Utility Overage Limits per Property and Guidelines for Reimbursement
Utilities Overages:
Landlords and Property Managers are 100% responsible for managing and paying utilities. However, there is utility overage protection to ensure tenants do not abuse utilities at the property.
As per the standard Lease Agreement on Alcove, each home is subject to a $100 per-bedroom, per-month utility overage threshold. For example, for a property with 3 bedrooms, if the combined monthly utility expenses exceed $300.00, the owner may charge the tenants and be reimbursed for any amount above $300.00.
To request reimbursement, please submit your utility invoices through the Reimbursement Requests portal by visiting this link, or clicking the option in the top right-hand corner of your Alcove account.
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Accessing Reimbursement Requests from the Manager Portal
Be sure to attach copies of the relevant service provider invoices for the applicable months. Once your request is submitted, you can either have the roommates review your reimbursement request or invoice them directly through Alcove. For detailed info, see Reimbursement Requests on Alcove.
If there are property-related issues, such as water leaks that result in unusually high utility charges, roommates may first request that the issue be repaired and that a reimbursement request be submitted to the utility provider.
In many cases, the utility provider will reimburse a significant portion of the overage once documentation is provided showing that the leak has been identified and repaired.
Example Case:
For example, if combined utility expenses (sewer, water, gas, trash and electric) for the month totaled $375.00, you would submit all utility bills via a Reimbursement Request, and $75 would be invoiced to the tenants for reimbursement to you.
Utility bills should include the dates of service to be eligible for reimbursement. These thresholds apply regardless of the occupancy of bedrooms. See further utility policy details below:
Utility Reimbursement Threshold (Water, Electricity, Gas, Sewer):
-Properties with 2 bedrooms or less: $200.00
-Properties with 3 bedrooms: $300.00
-Properties with 4 bedrooms: $400.00
-Properties with 5 bedrooms: $500.00
-Properties with 6 bedrooms: $600.00
*Costs not included in utility reimbursement calculation
Some costs are excluded from the utility reimbursement calculation, see below:
Internet Costs:
The cost of internet is not included in the utility overage and reimbursement policy for the following reasons:- Fixed and Predictable Costs: Internet costs remain consistent from month to month, regardless of usage. This stability ensures that landlords are not subject to fluctuations in internet bills, creating a predictable and reliable monthly expense as opposed to electricity or water utility usage.
- Customization and Flexibility: Internet prices can vary significantly based on factors such as the ISP (internet service provider), services offered, connection speed (min. 300mbps), and the number of accounts connected. Landlords have the freedom to select and manage internet services according to their specific preferences and the unique needs of their properties. This flexibility empowers landlords to make decisions that align with their overall strategy without transferring the costs directly to the tenants.
Stormwater Fees:
Alcove does not include stormwater fees in the utility overage and reimbursement policy as Stormwater fees are not calculated based on usage. Stormwater utility fees are based on the total amount of impervious surface on an individual lot or parcel.
If you have questions or require additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Partner Support Team.