- Joined
- Jul 30, 2011
- Messages
- 76
I have a duplex in Hamilton where there are two separate meters for hydro and one for gas. The basement was recently combined with the first floor as a new apartment to comply with zoning and the basement tenant actually took over the entire combined unit. He is now paying market rent plus the hydro since one meter covers both the basement and the first floor.
He recently questioned why he should be responsible for the HVAC and hot water. At present, I am paying for gas and the water/sewer for the entire duplex. The upstairs tenant (whom I inherited) pays below market rent and no utilities - I pay his hydro too. After the upstairs tenant moves, of course I will charge the next tenant market rent plus hydro.
Back to the downstairs tenant and the HVAC/hot water. I'm not sure how to address this issue. I heard so far that hydro to the HVAC for heat is not that much - only used for operating the fan. Gas supplies the heat and hot water then.
When summertime comes, the AC will be a different story since it's central for the entire duplex.
What would be the best way to address this issue and make things fair for everyone? I'm thinking of giving a credit for AC back to the downstairs tenant in some way during the summer months but don't know how much.
He recently questioned why he should be responsible for the HVAC and hot water. At present, I am paying for gas and the water/sewer for the entire duplex. The upstairs tenant (whom I inherited) pays below market rent and no utilities - I pay his hydro too. After the upstairs tenant moves, of course I will charge the next tenant market rent plus hydro.
Back to the downstairs tenant and the HVAC/hot water. I'm not sure how to address this issue. I heard so far that hydro to the HVAC for heat is not that much - only used for operating the fan. Gas supplies the heat and hot water then.
When summertime comes, the AC will be a different story since it's central for the entire duplex.
What would be the best way to address this issue and make things fair for everyone? I'm thinking of giving a credit for AC back to the downstairs tenant in some way during the summer months but don't know how much.