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Gas Meters in Two-Family House

4:04 PM 02/06/2012

 

jmt

We own a two-family, living in one unit and renting out the other. Gas is included in the rent we charge. We have two gas meters, but want to get rid of the rental unit's meter because it is feeding only a stove, and it costs $15 a month just to have the meter. We can easily hook the stove's feeder line into our main line, so the plumbing work, which will probably be around $500, will pay for itself in 3 years. But is there some rule that a rental must have a separate gas meter? (or for that matter a separate electric meter?)
 

 

 

Utilities
Real Estate - Rentals
DOB
6 answers
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  • vote

    snowman2

    Not necessary to have a separate gas meter.  Not sure about electric.

    5:57 PM 02/06/2012 | 0 Votes

     

     

  • vote

    brucef

    Cobble Hill, NY

    Don't do it. Your plans may change in the future, and it will be extremely expensive to get back what you now have. Plumbing plans, plumbing inspections, before the gas company will install new meter, which you already have. I'll ball park the expense at 3500.00.

    At that future time, your grandfathered 3/4" lines will need to be replaced with 1" or 1 1/4".

    Who knows, you may decide to install high efficiency Baxi type boilers, tenant pays for own utilities.

    6:19 PM 02/06/2012 | 0 Votes

     

     

  • vote

    parkslopemom

    Not legally required. In a two family residence, you can have one meter for gas and one for electric, and simply include utilities in the rent charged. That said, Bruce may have a point.

    6:57 PM 02/06/2012 | 0 Votes

     

     

  • vote

    eric3872

    This cannot be done without a permit.

    12:04 AM 02/07/2012 | 0 Votes

     

     

  • vote

    restorationcontractor

    Prospect Heights, NY

    You could be opening up a can of worms. With the new work ConEd is going to require your existing gas lines be inspected and pressure tested. If you have any problems you might wind up without gas until they are repaired.

    12:54 AM 02/07/2012 | 0 Votes

     

     

  • vote

    curiositykilledthecat

    Brooklyn, NY

    You can pass on the "cooking gas only" bill to your current or future tenant, if you wish.

    1:39 PM 02/07/2012 | 0 Votes

     

     

    Comments (1)

    • deancollins

      Brooklyn, NY

      yeh but why spend the $15 a month if you dont have to jsut to "rent the meter".I have the same problem with an electricity meter.

      1:42 PM 02/07/2012

          

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