Water/ Sewer bill in Cleveland, OH area for duplexes / 1 meter

[James Runkle]

Hi. I am trying to estimate how much the water/ sewer bill will be for a duplex in Cleveland, OH  ( I have 2 duplexes currently in escrow)

There is one meter for both units, so landlord is responsible for water bill. This doesn't give the tenant much incentive to keep the water bill down. Just wondering how much it may cost me on average for these bills.

Thanks in advance!

[Craig Sloan]

Ask the selling agent for copies of the last few months water bills.  When you close on the property you could either sub-meter, divide up the cost of the water bill based on number of tenants or bake it into the rent.  If you sub-meter or divide up between the tenants make sure to have that covered in your lease.  If the units are occupied when you close you'll be stuck with whatever the current lease states.