- Joined
- Jan 7, 2012
- Messages
- 1
Hello,
1. We have bought a two-unit family home in Ottawa. One of us will be living in the basement unit, while the two upper stories will be occupied by tenants. There is only one meter for hydro and gas. What is the best way to split the utilities bills (electricity and gas)? We had another property with a similar arrangement, and we included utilities in the rent. This didn't turn out well, as the tenants ended up doubling their energy consumption the second year. Based on the numbers provided by the local hydro company, we suggested to them that we split the bills 75-25 and include a fixed price in the third-year lease (equalized billing made the calculation straightforward), but the tenants balked and walked away.
The honour system, needless to say, is not an option. So without separate meters for gas and hydro, what's the best way to split the bills to the satisfaction of both parties?
2. Former tenants of ours, whom we had taken to court for damages and won, have skipped town after paying back only a quarter of the amount the court had awarded us. We were garnishing one of their salaries, but payments stopped in the fall. They have covered up their tracks well; however, we may have a clue as to their whereabouts. Is the best way to serve them with papers (assuming they are where we think they are) to hire someone to do it for us? We've contacted a company made up chiefly of former police officers who handle this sort of thing; they require a $500 retainer and close to $100 for serving legal papers/summons. Any other ideas?
Thank you for your help.
1. We have bought a two-unit family home in Ottawa. One of us will be living in the basement unit, while the two upper stories will be occupied by tenants. There is only one meter for hydro and gas. What is the best way to split the utilities bills (electricity and gas)? We had another property with a similar arrangement, and we included utilities in the rent. This didn't turn out well, as the tenants ended up doubling their energy consumption the second year. Based on the numbers provided by the local hydro company, we suggested to them that we split the bills 75-25 and include a fixed price in the third-year lease (equalized billing made the calculation straightforward), but the tenants balked and walked away.
The honour system, needless to say, is not an option. So without separate meters for gas and hydro, what's the best way to split the bills to the satisfaction of both parties?
2. Former tenants of ours, whom we had taken to court for damages and won, have skipped town after paying back only a quarter of the amount the court had awarded us. We were garnishing one of their salaries, but payments stopped in the fall. They have covered up their tracks well; however, we may have a clue as to their whereabouts. Is the best way to serve them with papers (assuming they are where we think they are) to hire someone to do it for us? We've contacted a company made up chiefly of former police officers who handle this sort of thing; they require a $500 retainer and close to $100 for serving legal papers/summons. Any other ideas?
Thank you for your help.
