Renters I Need Some Help

princesslisa · Jun 2nd, 2008, 02:50 PM

I was wondering how much a month you spend on Utilities

like:
water
sewer
eletric
gas
what is included in your rent??
anything else i forgot??

this would be very helpful too me I am still debating how much i can afford and figuring out how much Utilities will be, will make it eaiser for me to figure out how much rent i can afford and help narrow down my search for the perfect apartment!!

thanks!!

titania029 · Jun 2nd, 2008, 03:08 PM

Cable, internet and phone (if you want a landline). I think prices might vary quite a bit by area. Are you looking to rent in NYC?

mpark46 · Jun 2nd, 2008, 03:46 PM

Typically water, sewer and garbage are included.
Electricity varies epending on where you live. I live in San Francisco, and so we don't get the freezing cold. Our 2BR condo averages about $50/month when not using heat. When I lived alone it was about half that.

Yes, definitely cable & internet, which at basic rates will be about $100/month.

princesslisa · Jun 2nd, 2008, 04:53 PM

i moving to florida i get confused because i go on apartments.com most places say it includes water sewer then some places say none which i think is a little crazy! Then cable,internet phone i know they have deals for 100 dollars a month! for the first year then it goes up (at least thats cablevision is)

any other input would be great

doreenjoy · Jun 2nd, 2008, 05:00 PM

My electricity in SF is $80 a month in the winter, about $50 a month in the summer.

UK2ME · Jun 2nd, 2008, 05:06 PM

DH and I also rent a 2-bed condo, which officially includes "no utilities". However, it does include water, sewer and condo fees. We have Time Warner for cable and internet, and it's about $115 a month. Natural gas heat, which I don't think has cost us more than $30 a month all winter long (and we're in Maine, where it does get cold!!). Electricity runs us around $60 or so a month - but that is how our water is heated.

Hope that helps...

princesslisa · Jun 2nd, 2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UK2ME

DH and I also rent a 2-bed condo, which officially includes "no utilities". However, it does include water, sewer and condo fees. We have Time Warner for cable and internet, and it's about $115 a month. Natural gas heat, which I don't think has cost us more than $30 a month all winter long (and we're in Maine, where it does get cold!!). Electricity runs us around $60 or so a month - but that is how our water is heated.

Hope that helps...

thanks so much for the input!
wow 30 a month for heat! my parents use oil and it just cost them 600 to fill the tank! that heats the water and the house! now that summer is coming they prob wont have to refuel till nov

i am def going have to call the places i am interested in to see what is included in the rent just to make sure!

pidgeon92 · Jun 2nd, 2008, 06:08 PM

You should always ask what is included, even if it is all listed. I list apartment ads, and have made the occasional error; once I accidentally checked the box that said parking was available. Everything should be spelled out in your lease, so do actually read it before you sign. You should also ask about the average rent increases. In a lot of areas, the landlord can raise it pretty much by what ever they want, it would be unpleasant if they average a $50 raise and you find you can't afford it next year. If you are planning on staying for a while, you might consider asking for a longer term (2 or 3 year) lease at the agreed upon monthly rent.

You will find utilities included more often in older buildings, where the meters were never separated. In my building, heat and water are included in the rent because there are no separate meters. There are separate meters for the cooking gas and electric, so that is not included in the rent. I pay for the disposal, so there is no extra charge for trash, either. Other utilities, such as phone, internet, cable will always be the tenants responsibility.

may3545 · Jun 2nd, 2008, 09:31 PM

I live in a studio, where water and trash is included. Gas and electric varies-- the summer it's about $25, and $75 in the winter. I live in California, so no extreme weather.

Schmodi · Jun 2nd, 2008, 10:22 PM

It will also depend if your gas or electric. If gas your electricity bill will be very low, electric will easily be about 100-150 a month if living alone.

Zophie · Jun 3rd, 2008, 03:14 AM

water it's included in rent
sewer also included
eletric $100 - $150. I spend about $100 less than I did for a smaller apartment in Tampa. I run my A/C all the time, just as I did in Tampa. It's friggin' hot here!
gas Included with the electric
what is included in your rent?? Water, toilet plunging, occasional dishwashing, lawn cutting, dog sitting, pulling my trashcan in after pickup, etc. (My landlords are my parents!)
anything else i forgot?? Don't forget about cable, internet, phone if you will have them.

IntlSet · Jun 3rd, 2008, 10:55 AM

I live in a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago:

water: included in rent
sewer: included in rent (people pay for this??)
eletric: $25 a month
gas: $25 a month
what is included in your rent?? heat (I have old-fashioned radiators)

internet: $60 a month through Verizon (wireless air card)

QueenOfDa702 · Jun 3rd, 2008, 11:10 AM

I don't rent, but we rent out to others and in our buildings, Water, Sewer and Garbage is all included in the rent. Typically, here in Vegas when renting that is all included in the rent. Some places will have free cable also.

