u/Appropriate_Neck7991

I (27F) rent the right half of a duplex with my fiance "G." We just figured out that we are paying for all of the utilities for the entire complex. The left side of the house has 2 tenants. I brought this up to my landlord (~30M) and this was the conversation that ensued.

Because there is one meter that reads gas usage and water usage, I am having a hard time believing that there is any accurate way of determining how much usage each side uses. My neighbor could take a 2 hour hot shower every day. How would he know?

I'm livid because of his last message calling my responses "guarded and defensive." I have reread my texts over and over and, to me, they read as firm and direct. His comment felt patronizing and a tad manipulative. Do I just dismiss this entirely? I wouldn't even really know what to say, but I feel like he should know how inappropriate his comment was.

Also am I right for standing firm about refusing to pay the utilities for all units?? Is it reasonable for me to ask for me to ask for reimbursement for all of the past gas bills I have paid (which I now know were for all of the units) or should I bite the bullet to preserve the landlord/tenant relationship?

Edit: The lease says I am responsible for utilities for my unit's address. It does not mention utilities for the entire duplex (the left side has a different address).

Edit: I have confirmed with my landlord that moving forward all of utilities will be in his name and will be split proportionally amongst the units. I have not mentioned reimbursements yet. I do really like this house and would prefer to maintain a good relationship with my landlord.

I (27F) rent the right half of a duplex with my fiance "G." We just figured out that we are paying for all of the utilities for the entire complex. The left side of the house has 2 tenants. I brought this up to my landlord (~30M) and this was the conversation that ensued.

Because there is one meter that reads gas usage and water usage, I am having a hard time believing that there is any accurate way of determining how much usage each side uses. My neighbor could take a 2 hour hot shower every day. How would he know?

The way he has responded to me, specifically mentioning repeatedly that the last occupants paid ~1k more in rent and covered all utilities and were seemingly okay with it, has me wondering if I am overreacting by standing my ground. He seems to think it's not a big deal and is flabbergasted as to why I would even bring this up. Should I be okay with paying for all of the utilities?

I'm also livid that he called me "guarded and defensive" in my responses, but that's probably not a conversation for this sub as I feel very much within reason for being angry at that patronizing comment.

Edit for context: My lease says I am responsible for utilities for my unit's address. It does not mention utilities for the entire duplex (the left side has a different address). I did not sign a contract stating I would be responsible for the other occupant's utilities, just my own.