Some of you may remember me mentioning something about our utility situation on Facebook a few weeks ago. Basically, we were under the impression that the utilities would be shared with the downstairs unit, but were surprised to find out that their rent included them. This seemed like a silly arrangement since we have control of the thermostat, so (before we knew we were to pay for everything) we were turning up the temp for them.  They were also using space heaters which is understandable because basements are cold. But we were paying the difference for their comfort.

A couple days after we discovered this, we received our first full electricity/water bill. The total was $440. Needless to say, we were quite shocked. The owner was as well, saying that when she lived here it never went over $200. Now a little of the difference would come from us doing more laundry, but we don’t do THAT much laundry! I think the space heaters downstairs are the culprit.

So our landlord, along with his daughter who owns the house but lives in Calgary, met with us and the other tenants today. After talking with both of us, we came to the agreement that they would split the utilities with us, and their rent will be lowered. So that makes us happy! Also, I think the other tenants said they bought a new, more energy efficient heater. Not quite sure how that works, but we will see when the next bill comes.

Another part of the story is they will be moving out in the New Year and another guy will move in, who apparently will only be there part time because he works out on the rigs or something.

So that’s that, and we are all happy now!