if you rent an apartment, do you pay for the basic utilities?

Answer 1

It depends entirely on the Property Management Company or private landlord. In California, a majority of the apt. communities managed by Prop. Mgt. Co. do charge you for water, sewer and trash. Others properties, won't charge you. Be aware though, always ask what utilities are paid for or are included in the rent. If they say that you're responsible for paying all utilities, ask how you're going to be billed. That's important. For instance....ask if each apartment has their own individual meters. If they do, that's great, because you would only be entitled to what you use. If the apartment building is metered, that means that the amount would be divided among the other tenants in that building. So, let's say for example that you're my neighbor and we have a building that's metered-and let's say that there's a mixture of 1 and 2 bdrm apts. in that bldg. I could have a total of 4 people living in my unit which usually meants that we would use more water. And you have only 2 people in your unit-Problem......you would be paying for my usage of water because the meter in the building doesn't distinguish which apt. uses the most. Hope this helps.......From Community Apartment Manager

Answer 2

Depends on the arrangement the tenants have with the landlord.

Some of my friends pay "rent" and that includes all the utilities (electric, gas, water...) but on the other hand...

My wife and I rent an apartment and pay the rent and we have to cover our own electric bill which comes in the mail every month.

So it depends on the situation and the landlord.

Answer 3

In most cases yes. Unless the lease specifically included the cost of utilities in the price of rent, expect to pay them on your own dime.

Answer 4

Here in California the landlord usually covers: Water, Trash and Gardening

leaving you with:Gas, Electric, Phone, Cable TV, Internet

Answer 5

Depends on the rental agreement.. Some places includes all utilities and some only include for instance heat

Answer 6

It depends on the rental/lease agreement that you enter into. But I would safely assume that telephone, tv and internet would definately be a bill you pay.

Sometimes if there is more than one unit the landlord pays water and trash and leave the gas and electric up to you.

Answer 7

Yes, we pay for water, trash, phone, cable and electric. One place we lived in had free cable and another had water and trash included in your rent. Some places are considered all utilities paid... so you only pay for phone.

Answer 8

The person who rents the apartment (i.e. lives there) typically pays for electric, water, gas, cable and phone..etc...unless the person renting the apartment states otherwise.

This should all be in the contract, and discussed prior to signing the lease.

Answer 9

depends on your rental agreements.
My tenants pay for their utilities because they didn't want to pay the higher rent.

Answer 10

Some apartments include heat and hot water. Others are considered cold-flat "you are responsible for all the utilites. Good Luck!