Who pays utilities on a SFH?

Question

Hello to all, I’m closing this week on my first SFH in Hollywood FL.

And my question is who pays water, trash and landscaping, tenants or owner?

I do own a couple of condos and HOA covers all, but new to SFH, I was talking to a friend who owns a home and insist that tenants are responsible for all utilities?

Thanks in advance.

Account Closed · Answer

For me, that's an expense that is passed on to the tenant in almost every situation. I manage a couple of properties that have a utility like water and/or trash included as an amenity, otherwise tenants need to set up their own accounts with the utility in question.

Colleen F. · Answer

Two issues we have run into,  towns that require we have trash service and the fact that water is tied to the property and can't be in the tenants name. Both can be handled by passing through the expense but check what local ordinances say and what the market dictates. If the rest of the landlords include something you might be more competitive if you do so.

Theresa Harris · Answer

Some utilities are tied to the home (eg water) in some areas.  Have the tenants pay all the utilities, however, for water you may want the bill in your name and then they reimburse you.  This allows you to know that the bill is being paid and you aren't stuck with a large bill when they move out.

If they are paying for utilities they are more mindful of how much they are using.

Waleep Alvi · Answer

@Santiago Nicolas Borje Water,sewer and trash collection will most likely be the landlord's responsibility. If you want to pay for ALL utilities then increase your rent price or invoice your tenants for the utility bill each month so it perfectly matches how much they use.

Khalid Bryan · Answer

In most cases the tenant, however I sometimes have the landlord maintain the lawn because sometimes tenants will do the bare minimum when it comes to mowing and watering, If it gets bad the city gets involved. I've been cited twice by tenants not taking care of the lawn. they didn't water it so the grass died and had to be redone.

Kenneth Garrett · Answer

@Santiago Nicolas Borje

Congrats on your purchase.  On SFR have the tenant pay all the utilities.  It should go in their name as well.  As the owner I receive a copy of the water sewer garbage bill.  This way I know it’s being taken care of.  SFR are much different then apartments or condos.  Tenants are generally families, they tend to stay longer and take care of the properties better, almost as if it were there’s.

Zachary Ray · Answer

It really comes down to what you put in the lease. If you charge it to the tenant be sure to have it in writing.

Douglas Holden · Answer

@Santiago Nicolas Borje

Congrats on the purchase.

Control your expenses... the tenant should pay for them. Otherwise, you can have uncertainty in your cash flow.

Santiago Nicolas Borje · Answer

@Waleep Alvi makes sense. Thanks.

Santiago Nicolas Borje · Answer

@Kenneth Garrett thank you for the advise.

Who pays utilities on a SFH?

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