When we took over management of this bustling Los Angeles retail plaza, something about the utility costs didn’t sit right. The numbers looked bloated—like an all-you-can-eat buffet bill for a table of two. So, we rolled up our sleeves and dug into a full audit of the property’s utility accounts. What we found was enough to make any property owner’s jaw drop (and water bill soar).

Water Woes: One Line, Many Wallets

The first red flag was the main water line. It turned out the entire plaza’s water usage was billed under a single service address, yet the full tab was being charged as a Common Area Maintenance (CAM) expense to every tenant. The kicker? One tenant’s heavy water use was driving up everyone else’s share—and ownership was footing the difference.

We worked directly with the water utility to carve out that tenant’s usage and set up an individual account in their name. This change instantly stopped the overbilling and ensured each party paid only for what they used.

Looking for this level of detail in your property management team? Get a free quote from Los Angeles Property Management Group and see how we can help you plug the leaks—financial and otherwise.

Shocking Discovery: A Shared Meter Gone Rogue

Next, we traced an electrical meter that was quietly powering both a tenant’s unit and the property’s towering pylon sign. While the sign drew eyes from the street, it was also drawing electricity from the tenant’s dime—without anyone realizing it.

We coordinated with ownership to separate the pylon signage from the tenant’s meter and move it to the house account, ensuring the tenant only paid for their own electricity going forward.

Results That Make Sense—and Cents

By separating both water and electrical charges, we eliminated unfair costs to tenants and restored accurate, transparent billing for ownership.

If you want your property’s utilities—and finances—running as efficiently as possible, reach out to LAPMG for a free quote. We’ll make sure your money isn’t going down the drain.