What is the law regarding having my tenants pay their water bill?
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What is the law regarding having my tenants pay their water bill?
I am a landlord and owe a single-family house. I plan to rent it out for investment purpose. I would like the tenants to pay for the water bill. Since my house was built 14 years ago, that means it may already meet the low-flow water conservation requirements. I will ask a professional plumber to write a proof report. I will also file a certification from the local board of health. The tenants will take responsibility for landscape, so I assume it is OK for them to pay for the whole water bill, including the water for landscape. Is this legal or not?
Asked on December 11, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Massachusetts
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
If you do not have tenant in the unit already you can have as a provision in the lease the payment of the water bill by them. Likewise the same can be done with a tenant on a month-to-month tenancy. However, if you have tenants in the unit long term, you can ask that they pay the water bill but they can legally refuse while their lease is in place.
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