Cost of Utilities
Answers for Renters

If you are a first-time renter, don’t forget to include the cost of utilities when planning your rent budget. Most apartments do not charge for water, sewer and trash pickup, while renters pay the cost of gas and electricity. If you rent a house or duplex, you should expect to pay for all utilities.
         
When choosing a place to live, ask your property manager for an estimate of the monthly cost of utilities. Check to see if the rental unit has dual-pane windows and energy-efficient appliances, including refrigerators, washers and dryers, and the heating and air conditioning units.
         
In particular, the cost of central heating and air conditioning can add up. Your monthly bill will depend upon the size of your rental unit, the energy efficiency of the heating and air conditioning equipment, the insulation of walls and windows, and, of course, how much you use these systems.