.  I have had some issues with them sending the bill directly to the tenant.  With the other utilities I set them up as a rental property.  The tenant still calls and puts it in their name.  They are responsible for paying them.  When they move out this keeps me from having to turn everything back on and be charged for it.

Dawn Anastasi · Answer

For my single family houses, the water bill stays with the property (Milwaukee).  I receive the bill, and send a copy to the tenant for them to reimburse me.  Then I pay it.  I do this to make sure it gets paid, and I can monitor to make sure the tenant pays me.

Marcia Maynard · Answer

It's best to have utilities that are variable (the cost is dependent on usage) paid for by the tenant. If it's a utility that can become a lien on the property, most likely the utility company will be able to share usage history and bill payment history with you.

Darrin Carey · Answer

@Jim Mcmillen All my tenants receive the water bill and pay it directly. The City of Dayton sends me a copy of the Late Notices and Shut Off notices if any tenant doesn't pay on time. Check with your local water dept and see if they can do the same.

Gas and Electric stay with the tenant. They aren't Government monopolies.

Jeff Rabinowitz · Answer

In Michigan the water department bills for water and sewer as separate charges. If the lease says the tenant is responsible for water and a dispute ends up in court the judge may rule that the sewer charge is the landlord's responsibility. If this is true where your rentals are make sure the lease states that sewer and water charges are the tenant's responsibility.

Tobey Porter · Answer

I have a SFR just east of Columbus & my tenant is responsible for everything.

Jim Mcmillen · Answer

Great, thanks for all the info.  The house is in Franklin County (Columbus).  If the bill is in the tenants name, would I be able to call the division of water to check to see if they are making their payments on-time?  Also for the other utilities such as gas and electric, if they are delinquent on those, they would not come after me, correct?  Thanks again.

who pays the water when renting a SFH?

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