If we rent a duplex and there is only one water meter in the landlord's name, who is responsible for the water bill?

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If we rent a duplex and there is only one water meter in the landlord's name, who is responsible for the water bill?

Anonymous May 18, 2012 2 views 1 answers

There was a leaky faucet that we requested to be fixed, the landlord got a huge water bill and now is demanding we pay the whole bill. We told him no and he wants to take us to court. 5 college guys renting up & down duplex. Other utilities billed individually per unit, however, water bill is one and in landlord's name. Only one water meter for both units. Our lease says we are responsible for water, but how do we know how much we really consume? can he legally take us to court?

Michael J. CaticchioReal Estate AttorneyCleveland, OH · Answer 1 · 2026-06-15T10:37:41+00:00

you are responsible for water the lease says so if Landlord is responsible for all maintenance AND if Landlord was notified of the problem and did not fix then the water should be allocated accordingly (of course, has to be a guesstimate because you cannot determine how much water leaked after notice of leak) lots of Landlords split water bills between tenants with a residential unit like yours the most fair way is to divide by five and allocate between up&down yes Landlord can take you to Court i doubt that will happen

If we rent a duplex and there is only one water meter in the landlord's name, who is responsible for the water bill?

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