Utilities Estimate?

Split the difference. There are more furnished apartments than unfurnished, so more to choose from. Also, I noticed in a previous post, you said you might look for something short term before deciding where you want to be. Good plan, but you don't want to buy furniture for a 6 month rental, then you find another place that is furnished...or the furniture you bought doesn't work in the new place.

As for utilities, try to find a rental with as much already on, up and running, as you can. Less connect fees, deposits, etc. The landlord may actually charge you for the usage (either included in the rent or as a surcharge), but you don't have to hassle with it.

Regarding electricity, very few landlords will include it. Only those without a separate meter, so nothing they can do...some will estimate your share...are you cool with that? It would be extremely rare, considering our WAPA situation, to find a rental with just carte blanche electric usage included in the rent. Landlord would have to be a fool!!!! A lot of places do a shared expense plan with the water. When the cistern needs water, everyone pitches in to pay for it. I wouldn't like that, but it seems to work out for some. We charge our tenants for water at .05 per gallon. Not only does that keep it fair (your pay for what you use), it encourages conservation.

A single person in one of our smallest units, using moderate (or less) A/C - $120-$150 electric., approx. $35+ water (@ .05 per gal.). Our rentals include Dish and WiFi, but the dish package would be $135 for one individual (premium package) and the Internet would be $50. Landline telephone about $42, which you can skip, if your cell works where you live. You can also get much cheaper TV, as low at $20 for basic cable. Other internet options too, but the $50 broadband is probably the best.

You will probably need a post office box, but at the Post Office, that's only $100 per year. More at private mail services. Something most people don't think about is garbage pick up. Try to find a place where they have a service. Otherwise you will have to pay for it or take your garbage, yourself, to the nearest dumpster.

My WAPA bill is $100 (no a/c at all) to $150 (a/c in the bedroom only while sleeping). Phone is my cell, so whatever you pay for that. Cable with hbo $70. Internet $45.

Split the difference. There are more furnished apartments than unfurnished, so more to choose from. Also, I noticed in a previous post, you said you might look for something short term before deciding where you want to be. Good plan, but you don't want to buy furniture for a 6 month rental, then you find another place that is furnished...or the furniture you bought doesn't work in the new place.

As for utilities, try to find a rental with as much already on, up and running, as you can. Less connect fees, deposits, etc. The landlord may actually charge you for the usage (either included in the rent or as a surcharge), but you don't have to hassle with it.

Regarding electricity, very few landlords will include it. Only those without a separate meter, so nothing they can do...some will estimate your share...are you cool with that? It would be extremely rare, considering our WAPA situation, to find a rental with just carte blanche electric usage included in the rent. Landlord would have to be a fool!!!! A lot of places do a shared expense plan with the water. When the cistern needs water, everyone pitches in to pay for it. I wouldn't like that, but it seems to work out for some. We charge our tenants for water at .05 per gallon. Not only does that keep it fair (your pay for what you use), it encourages conservation.

A single person in one of our smallest units, using moderate (or less) A/C - $120-$150 electric., approx. $35+ water (@ .05 per gal.). Our rentals include Dish and WiFi, but the dish package would be $135 for one individual (premium package) and the Internet would be $50. Landline telephone about $42, which you can skip, if your cell works where you live. You can also get much cheaper TV, as low at $20 for basic cable. Other internet options too, but the $50 broadband is probably the best.

You will probably need a post office box, but at the Post Office, that's only $100 per year. More at private mail services. Something most people don't think about is garbage pick up. Try to find a place where they have a service. Otherwise you will have to pay for it or take your garbage, yourself, to the nearest dumpster.

Juanita,

Can I just say, "I love you!!!" I mean that in the most professional way possible. You have helped me a great deal. I really can make a clear decision now that I have this detailed information from you. Thank you so much.

Raj H.

My WAPA bill is $100 (no a/c at all) to $150 (a/c in the bedroom only while sleeping). Phone is my cell, so whatever you pay for that. Cable with hbo $70. Internet $45.

VIsnorkeler,

Thanks for the help. I actually was thinking that if I ever use AC it will only be at night like how I do here in India during the Summer. Do you use a split unit or wall unit?

It's also good to know how much cable with HBO is gonna run me. I might just have to stick with netflix!!!!

Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Raj H.