Its all going to vary so you need to call the Apt's you are interested in and ask what is included then go from there.

elizat · Jun 3rd, 2008, 12:26 PM

princesslisa- I am not a renter, but moving from NY to FL, expect possibly higher heat/cooling costs. Many areas in FL don't have natural gas for heat or appliances. Your a/c will be running a LOT, but your cost will depend on your a/c unit, size of apt, etc. The cost of water/sewer if not included varies by community and there are certain prices in my area for "x" use, but when it goes above, surcharges and higher rates.

I have a 3 bed/2 bath house and my electric not in the summer is about 80-100 dollars a month. In the summer, it can go to $160. I keep the temperature about 78 when I'm home and when I'm not there, at about 84 degrees w/ the ceiling fan on. Water varies on how much I water my lawn, but at most, is usually $60.

i<3bags · Jun 3rd, 2008, 12:38 PM

When I lived in GA, water/sewer/garbage was included in rent because it was a complex. Which left me to pay electic and cable/internet. Electricity is key when managing a place that has central air- if you do that, you wont have astriconomical costs. (Always seemed to be between $70 and $150...got it regulated at $80 when I went to 68 degrees when I was not going to be home a lot)

Now that I live in PA, in a rented house (1 1/2 br, 3 floors), I pay more for utilities. Water ($35/mth), gas ($30s-250w/mth), electricity ($40/mth), Comcast ($70/mth)

I have two window AC units which I am not turning on until its 90 degrees out because I am trying to save electricity and they use a lot of power. I also have ceiling fans that can offset some of the heat too.

Jun 2nd, 2008, 02:50 PM	#1
princesslisa BAGS R A GIRLS BESTFRIEND Joined: Aug 2006 Location: New York Posts: 1,126	Renters I Need Some Help I was wondering how much a month you spend on Utilities like: water sewer eletric gas what is included in your rent?? anything else i forgot?? this would be very helpful too me I am still debating how much i can afford and figuring out how much Utilities will be, will make it eaiser for me to figure out how much rent i can afford and help narrow down my search for the perfect apartment!! thanks!!

Jun 2nd, 2008, 03:08 PM	#2
titania029 Member Joined: Nov 2006 Location: Dallas Posts: 2,494	Re: Renters I Need Some Help Cable, internet and phone (if you want a landline). I think prices might vary quite a bit by area. Are you looking to rent in NYC? __________________ I learned to think of shopping as the frosting on a cake. By itself, frosting is unfulfilling. It cannot be consumed on its own or turn a dry cake into a gourmet dessert. Frosting is meant to make what is already delicious and carefully prepared look finished and taste a little sweeter. In the same way, shopping is the polish. It's the final touch-up on your prudently taken-care-of mind, body and soul. - Retail Therapy: Life Lessons Learned While Shopping

Jun 2nd, 2008, 03:46 PM	#3
mpark46 Member Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,558	Re: Renters I Need Some Help Typically water, sewer and garbage are included. Electricity varies epending on where you live. I live in San Francisco, and so we don't get the freezing cold. Our 2BR condo averages about $50/month when not using heat. When I lived alone it was about half that. Yes, definitely cable & internet, which at basic rates will be about $100/month.

Jun 2nd, 2008, 04:53 PM	#4
princesslisa BAGS R A GIRLS BESTFRIEND Joined: Aug 2006 Location: New York Posts: 1,126	Re: Renters I Need Some Help i moving to florida i get confused because i go on apartments.com most places say it includes water sewer then some places say none which i think is a little crazy! Then cable,internet phone i know they have deals for 100 dollars a month! for the first year then it goes up (at least thats cablevision is) any other input would be great Last edited by princesslisa; Jun 2nd, 2008 at 04:57 PM.

Jun 2nd, 2008, 05:00 PM	#5
doreenjoy Member Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 442	Re: Renters I Need Some Help My electricity in SF is $80 a month in the winter, about $50 a month in the summer. __________________ I have everything I need. Wow.

Jun 2nd, 2008, 05:06 PM	#6
UK2ME Go on, I dare ya! Joined: Mar 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 507	Re: Renters I Need Some Help DH and I also rent a 2-bed condo, which officially includes "no utilities". However, it does include water, sewer and condo fees. We have Time Warner for cable and internet, and it's about $115 a month. Natural gas heat, which I don't think has cost us more than $30 a month all winter long (and we're in Maine, where it does get cold!!). Electricity runs us around $60 or so a month - but that is how our water is heated. Hope that helps... __________________ *Wear clean knickers!* (As my mother always told me, you just never know when you'll be run over by a bus.)

