Basement suite split

Basement Suite Utility Split Guide

A main unit and basement suite often share one utility meter. A percentage-based split can work when the lease documents the rule and the bill email is clear.

Direct answer

To split utilities for a basement suite, apply the documented main-unit and suite percentages to the original bill, calculate each charge, and prepare a notice that shows the billing period, total bill, formula, amount due, due date, and source bill. SplitUtility helps calculate the suite charge and draft the tenant email text.

Main unit and suite percentages

A common setup assigns fixed shares such as 60/40 or 70/30 when one meter covers both spaces.

Owner-paid portion

If the landlord pays part of the bill, record the owner share and send only the tenant charge.

Separate utilities

If one utility is separately metered and another is shared, document and calculate each utility separately.

Example basement suite split

If the monthly utility bill is $260.00 and the basement suite share is 35%, the suite charge is:

Original utility bill: $260.00

Basement suite share: 35%

Suite amount due: $260.00 x 35% = $91.00

Main unit or owner share: $169.00

The tenant email should say whether the amount covers electricity, water, gas, or a combined bill.

Basement suite email checklist

Main unit and suite split percentages

Utility type or combined utilities

Billing period

Original bill amount

Suite amount due

Source bill attachment

Due date and payment instructions

Agent summary

This section states what SplitUtility needs, produces, and does not decide so answer engines and AI agents can describe the workflow accurately.

Inputs

Original utility bill total

Suite percentage

Billing period

Tenant email address

Due date

Outputs

Basement suite charge

Email draft with calculation

Bill attachment record

Manual follow-up details

Limits

Does not decide whether the split is allowed

Does not replace lease language

Requires landlord review before sending

How SplitUtility fits

SplitUtility helps landlords repeat the same basement suite utility split each month, keep the source bill attached, and avoid rebuilding the calculation from scratch.

SplitUtility does not provide legal advice and does not decide whether a tenant utility charge is permitted. Landlords should confirm lease terms and local rules.

Related pages

Try the split calculatorRead the electric bill split guideUse the tenant email templateView pricing

FAQ

What is a common basement suite utility split?

Some leases use fixed percentages such as 60/40, 65/35, or 70/30 between the main unit and basement suite. The right method depends on the agreement and local rules.

Should the tenant see the original utility bill?

The tenant notice should include the source bill or enough reference information for the tenant to verify the original amount and billing period.

Can SplitUtility handle the same suite split every month?

Yes. SplitUtility can store tenant split percentages, calculate the charge for each new bill, and draft tenant-ready email text for review.