Should I Rent an Apartment with Utilities Included?

You have many issues to consider as you search for the perfect apartment. One potential decision you will face is whether it is advantageous to search for apartments with utilities included. The answer depends upon your perspective. Do you like the idea of knowing precisely how much your total living expenses are going to be each month or do you think you can better manage your budget if you control utility costs?

Utilities-included apartments work like this: you agree to make a monthly payment that covers rent plus a flat fee for basic utilities. These utilities normally cover electricity, gas, water, and trash pick-up, although every landlord defines "basic utilities" a bit differently. It sounds great at first, and for your particular situation it may be the perfect solution. However, like all major decisions, you can benefit from a pro and con list in order to consider every angle.

• Simplicity. You'll have one monthly bill that covers all your housing expenses and won't need to make separate payments to each utility or service provider.
• It's easy to budget when you know precisely how much your total housing costs are going to be for the month. There is no worrying that you might have turned the thermostat too high or too low and driven up costs for the month.
• You may save on move-in fees due to the fact that you will not have to pay any deposits or activation fees to utility providers.
• If you have unresolved issues with a utility provider or a poor credit history, you can save yourself the hassle of worrying about whether they will put utilities in your name.

• If you're just starting out and hoping to establish a credit history, it is a good thing to have utilities in your name and build a reputation as someone who pays their bills on time.
• You may be able to save money by controlling utility cost on your own. For example, if you're a person who prefers to open the windows rather than turn on the air conditioner your cooling bill may be lower if you're paying for it yourself. If you're someone who travels a great deal or simply does not spend much time at home, your utilities may be low enough to offer an advantage over the flat rate offered by your landlord.

There is nothing inherently wrong or right about choosing an apartment with utilities included. Whether or not you should depends entirely upon you and what you hope to accomplish.

When you stay at New Tremont Apartments in Quincy, all utilities, including basic cable, WiFi, electric, heating & cooling, water, and trash removal are included! Contact us today!