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So what's the typical amount you guys pay each month for your gas bill, electric, water, cable and so on? Just in case I move down I would like to know what I'm in for. Also if you're renting a place do the rentees ever offer to pay a couple of the utilities as I know some apartments do that sometimes in the states. Thanks.
Posted : June 23, 2008 12:41 am
I' not sure what you mean. We rent a house and we pay for all our utilities.
Posted : June 23, 2008 1:12 am
Some places you pay all and some the landlord may pay. Depends.
Posted : June 23, 2008 11:27 am
OK, I see. But all that, who pays for what, would be stated up front, right?
Posted : June 23, 2008 1:12 pm
A lot of apartments are actually located in someones home. In that case, there may only be one electric meter, so the landlord includes the electric in the rent. It is possible for an apartment to have a separate meter, in which case you would pay your own (usually). Most people have cisterns for water, and usually the tenant is asked to participate when it is necessary to buy water. Not always though. Sometimes it is just included. I have seen properties with several rentals in one house, with one meter. The tenants are sometimes asked to split the electric bill and share the buying of water. IMO, this is a nightmare! No one ever feels it's fair, and it can lead to hard feelings.
If you rent in a condo complex, you will probably have your own electric meter, and in most cases a meter on your water coming from the cistern, so you will pay according to what you use. Usually the landlord already has the electric on, so most times you don't have to go to the electric company and pay a deposit and connect fee.
It can all be different on each individual basis, but it will be spelled out in the rental agreement. If it's not, or you don't understand it, be sure to ask for clarification.
Oh, about gas. We use propane (when we use gas at all) and you buy a tank every so often. Usually if the apartment is in the owner's house, they would just cover it. But..not always.
Usually some type of TV service is included. Most of the time, Internet is not.
Just to give you an idea, my studios in Red Hook, with a/c, ceiling fans, lots of windows, the electric and water usually run under $150 per month. We have had people who ran around $50 per month, but that was before the latest electric increase.
Are you totally confused yet? There is no definitive answer. Just be sure to know before you sign a lease.
Posted : June 23, 2008 1:47 pm
