Water Bill in Duplex

[Herr Kutz]

I looked at another place today and it is overall the best unit I've seen other than one I missed out on a couple months ago. The only issue I can see is that the building is a duplex with one water meter and water is not included in the rent. The landlord says the bill is split between the two units (50/50) and is rarely more than $25 per month per unit. Is this something I should be wary of?

 

[edro]

It wouldn't worry me unless the neighbors were a family of 4 and you were single.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

Don't worry assuming the lawn doesn't have sprinklers or as previously mentioned its a house full of people on the other side.

 

[NutBucket]

If you're not in a drought area it wouldn't concern me. I can only dream about $25 water bills.

 

[Herr Kutz]

The other side of the duplex is 1b/2bath so I don't think I have to worry about a large family moving in, and there is too much water here so it looks like I'm good to go. There's also no front lawn and the backyard is tiny since it's close to the city. I'm going do another once over of the place today and if it's all good I think I'll go for it.

 

[NutBucket]

Sounds like a solid plan.

 

[draknon]

Who's name is the single water bill going to be in? Who is responsible if the other side doesn't pay their bill and the water gets shut off? Who's responsible for a random error or uncaught leak that causes a $1000 water bill one month?

If you don't have your own dedicated water meter, then I would refuse to lease the unit unless water is included in the rent. The landlord can increase the rent to makeup for the expected costs.