Paying too much on utilities

[Dayana García]

Hi all! Recently bought a 4-plex, 1/1 each apartment. One unit was rented when bought it, paying 650$, utilities are included. During the first month I received a utility bill of 153$, 2nd month was 620$ so my property manager sent them a letter to ask them to be more mindful with electricity. Well, this 3rd month received 862$ as utility bill. Is there anyway I could mitigate this issue? What should I do? Those utilities bills are killing me ! 

[Theresa Harris]

I'd find out why the electricity is so much.  Do an inspection-they may be doing something illegal (eg grow op) to use that much electricity.  I'd also check the meter to see if there is a problem.

When is the lease up for renewal and when was the rent last increased?  When the lease is up for renewal, I'd change it.  Even if you drop the rent $25-50 a month (assuming it is already at market value), have them pay the utilities.