When you own any type of investment property, the expenses can go far beyond just the mortgage payment. Typically, there will be a long list of utilities that are needed, such as water, electricity, sewer, and natural gas – and the amount that is owed each month will usually depend on the amount of consumption.
If you own rental property, there may be the question, then, of who is responsible for paying these bills – you or the tenant?
The answer here is that it could go either way. But in determining which is best for you, there are some items that you should consider. For example, by having the utilities paid by the landlord, it could make your listing more attractive to potential tenants.
When everything is lumped into just one monthly payment, it can be very convenient for your renters. If you go this route, though, be sure that you build in the approximate cost of the utilities to your monthly rent. Otherwise, it could end up cutting into your profit.
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Oftentimes, the cost of the utilities will be split between the landlord and the tenant. For instance, water and sewer, as well as the trash collection expense, are generally paid by the property owner, whereas the cable and internet are the responsibility of the tenant. And, while the payment for natural gas and electricity will usually depend on the specific situation, it can be easier to have the tenant pay for these items as well.
Regardless of who ends up paying the utilities, the management of tenants and property maintenance can be a time consuming endeavor. With that in mind, you may want to consider hiring a property manager who will take care of rent collection, repairs, and other property-related tasks. For more information on how working with an experienced property management team could benefit you, give us a call.
