If your rental property offers utilities your tenants will use, then you may be wondering who should cover any associated fees. On one hand, requiring tenants to pay for utilities can alleviate the cost from you, but there are pros and cons to having rent including utilities.
Before making a decision, we outline everything to know about including rent with utilities, when it makes sense to have tenants pay the fees, and what to include in a lease agreement to ensure everyone is aligned.
Paying utility bills is a basic responsibility when you rent a home or apartment. But who takes care of the water bill – you as the tenant, or your landlord? The answer depends on your rental agreement and local regulations. This guide examines common practices for handling water bills in rental units so you know what to expect as a renter.
Water Bill Responsibility: Landlord vs. Tenant
When it comes to water bills there are two main approaches
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Landlord pays – The water bill stays in the landlord’s name. They pay it and include water costs in your rent.
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Tenant pays – You as the renter must set up water service in your name when you move in. You receive and pay the monthly water bill directly.
Many landlords bundle water costs into the rent for simplicity. But having tenants pay water separately is also very common especially in privately owned condos and homes.
Factors That Determine Water Bill Responsibility
Several key factors impact who pays the water bill in a rental:
1. State and local laws – Some areas require landlords to pay for water service. Check regulations in your city or state to see if this applies.
2 Type of rental – Apartment complexes usually handle water bills centrally Privately owned condos and homes more often have tenants pay individually,
3. Shared vs. separate meter – Properties with shared meters often have landlords pay the single bill. Separate meters indicate tenants will handle their own water.
4. Lease terms – Your rental contract outlines utility responsibilities. Read carefully to understand water bill expectations.
When touring rentals, ask who handles water bills to understand costs. Shared meter properties in particular can benefit from clarifying this question before signing a lease.
Setting Up Water Service as a Renter
If you must pay the water bill, follow these key steps when moving in:
1. Contact the water department – Call the local water provider and set up an account in your name. You may need to show your lease or ID.
2. Provide a deposit – A deposit may be required to start water service, ranging from $50-$200 depending on your area.
3. Agree to billing terms – You will receive monthly bills and must pay by the due date. Late fees apply to past due balances.
4. Notify the landlord – Let your landlord know when you’ve activated water service to avoid any lapse in supply.
5. Monitor your water use – Review bills monthly and watch for spikes that could indicate leaks. Avoid wasting water.
6. Cancel service when moving out – When you move, call the water department again to close your account.
Following this process ensures you have running water in your unit as soon as you move in. Be sure to budget for this essential utility bill each month.
What if You Fall Behind on Water Bill Payments?
Falling behind on water bills can put your service at risk. If you cannot pay, take these steps:
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Contact the water department immediately to ask about payment plans or assistance programs.
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Speak to your landlord – they may be willing to set up a repayment schedule.
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Look into community resources like rent and utility relief programs if you are facing financial hardship.
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Prioritize water payments over other bills – water is essential.
With cooperation from your landlord and water provider, you can get back on track with your payments. But repeated late bills could lead to eviction in some cases, so make every effort to pay.
Tips for Tenants on Controlling Water Bills
As a renter paying your own water bill, you have an incentive to conserve. Try these tips:
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Take shorter showers and fix drips to save water.
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Limit laundry loads and only run full dishwasher cycles.
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Report leaks to your landlord quickly to prevent wasted water.
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Review your bill each month and look for sudden increases.
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Install low-flow faucets and showerheads to reduce usage.
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Water outdoors only when essential and follow local guidelines.
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Shut water off completely while away on vacation.
Simple conservation steps can help you control costs as a tenant with a water bill in your name.
Answering Common Renter Questions
Many renters have additional questions about handling water bills:
Q: Can my landlord shut off my water if I don’t pay my bill?
A: In most cases, no. As long as you have an active account in your name, only the water department can disconnect service for non-payment.
Q: What if my landlord sells the rental unit I live in?
