Tenant Utility Usage

michaelson

I own some rental property and one of my established tenants went CRAZY last month with utility usage. I include all utilities. The guys are in college and have rented from me in the past and they are so conscientious and last year they left the place pristine. I saved so much money with their care of the place last time that I activated the satellite service for them this time at my expense; they wrote to me and even thanked for the added bonus.

This month I received the water and electric bill and they were outrageous. I sent them an e-mail and politely inquired if they had done anything that would have caused the increased usage; they replied that they weren't aware of anything but would take responsibility for any additional charges as long as I could present proof of being billed for it.

What should I do? The water and electric bill were about 3x that of last month.

bbo

you can send them the bills previous and present. they said they would take care of them.

I suspect they know why and might be playing dumb. you might want to stop by to make sure all is well ( with proper notice depending on the legality of landlord visits)

my money is they are into agriculture now

michaelson

Into agriculture, you think they're growing weed?

bbo

just my guess but yes.

gregzoll

You could always hook up something like a Ted5000 in the main panel, to monitor use hourly, daily. There are other types that you can watch individual circuits, other than just the general use to the panel.

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michaelson

Okay, I just got off the phone with them and we arranged to meet tonight. Lets hope I don't find a farm.

tibberous

On the plus side, they'll be able to afford to pay the rent.

LVDIY

What's in your contract regarding utilities?

Bondo

Ayuh,... Orrr, bein' college kids,... Long sessions of Sex in the shower,...

michaelson

The utilities are supposed to be included but I have found the cause.

The house has hot water radiators and there's a little black tank over the boiler. There was hot water spraying out of the tank at the seam. Needless to say there's some serious after-hours work going on now.

michaelson

I feel like, knowing what I now know I don't have any right to say anything about the cost since it's clearly not their fault. Would people agree that I need to just eat this one?

bbo

I probably would.

And spark one up with em to show no hard feelings.

tibberous

Yeah - I would. Sucks it wasn't a big grow op, that would have been way more interesting.

LVDIY

yeah, you said they've been great tenants, so unless this was due to their neglect I'd say it's all on you.

beenthere

They had nothing to do with the tank failing. So it should be your dime only.