Are Utilities Included In Rent? Here’s What You Should Know
Are utilities included in rent? For all those new renters out there, it’s one of your first, and often most challenging, questions.
This can also lead to more questions, too! Which utilities are typically included? And is this a good deal? Should you be concerned if certain utilities are left out?
These are all great questions, and fortunately, we can help shed some light on this.
The fact is that utility expenses are difficult to calculate – these costs will fluctuate depending on:
- Age of the home
- Amount of usage
- Location
- Appliances in use, etc.
Hence, it’s always a good idea to let the landlord handle the utilities – a win-win situation for both parties.
But, let’s also delve into which utilities should be a part of the rental expenses so that we can answer the question, “is it better to have utilities included?”
Are Utilities Included In Rental Houses?
For starters, review the lease document thoroughly to find the services covered by your landlord, and which ones you’ll be paying for and then factor those into your budget.
Nowadays, utilities in rental homes will typically include a combination of the following services:
- Electricity
- Running water
- Natural gas
- Proper heating facilities
- Air conditioning
- Trash removal
- TV cable connection
- High-speed internet
Even if your rental agreement says ‘utilities included,’ you should clarify what exactly that covers with your landlord.
Some landlords may cover the trash collection and water bills, but not the rest. Whereas others may take care of all the expenses mentioned above – so it’s best to talk with them before making any huge decisions.
Are Utilities Included in Apartment Rent?
The total cost of renting an apartment depends on many factors – the location, number of people living there, electricity and water usage, etc.
If you’ve already asked the landlord if utilities are included in apartment rent and their answer is “No,” it’s time to find utility providers who can serve the property.
Even if all the utilities are already installed and running smoothly, tenants must transfer the services under their name.
For instance, you need to call up the electricity provider and notify them that you have occupied the property from this date forward, and all bills should be sent under your name.
Similarly, you should call up the gas company, water, and sewage, garbage disposal, internet service provider, TV cable provider, etc.
Here is some information about how to reach these services in the Greensboro and Triad Area:
Greensboro
|
Utility Electricity Water Gas Trash |
Company
Duke Energy Greensboro Water Resources Piedmont Natural Gas Greensboro Trash |
Contact Number 800-777-9898 336-373-2489 800-752-7504 336-373-2489 |
High Point
|
Utility Electricity Water Gas |
Company
High Point Services High Point Services Piedmont Natural Gas |
Contact Number 336-883-3111 336-883-3111 800-752-7504 |
Other Services
| Utility
Trash Trash Cable Satellite Satellite |
Company
Waste Management Republic Waste Time Warner Dish Network Direct TV |
Contact Number 336-668-3712 336-724-0842 877-571-6261 336-333-5304 800-644-8103 |
Why Is It Better To Have Utilities Included?
It’s always good to have rental agreements include utility costs with the landlord handling the utility payments. The landlord will only charge a fixed rent, which includes all utility expenses – so no matter how long you run the air conditioner or heater, your bill will remain the same.
Otherwise, the rates will fluctuate as usage increases or decreases, and your monthly expenses change with the bills.
However, It is also essential to understand that rents are higher when the utilities are included. So even if the utility usage is low for a particular month, the tenant will still pay the same agreed-upon amount, and the landlord will profit.
Simply put, tenants know exactly how much they have to pay every month, and landlords handle the utility payments from that rent payment.
Key Takeaway
The rule of thumb is to spend no more than 20% of your rent on the utilities – ask your landlord or the current tenants for their average monthly bills to have an accurate idea of your expenses when renting that apartment or house.
Now that you know the answer to “Are utilities included in the rent?” it’s time to find you a great place to rent in the Greensboro and Triad Area.
We are here to help you with all your property related needs!
Get in touch with us at SLT Properties, we will help you find the perfect rental arrangement for your needs.