A: The new owner must honor the terms of your existing lease, including who pays the water bill.
Q: Is it cheaper to have water included in rent vs. paying a separate bill?
A: Not necessarily. Know your state laws and ask the landlord for average costs to determine what makes sense.
Q: Where can I find help with my water bill if I’m low income?
A: Contact your city or county for information about assistance programs. Some non-profits also provide utility bill aid.
With knowledge of local regulations and best practices, you can navigate water bill responsibilities as a renter. Speak up, research the rules, and use water wisely.
How to Address Utilities in Your Rental Lease
If you do decide to include utilities in the rent price, your lease agreement should inform the tenant on who pays what. This can be done by including three clauses:
In this clause, you can list which utilities are the tenants’ responsibility, state that these utilities should be in the tenants’ names, or state that these utilities need to be active for the duration of the lease
Are Utilities Usually Included in Rent?
Landlords can vary on whether or not utilities are included in rent, but it’s common for some rentals to include utilities in the rent price. However, there are also rentals that do require tenants to cover the cost of common utilities. If tenants are looking for rentals that include utilities in the rent price, most apartment hunting websites allow tenants to filter listings by that criteria.
Secret to Get Tenants to Pay Their Water Bill
FAQ
Do tenants pay sewer bills in CT?
The Landlord/property owner is responsible for the payment of all sewer and water bills. This is per Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 102 Sec. 7-239(b) and Chapter 103 Sec 7- 258.
Can landlords charge for water in NY?
However, in some places, landlords are required to pay for water. In New York City, for example, landlords have to pay for water and sewer services. The rent usually covers an average of this cost.
Who pays the water bill, tenant or landlord in India?
Water and electricity costs are typically listed among the utility bills that the tenant is responsible for paying. The guidelines for gas bills are the same. If the rental agreement says that the tenant is responsible for all utilities related to the rental unit, then the tenant is responsible for the utility bill.
Are landlords responsible for unpaid utility bills in Ohio?
At the moment, Ohio law lets cities and towns collect past-due utility bills—like water, sewer, and trash bills—from “an owner, tenant, or other person who is liable to pay the rents or charges.” ” Johnson said this often falls on landlords rather than renters. “To me, it’s personal responsibility,” Johnson said.
Does a tenant have to pay a water bill?
The water bill, which includes sewage if it applies, is a utility bill unless otherwise stated. It is similar to the electricity or natural gas bill. If the tenant is responsible for all utilities related to the property, as stated in the lease, then they are responsible for the water bill.
Who is responsible for water bills in a tenancy?
In specific lease agreements, landlords may assume responsibility for particular utilities throughout the tenancy. The landlord is responsible for the water bill if the lease makes it clear that water costs are included in the monthly rent. In such cases, any outstanding water bills become the landlord’s financial obligation.
Who is responsible for water bills in a lease?
The lease determines whether the tenant or landlord is responsible for water bills. What the Law Says About Landlords’ Water “Services”: Landlords are required by law to make sure their tenants have access to clean water. Providing safe water sources is a key responsibility, distinct from paying water bills.
Are landlords responsible for unpaid water bills in California?
Landlords are required by law to provide a living space that can be occupied, so most of them pay for water, sewer, and trash and get their money back in rent from tenants. ConnectCalifornia states, “The landlord can ultimately be held responsible for unpaid water bills for rental units in California.
Can a landlord charge a renter for water?
The answer is yes. In fact, it’s common for landlords to keep the water and other utilities in their own name and charge extra for them on top of the rent. You can charge your renters for water and other utilities in a few different ways. You can charge them rent plus the exact amount of that month’s water bill.
What happens if a landlord doesn’t pay for water?
If the water isn’t paid, it can be disconnected. If the water goes out in the winter, it can damage pipes permanently, so it is best for the landlord to pay for these services. Landlords are required by law to provide a living space that can be lived in, so most of them pay for water, sewer, and trash and get their money back in rent from tenants.
