One Furnace In Duplex
Hello BP! We are looking at a SFR that has been split into two units. It has only one water, gas and electric meter (i.e.- one furnace and one water heater). Wondering how this would work with having two separate tenants.
The water (as long as the water heater is large enough) and electric bill I could just include in the cost of the rent (one option) but the one furnace is what I think I would need to figure out. One unit is on the main level and the other is the basement so the temperature difference could be around 8 degrees based on our personal home.
I am sure I am not the first person who has come across this. Just wondering what ideas people have. Obviously, another furnace would solve the problem but any other ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Adam
Most Popular Reply
You could charge both tenants more $ to include the common utilities so you, as the landlord, are responsible for it. However, I don't recommend it. If tenants know their utilities are included in the rent, most of them don't bother to conserve. Especially heating bills in the winter time.
How old is the 1 furnace? The biggest question is the ductwork. If you were to install a 2nd furnace with separate gas lines, how much ductwork do your HVAC contractor have to redo?
Ask the seller for the last 2 years of utility bills so that you can factor that into your cashflow.