What does utilities included actually mean?

One of your highest monthly costs when leasing an apartment is usually the rent. However, it is not the only bill associated with renting. With the rising costs of living in today’s economy, it is always important to find ways to save money. Sometimes apartments that include utilities are especially appealing to renters on a budget. If you are on the hunt for a new apartment, then it is essential you understand what "utilities included" actually means for you as a renter.

UTILITIES INCLUDED: Another term for “all bills paid”. It means all or most utilities are included in the rent. If an apartment advertises “all bills paid” or “utilities included”, then it means that utilities such as water, sewer, trash, and electricity are included with the rent (but it doesn’t not mean they are ALL included). 

A “utilities included” apartment usually means that there is only one bill for you as a renter. Your utilities such as water, sewer, trash, and electricity are not paid to a utility company, but to your landlord with your rent. In a utilities-included apartment, you will not be required to set up utilities with various service providers. This can be beneficial to you if you have any unresolved issues with your current utility service providers.

Your lease agreement will detail which utilities are going to be included in the rent. Traditionally garbage and water are included, but this is not always the case. Remember that utilities such as the Internet, cable tv, and phone are not always included in the utilities included statement either. Every apartment complex is different!

There are pros and cons to renting a utilities-included apartment, and it is ultimately up to you to decide what makes financial sense for you. Here are a few items to consider:

Pros:

• Easier to budget since you know what your exact rent payment is every month.
• One bill! There is less of a chance that you will forget to write the check.

Cons:

• Traditionally, older apartments offer utilities included.
• There are fewer and fewer “utilities included” apartment communities and therefore it is sometimes difficult to find a unit in one.

What are your thoughts on apartments that cover all your utilities? We’d love you to comment in the section below!

Our apartment finders have a list of all the “utilities included” apartments for all of our locator service locations to help you make the right decision.  Give us a call and let us help find you the right apartment to call home!