Pay Water Bill Or Not
I have a rental that is currently on the market. Most of the potential tenants that have come by ask about whether utilities are included in the rent. When I say no, they seem to lose interest. Apparently, most of the rentals in the neighborhood include at least the water bill in the rent.
I do not want to pay for utilities because I feel that this is just a license for tenants to be wasteful. I have a family coming in this evening to look at the unit and they also want their water bill paid out of the rent.
Should I agree to this and up the rent? I have read that sometimes these concessions are worth more in the mind of the tenant than they actually cost. Kind of a "feel good" gesture more than anything else. Maybe I can offer to pay the first $X of any bill. However, the logistics might be difficult with whose name are the utilities in.
Need some suggestions. Have you had this problem and if so how did you deal with it.
Thanks in advance.
JS.
People love to think that they are getting a bargain. When I have trouble renting a place I usually tell them that I am giving as a move in special the second month at half off. You give 1/2 off rent and they will forget about the water, even though the water will cost more over 12 months.
does anyone know if this applies to california also? Can you lose your rental property if the tenant does not pay the water bill?
IN CaL, well SAN DIEGO, no, but if the water is abused at that property site, they will make you put a hefty deposit down. They still got 300 of my dollars. they give it back after a year, as long as your not late making any payments.
Pay no utilities...ever
If I were in your shoes, I would review landlord/tenant law for your state. Also review what the eviction guidelines are for your sec 8 tenants. DO NOT shut off water. You created a situation called "unsanitary conditions" which will definitely bite you if the tenants were to "cry wolf".
I was thinking of getting into the Section 8 renting game.
Thanks for making my mind up for me. I will not now.
with regards to eviction you do not have good grounds at this time to win.You get your rent and there are no damages to your www.property.It is not worth the time and money one has to go through and eviction process. How long do you have on the remaining lease? just keep an eye on your property and give them the notice to vacate with a copy to the Department that pays the rent to you. When you mail the notices make sure you mail them "return receipt requested"
Are the utilities in your name or the tenants? I have all my tenants put the utilities in their own name--then if the bill is unpaid, the utility company cuts them off and I have had nothing to do with it. I have several Section 8 tenants and it has been a really good experience for me. I get to choose my tenants ( and all of mine are elderly living on a limited income, hense the no money part) but they are very diligent about paying their portion of the rent, although it is a very small portion. I wish I had several more Section 8 properties. Just my 2 cents--EB
i have had and still do have one section 8 tenant. Not the cleanest in the world, pays her portion of rent late about 7 times out of the year, she must like paying the late fees. she always make them up, some times 2 months late. the fees add up to some nice extra change $$$$$$
personaly i do not mind them being late.
on the orignal point, If they are keeping the property in reasonable shape, send them a letter, make the extra payment easy on them $ 10 to 15 a month up to the deposit amount they owe. if close personaly pick it up on the 2nd of the month while they still have it, at the same time make your inspection. if all goes well you may not need to get rid of them, and save some money in the long run
John
bill,
Dont mess with sec 8 tenants! They will eat you up and spit you out .Many new landlords feels its a wonderful way to go because the rent is paid, maybe so. But you also need to figure in the cost of broken windows,doors,ruined carpeting,huge water and sewer bills,angry neighbors and the list goes on. Dont look for assistance from sec 8 for these costs, they wont help.
Always rent to someone with good job time (this means they are collectable)!
Always make a surprised visit to their current residence to see if they live like pigs or not?
Good luck
Jim