Renting in 2 family house with 1 meter for heat-would you? (apartments, rent) - City-Data Forum

Mobilemoll · 10-06-2008, 07:17 AM

I'm sort of torn...

I've been apt hunting and found a real cool place in a great neighborhood with good school district and everything practically nearby or on the bus line(I'm one of the few LI'ers who doesn't drive. It's a cape where the apt. is upstairs (downstairs already has a couple living there), sep. entrance and own thermostat. Thing is, since it's a house the heat goes on one bill (utilities are not included in rent.) I'd have to split. No problems with the electricity.

So, is this a wise move? Besides the smallish livingroom, the thing about the heat makes me a bit squirmy. It's just for my daughter and myself so a house isn't in the cards.

TIA

newtoli · 10-06-2008, 08:57 AM

I would never do it. It will become a problem eventually, guaranteed! Can you possibly just negotiate with the owner to pay a set amount for heat every month?

rocafeller05 · 10-06-2008, 09:34 AM

Im a lil confused. Where is the thermostat located? And what type of heating system is in the home?

cottercutie · 10-06-2008, 09:40 AM

If the heat were to be included then I'd say go for it. Splitting the bill will only lead to problems and is not legal in NY as a requirement. Seriously, you have to split the bill with the downstairs folks. That's great except now you are responsible for their usage on top of your own? What if they leave the heat on 80 24/7 with windows open? You're still responsible for half the bill, they're getting a bargain even if you set your thermostat to 65 and wear sweaters

I'd check the legality of the apartment as it's probably an illegal apartment if the owner has this type of arrangement.

Mobilemoll · 10-06-2008, 12:38 PM

Thanks for getting back

That was one of the main things I was thinking about as far as the heat situation-how much the couple uses.

There are two thermostats; one in each apartment.

[i]newtoli I would never do it. It will become a problem eventually, guaranteed! Can you possibly just negotiate with the owner to pay a set amount for heat every month?/I]

That is something I will have to bring up with the landlord I hate to turn my back on this, but I don't need headaches and worries about the heat.

omigawd · 10-06-2008, 01:08 PM

I would never, ever agree to split any utilities with anyone..... You don't know what their usage is, you don't know if they're going to pay their portion, etc......

I would also look into the legality of the apartments. Call the town and find out if it's a legal 2 family.

rocafeller05 · 10-06-2008, 04:17 PM

I would talk to the people down stairs and feel them out. Ask them what the heating bill is on average. I find it hard to believe that anyone would leave the windows open to waste their own money. But they might like to keep it warm. I would feel much better if the 2 thermostats had locked boxes on them.

omigawd · 10-06-2008, 08:02 PM

The problem is, there are people who will have the heat blasting 24/7, whether they're home or not and that's not fair to someone who keeps the thermostat at a reasonable setting and lowers it when they go out.

Again, I would NEVER EVER split utilities with anyone. You would only be getting yourself into a bad situation..... However, if you feel you HAVE TO, I would request to see a copy of the last 12 month's heating bills. That would at least give you an idea of what you'd be paying..

Question.... what happens when they don't pay their half of the heating bill? Also, do you pay this to the LL separately by check/money order? Or do you pay the heating company directly?? I would check this all out very thoroughly and make sure whatever you're giving toward the heat is paid separate from your rent and paid in a way that you can prove you paid your portion of the heat (by check or money order with "half of heating bill" written on the memo line of the check/MO)

Mobilemoll · 10-07-2008, 07:03 AM

Thanks for the responses...I'm not going to take the place. As much as I like/love it, I have been thinking about the heat issue some more. Also right now, I use LIPA's 'Balanced Billing' and I pay a little bit more a month so that I won't get hit with a huge bill to break down when the new cycle starts. (sigh) Will keep looking...

I_Love_LI_but · 10-07-2008, 08:51 PM

In general, if a landlord is renting multiple apartments in the same building or house that DO NOT HAVE SEPARATE HEATING SYSTEMS FOR EACH APARTMENT the landlord pays for the heat and it is included in the tenants' rent. I wouldn't rent this place either if I were you. I think the landlord is just a bit too too greedy.