Jun 2nd, 2008, 06:08 PM	#8
pidgeon92 Member Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Waukegan, IL Posts: 1,329	Re: Renters I Need Some Help You should always ask what is included, even if it is all listed. I list apartment ads, and have made the occasional error; once I accidentally checked the box that said parking was available. Everything should be spelled out in your lease, so do actually read it before you sign. You should also ask about the average rent increases. In a lot of areas, the landlord can raise it pretty much by what ever they want, it would be unpleasant if they average a $50 raise and you find you can't afford it next year. If you are planning on staying for a while, you might consider asking for a longer term (2 or 3 year) lease at the agreed upon monthly rent. You will find utilities included more often in older buildings, where the meters were never separated. In my building, heat and water are included in the rent because there are no separate meters. There are separate meters for the cooking gas and electric, so that is not included in the rent. I pay for the disposal, so there is no extra charge for trash, either. Other utilities, such as phone, internet, cable will always be the tenants responsibility.

Jun 2nd, 2008, 09:31 PM	#9
may3545 Happy living Joined: Mar 2006 Location: NorCal Posts: 2,370	Re: Renters I Need Some Help I live in a studio, where water and trash is included. Gas and electric varies-- the summer it's about $25, and $75 in the winter. I live in California, so no extreme weather. __________________ Visit my website at www.TheConsciousSnob.com for a fun and mindful outlook about conscious living!

Jun 2nd, 2008, 10:22 PM	#10
Schmodi Member Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Greater San Diego Posts: 1,907	Re: Renters I Need Some Help It will also depend if your gas or electric. If gas your electricity bill will be very low, electric will easily be about 100-150 a month if living alone.

Jun 3rd, 2008, 03:14 AM	#11
Zophie I <3 my Maltese! Joined: Feb 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 6,876	Re: Renters I Need Some Help water it's included in rent sewer also included eletric $100 - $150. I spend about $100 less than I did for a smaller apartment in Tampa. I run my A/C all the time, just as I did in Tampa. It's friggin' hot here! gas Included with the electric what is included in your rent?? Water, toilet plunging, occasional dishwashing, lawn cutting, dog sitting, pulling my trashcan in after pickup, etc. (My landlords are my parents!) anything else i forgot?? Don't forget about cable, internet, phone if you will have them. __________________

Jun 3rd, 2008, 10:55 AM	#12
IntlSet Bonjour! Joined: Jan 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 10,980	Re: Renters I Need Some Help I live in a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago: water: included in rent sewer: included in rent (people pay for this??) eletric: $25 a month gas: $25 a month what is included in your rent?? heat (I have old-fashioned radiators) internet: $60 a month through Verizon (wireless air card) __________________ http://drinkmorechampagne.wordpress.com/

Jun 3rd, 2008, 11:10 AM	#13
QueenOfDa702 Misunderestimated. Joined: Jan 2007 Location: I've gone RAOKing crazy! Posts: 5,591	Re: Renters I Need Some Help I don't rent, but we rent out to others and in our buildings, Water, Sewer and Garbage is all included in the rent. Typically, here in Vegas when renting that is all included in the rent. Some places will have free cable also. Its all going to vary so you need to call the Apt's you are interested in and ask what is included then go from there. __________________ ~Valeen~ *~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~* Click HERE to visit MySpace

Jun 3rd, 2008, 12:26 PM	#14
elizat Member Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 3,873	Re: Renters I Need Some Help princesslisa- I am not a renter, but moving from NY to FL, expect possibly higher heat/cooling costs. Many areas in FL don't have natural gas for heat or appliances. Your a/c will be running a LOT, but your cost will depend on your a/c unit, size of apt, etc. The cost of water/sewer if not included varies by community and there are certain prices in my area for "x" use, but when it goes above, surcharges and higher rates. I have a 3 bed/2 bath house and my electric not in the summer is about 80-100 dollars a month. In the summer, it can go to $160. I keep the temperature about 78 when I'm home and when I'm not there, at about 84 degrees w/ the ceiling fan on. Water varies on how much I water my lawn, but at most, is usually $60.

Jun 3rd, 2008, 12:38 PM	#15
i<3bags Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 952	Re: Renters I Need Some Help When I lived in GA, water/sewer/garbage was included in rent because it was a complex. Which left me to pay electic and cable/internet. Electricity is key when managing a place that has central air- if you do that, you wont have astriconomical costs. (Always seemed to be between $70 and $150...got it regulated at $80 when I went to 68 degrees when I was not going to be home a lot) Now that I live in PA, in a rented house (1 1/2 br, 3 floors), I pay more for utilities. Water ($35/mth), gas ($30s-250w/mth), electricity ($40/mth), Comcast ($70/mth) I have two window AC units which I am not turning on until its 90 degrees out because I am trying to save electricity and they use a lot of power. I also have ceiling fans that can offset some of the heat too.