July 19, 2022

A Tenant's Guide To Apartment Utilities

When you first move into an apartment, you probably don’t know what utilities will cost. Maybe your new landlord isn’t giving you the details, or maybe the apartment utilities are a bit higher than you think. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to know so you can make the most economical decision.

Check out this article for everything you ever wanted to know about utility use in apartments.

Water and Sewer

When touring an apartment, it’s important to ask about the water and sewer bill. How much will you be paying each month? Why do they charge what they charge? Some complexes include the water and sewer in the rent, while others have the tenant pay for it separately. Be sure to ask how much the bill is on average so you can budget for it. If you’re not responsible for paying the water and sewer bill, find out who is and ask how much they usually run. In some cases, if there is a leak or if someone uses too much water, the tenant can be held responsible for the cost. It is important to ask about this before signing a lease. This will give you an idea of what your monthly expenses will be.

Electricity

Electricity costs can vary drastically depending on the building and the number of people living there. In some cases, you may be required to pay for your electricity, while in others, the landlord will include it in your rent.

It’s important to ask how the electricity is billed – whether it’s by usage or flat rate – so you can budget accordingly. And be sure to ask about any special features, like a washer and dryer in the unit, which could drive up your electricity costs.

Find out what kind of appliances are included in the rent and whether you will need to pay extra for a washer and dryer. If you have any special needs, such as a washer and dryer, be sure to ask if those are included in the rent.

Trash

Always check the trash situation. If there is no trash can in the room, ask where the nearest one is. If there is no trash can in the hall, ask how often the building empties its dumpsters. If you’re not comfortable with the answer, keep looking.

Some buildings have a central trash area that all the tenants share. This can be a great option if it’s kept clean, but it can also be a mess if everyone doesn’t pitch in. Ask about this before you sign a lease.

If there is a trash can in your room or in the hall, find out how often it’s emptied and what kind of lids it has. A tight lid will keep smells from escaping into the hallway or your room. If you have a lot of recyclable materials or compostable materials, it might be worth looking for a complex that takes those types of trash.

If you’re not comfortable with taking out the trash or don’t want to carry it very far, be sure to ask about this before signing a lease.

Internet, Cable, and Phone

Be sure to ask about the availability of internet, cable TV, and phone service. How much will it cost? What is the speed of the internet connection? Is there a cap on data usage? What channels are included in the cable package? How much does phone service cost? Is international calling available?

Having these services available in your apartment can make life a lot easier. Internet access lets you work from home, watch your favorite shows online, and stay connected with friends and family. A cable TV package gives you access to news, sports, and entertainment programming. And phone service lets you stay in touch with loved ones no matter where they are in the world.

So be sure to ask about these services when touring an apartment.