Utilities are public services provided by an organization or government to properties within a city or area. Common utilities are electricity, water, gas, sewage, garbage collection and internet.
1. Utilities usually aren’t included in rent
Paying rent is one thing and paying for utilities is another. Most landlords leave some part of utilities for tenants to pay. Some landlords do include utilities in the price of rent, but it’s very rare. Your landlord may choose to cover some utility bills, but not others. If any utilities are covered by your landlord, it will be specified in the lease agreement, so make sure you check.
2. You need to set up utilities
When you move into a rental property, you’ll need to set up your utilities. This generally requires nothing more than a phone call to the correct companies. Each utility is usually handled by a different company, so you’ll probably need to make multiple phone calls depending on which utilities you need to set up. The utility companies will ask for your name, address, phone number, email and payment information, so when you call, make sure you’re prepared with everything they ask for.
3. Most utilities vary from month to month
Most utilities are measured each month and you’ll only pay for what you use. So, if it’s really cold during the winter and your heater is running a lot, your power bill will likely be higher. Keep in mind that the bigger your rental and the more people that live there, the more utilities will cost. If you’re heating or cooling a large space with vaulted ceilings, your power bill will be higher than in a smaller property. If there are four people showering and washing clothes, the water bill will be higher.
Utilities are a necessity
Although utilities can cost a lot in some cases, they’re necessary and provide us with comfortable living conditions. We need to have water to cook, bathe and wash our clothes and dishes. We need energy to turn on lights and power our heaters and air conditioners. The good news is that having roommates can help lower the cost of utilities for each individual in the property. You’re going to have to pay to heat and cool an entire house no matter who lives there, so you might as well split the cost with a couple of roommates.
