Gas Meter Question
I currently have 2 gas meters but am converting from a 2- to a 3-family. I’m thinking of actually removing one of the meters and just going to a single meter for the whole house. Tenant usage is negligible in any case — maybe $25/mth for gas stove, nothing else. Is there any reason why…
I currently have 2 gas meters but am converting from a 2- to a 3-family. I’m thinking of actually removing one of the meters and just going to a single meter for the whole house. Tenant usage is negligible in any case — maybe $25/mth for gas stove, nothing else. Is there any reason why I need separate gas meters for my tenants in a 3-family? The only thing that would be on their meter would be their stoves, and their gas usage would probably be negligible — maybe $25/mth.
nbklyn: do you remember what it cost to add the new gas meter? i am think of doing just that, i had a tenant who complained ALL of the time about the heat and don’t want the problem again. thanks
I actually added an additional meter because one of my tenants from LA decided to use the oven for heat because 75 degrees in her Apt wasn’t warm enough for her. I repeatedly told her that it was a fire hazard and to stop doing that to no avail. Finally I added the meter and after she saw her first bill she stopped doing it. Haven’t had a problem since. Something to think about.
Your plumber can remove the meter and then you can call NG and close the account.
But you’ll want to do this after the final DOB plumbing inspection since your reno plans will show the meter, (unless they don’t) and you’ll fail unless the plans match existing.
Speak to your plumber.
There will be a common washer/dryer, on my meter, so that’s not an issue. I know from previous experience that gas stove runs about $25/mth — unless person is running a catering operation, which I could presumably screen for when I leased. So I can just build that $25 into whatever rent I charge. I read the shared meter law bit, but I’m not any clearer, I’m afraid.
DIBS, I’m not sure what issue I run into with the gas co. Either they supply a third meter (self plus 2 apts) or I get rid of one of the two meters I have now (everyone on one meter). I just can’t figure out if it’s a code issue: i.e., does every tenant have to have his/her own gas meter per the code in a three-family?
You’re likely to run into an issue with the gas company about changing meters without changing the C of O.
If the meters already exist, I would not remove them. They eliminate any assumptions, or possible resentments, re: tenant use, and allow for future alterations and improvements not currently on your radar (for example, washer/gas dryer). Some law/code on shared metering:
NYC Code: http://bit.ly/av1vUZ
Public Utility Law Project, Shared Meter Law: http://bit.ly/bOJZVa
Better to have everyone on separate meters. Are you planning on charging them for their gas usage? Is so, then that’s where you could run into problems.