How do you fairly meter propane use for duplex?

Question

So I am looking at this duplex and it has propane tanks for each unit. So my question is what is the best way to meter the usage between tenants? Take a reading and give vacating tenant a credit? Then apply that additional amount to the incoming tenants move in cost????.. That's what I came up with does anyone else have a less cumbersome way of doing this?

Thanks, Peter

Peter B. · Answer

@Colleen F. It is for heat and hot water. It is a rural duplex and propane is only heat source. The separate heat deposit may be an option though. Thanks!

Peter B. · Answer

Thanks Guys, that makes a lot of sense. And simplifies things.

Colleen F. · Answer

Fill on entry and fill on leaving.   Have them each set up an account with the propane company and fill their own tanks. What is the propane for?  You could try to eliminate it, here it is expensive but not so everywhere. If it is just a stove or dryer I would try to get rid of it.  For a fireplace/heat just put it on them. You can put a dedicated deposit in the lease if they don't fill it. Here we do a separate deposit because we can only collect one month rent as a deposit.

Thomas S. · Answer

Matthew has it right. Instruct tenant prior to leaving to fill the tank. If it is not filled by tenant at move out you fill and deduct from their deposit.

All leases start and end with a full tank.

Robert Santangelo · Answer

I'd have it in the lease than any remaining fuel in the tank becomes the property of the owner, and that tenant must maintain a minimum fill percentage (to avoid them trying to milk it dry and you get stuck with a freeze up right after they move).  I wouldn't get into credits, myself, but I realize things are handled differently in different areas.

Matthew Paul · Answer

Have it full when the tenants move in . Charge them for a full tank ( 80 %  at lease time ) .  When they leave fill it again for the new tenants , subtract the difference to credit the old tenant .