Do You Have to Pay the Water Bill in Your Apartment?

One of the many financial responsibilities that comes with renting an apartment is paying utility bills. While electricity, gas internet and cable are typically the tenant’s responsibility, the rules around water bills can be less clear. So do renters need to pay water bills separately or are they built into the monthly rent?

The answer depends on the apartment community. Some landlords cover water costs while others split out a separate water bill for residents to pay. Let’s break down the common approaches and what they mean for your budget

Water Bill: Included in Rent or Separate?

Water and sewer utilities can be billed in two main ways for apartments:

• Included in rent – The total water cost for the building is paid by the landlord. Water usage is not metered or charged for each unit. There is no separate water bill.

• Separate water bill – Each apartment has an individual water meter. Residents receive a monthly or quarterly water bill based on their specific usage.

If water is included, you’ll never see a separate utility bill. However, the cost is still factored into your overall rent amount even if it’s not a visible line item.

With separately metered water, the bill comes directly to you. But you may pay slightly lower rent since water isn’t bundled in.

Typical Cost of Water Service in Apartments

How much does the average household spend on water and sewage service? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical monthly water bill for a family of four runs around $70. Costs per gallon range from around $2 to $7 depending on your location.

However, apartment dwellers often use less water than a single family home. With conservation efforts, an apartment resident may pay only $40 to $50 monthly for water and sewer utilities.

Over the course of a 12 month lease, that comes out to $480 to $600 per year. Your specific usage, number of people in your unit, and water rates in your area impact the actual cost.

The Pros and Cons of Water Included vs. Separate Bill

Including water service in the rent or billing it separately both have advantages and disadvantages for renters.

Water Included in Rent

Pros

• Predictable monthly costs. No need to budget extra money for a separate water bill.

• No utility deposit or credit check required. Water is just bundled into one payment.

• Lower risk of getting stuck with high bills during leaks or other issues.

Cons

• Less incentive to conserve water since usage isn’t metered.

• No way to control costs through monitoring usage and changing habits.

• Rent may be slightly higher to cover landlord’s water costs.

Separate Water Bill

Pros

• Only pay for what you use based on your apartment’s meter.

• Can control bill by tracking usage and changing water habits.

• Rent may be lower without water bundled in.

Cons

• Monthly costs fluctuate based on usage making budgeting difficult.

• Must pay utility deposit and application fees.

• Responsible for entire bill even during leaks or pipe issues.

There are valid perks to each setup. In a separate bill scenario, you foot the bill for your specific usage. But with water included, you avoid an extra utility account, deposit, and unpredictable monthly costs.

Factors That Impact Your Water and Sewer Bill

If you receive a separate water bill, several factors drive how much you pay:

Usage – Your habits regarding showers, laundry, dishes, etc. directly impact the gallons used. Conserving water reduces your bill.

Apartment size – More people and bathrooms typically equate to higher usage and bills.

Water leaks – Dripping faucets and undetected leaks drive up water usage and your bill.

Seasonality – Usage often spikes in summer with more showering, gardening, and evaporative cooling.

Regional rates – Water costs vary greatly by municipality based on infrastructure, supply, etc.

Sewer fees – Wastewater treatment and sewer maintenance costs are included.

Pay attention to these factors if you want to control your water and sewer costs in an apartment with separate metering and billing.

Tips to Reduce Water Bills in Your Apartment

If you pay your own water bill based on apartment usage, you can take control with conservation. Here are smart tips to reduce your costs:

• Take 5 minute (or less) showers. Long hot showers are a big water waster.

• Turn off water when brushing teeth, shaving, washing dishes, etc.

• Run full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.

• Fix any leaky plumbing and faucets immediately.

• Sweep outdoors instead of hosing walkways.

• Water plants and gardens early or late in the day to reduce evaporation.

• Limit garbage disposal use and avoid putting grease down the drain.

• Report any unexplained spikes in water usage to your landlord ASAP.

With some diligence, you can keep your water and sewer bill under control even when it’s not built into your rent.

Ask About Utilities When Apartment Hunting

When touring prospective apartments, be sure to inquire about water billing. Here are key questions to ask:

• Is water included in the monthly rent or will I get a separate bill?

• If separate, who handles the billing and what is the typical cost?

• Is there an individual meter for my unit?

• What is the average water bill for a unit my size?

• What happens if there is a water leak or pipe burst?

Getting clarity upfront prevents surprises once you move in. Some apartment websites and listings may indicate if water is included or billed separately. But have the conversation with management to understand how water utility billing works.

Work with Your Landlord to Resolve Water Bill Issues

Dealing with high water bills or billing errors can be frustrating. But your landlord or property manager likely wants to help resolve the problem.

Be proactive by:

• Comparing usage spikes to your schedule and habits to pinpoint causes.

• Submitting a maintenance request immediately if you suspect a leak.

• Calling the water company to verify billing accuracy if a spike seems suspicious.

• Communicating openly with your landlord about any concerns.

• Providing copies of plumbing repairs related to leaks.

• Reading your lease to understand the property’s policies on water billing disputes.

With good documentation and communication, you can hopefully reach a reasonable solution together.

Understand Your Responsibility for Water Service Costs

There’s no universal rule for water bills in apartments – it all comes down to your specific rental agreement. By educating yourself upfront, you can anticipate costs and budget appropriately.

Ask questions before signing a lease so there are no surprises down the road. If billed separately for water usage, be vigilant in monitoring your consumption and costs. With proper preparation, those essential water and sewer utilities won’t put a damper on enjoying your new apartment home.