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My tenants have given notice to move out at the end of this month.
My PM has now notified me that once they leave I have to put the water service back into my name - not a problem. However it has to stay in my name from this point foward and the PM is now going to advertise the property with the water bills INCLUDED in the monthly fee.
They have confirmed in writing that the average monthly water bill for my type of property is $45 but they are only going to increase the rental fee by $30 otherwise "the property will be priced too high".
They also tell me that I will have NO recourse if the tenant leaves the water running all day and night and a bill comes through of say, $200 !
This is likely something that is determined by the utilities commission in your town. Ours is VERY strict and has several policies and procedures that need to be followed to a "t." I'd give them a call. I have heard though in some areas that private landlords are required to provide the water in their name. As far as the price you charge it, it's your property, so that should be up to you, not your property management company.
I've always had water covered by the LL, whether I was living in a private house or apartment building. A family member of mine had to pay for water, even in an apartment (she's in another state). I was surprised. So, I would check with your county agency.
Being that it is a private house, you can probably charge what you want. But are you going to find someone to rent your home if you increase the price too much? Keep in mind that rents have gone down recently and some LLs are freezing rents for current tenants. The longer your property is vacant, the less money you'll make.
FWIW, not that many tenants are going to leave the water running all day for no reason. I rent and I try to conserve as much water as possible.
Last edited by Sam82; 07-03-2009 at 04:52 PM..
Reason: clarify
You might want to read the terms of your contract with the property management to see how the decision of the rental price is determined.
I would think you should be able to have some input, but who knows.
Where I live, some apartment complexes installed water meters, renters are paying for water as well as other utilities, but they are few.
Where I am the water/sewer bill stays in the property owner's name and is sent quarterly. It's up to the owner whether he pay it or forwards it to the renter.
Our tenants agreed to pay for water; However we still needed to pay when they did not. We have not sued tenants for water bill yet. Our attorney told me that landlord is required to pay for water. I think the best way is to contact the city.
If the PM is not backed up by the utility company to confirm this, than switch PM right away.
I believe you can always say that a bill up to whatever amount will be paid by you and any amount over that will be for tenants to be paid and put it in writing that is at least letting them know that having the shower on 24/7 is costing them money.
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