QUOTE (LAndersen @ Jul 6 2010, 08:34 PM) We currently include utilities with our rent as our units are suites in a duplex and 2 SFH`s. This isn`t working out as the tenants aren`t responsible at all with trying to manage the utilities. Now we want to have utiliteis not included as the leases expire. What is the best way to do this? Is it best to have the utilities taken care of totally by the tenant? What about it being rent plus so much utilities and keep them in our name, such as rent plus 1 / 3 utilities. I really would prefer to get away from them totally.
This is my story of the tenant paying the utilities. I have a two level rental house with a suite downstairs in BC. So always two families sharing the house.
My previous tenants living upstairs wanted the utility to be under their name. So whenever the bill came, they pay 60% and collect 40% from the tenants downstairs.
Now my new tenants didn`t ask for registering the utilities, so I register both utilities ( Hydro and gas) under my name. Every two months I visit them, and collect the money. I prefer to do this way. This way I can see if there is any misuse on the utilities. Lucky I am not far from the property ( 30 minutes drive) and I have other properties in the same area too, so that I can arrange something in the same day. Also I would like to take the opportunity to talk to my tenants ( drop a small gift to their son, etc) and check the property to see if everything is normal. It gives me the reason to check their place without attention.
I put the payment percentage under the rental agreement. It depends on how many people live there, and how`s the usage for upstairs and downstairs. Like my situation, upstairs using more gas for the heating in the winter and downstairs using more electricity (heating board). So I use 60%/40% for electricity, 2/3 and 1/3 for the gas. I want it to be fair for everyone. You can make it simple as long as they are okay with it.
