Comments on: If you rent a house what utilities do you have to pay for?

By: Classy Granny

Classy Granny — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:38:53 +0000

I would say renting a house you pretty much take care of things as if you owned it. The landlord is not going to pay your utilities, cut the grass or move snow unless any of the above is covered in your lease. In fact most leases will state how often grass has to be cut, usually once a week and can state how soon after a snowfall snow needs to be shoveled, usually 4 hours.

By: Rush is a band

Rush is a band — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 06:42:20 +0000

With the caveat that every landlord and every situation COULD be different, generally, when you rent a house you treat it like you own it.

That means you pay ALL utilities, mow the lawn and shovel the walk/driveway. It’s what I would require if I were a landlord renting out a house.

good luck!

By: BriarKat

BriarKat — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:05:49 +0000

That’s impossible to answer. Each landlord makes up his own agreement. Some may include heat and hot water, some may not. It will vary from landlord to landlord.

By: missmama

missmama — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:43:32 +0000

Depends on your contract, If it says there that you have to maintain the yard, you also have to pay for all of the above. It is a common knowledge that you have to keep the cleanliness inside the house, you also have to keep the outside because you live there. It will reflect to you .

By: EL_TRI

EL_TRI — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 22:07:14 +0000

Every landlord and property is different.
Sometimes they include water, waste if there are more apartments.

If there is only one gas meter or electric meter and more apartments then its included and you just pay your cable, phone, dish or whatever you want extra.

Usually if the utilities are separate the rent is cheaper but you will end up paying more with utility bills than if you rent one that has everything included.

By: MR HENRY S

MR HENRY S — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:12:05 +0000

You pay for all of the above unless there is a specific agreement, in writing, otherwise, but this would be unusual.If there is a lease, expect all of this to be laid out in writing.

If you were to rent a condo the condo management would likely handle all the outside work(snow,grass, etc.) but be sure to read the lease before signing to be sure. Also who pays the condo fees.Again this should be in writing.

An exception would be short term (2 weeks to a month) vacation rentals where utilities are usually but not always included in the rental . Again, check first.

If it ain’t in writing it is not included.