Should Utilities be included in rent?

[Benson Webb]

Hi Everyone,

Im a newbie to the REI game, just purchased my first Duplex in St. Paul, MN and I'm wondering should I include utilities with rent? The water meter isn't separate and gas/electric is set up to where the top unit pays for their own but the bottom unit pays for the unit, the basement, and the common area as well. I'm thinking it'll be easier to put it all in my name and just increase the rent (avg. rent in my area is $1,200) but I'm not sure if it will cause my cash flow margins to shrink.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

-Benson