Need utilities estimate for family of 5? (rentals, homes, tenant)

[islandmamaof3]

I am considering a home rental in the Kapahulu area that includes utilities in the lease: Electricity, Water, Gas, Cable TV, and Internet. If I priced that out individually for a family of 2 adults/3 children....what is a good guesstimate for a monthly total? I am just curious if the landlord is giving a good and fair deal.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated since I do not know the rates for each item in Oahu. Obviously much higher $$ than the mainland.

Many thanks!

[DBale]

Aloha!

As a family of 5, when we lived in Kapolei, we paid about (average) $850 for utilities (with A/C, phone, internet and garbage), our water was paid for by our landlords. It was a lot warmer living on the west-side and trade winds didn't cool our home like it does now. During our first summer, I had a HECO bill for $800 alone, running the A/C almost full-time, as I homeschool our kids. I learned my lesson after that!

We now live windward, don't need the A/C, but do pay water/sewer, and pay about $650.00 (on average). That being said, we also have (passable) solar, so we don't use much electricity to heat the water.

I also hang about 1/4 of our laundry, and we don't have any premium channels on the t.v.

Remember too, that water/sewer is going up this month.

Hope that helps!

[islandmamaof3]

Thanks DBale. I figured the numbers would be high. Reality check. Wow. I wish I had a solar power option there...it helps. I am trying to figure out what our rent will be (about 30%) of income....but need to factor in utilities. Ugh. It will be a major lifestyle change since we are not millionaires. Hats off to you for homeschooling.

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by islandmamaof3

I am considering a home rental in the Kapahulu area that includes utilities in the lease: Electricity, Water, Gas, Cable TV, and Internet. If I priced that out individually for a family of 2 adults/3 children....what is a good guesstimate for a monthly total? I am just curious if the landlord is giving a good and fair deal.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated since I do not know the rates for each item in Oahu. Obviously much higher $$ than the mainland.

Many thanks!

Check to see if there is a limit on the electric usage - because I cannot imagine a landlord agreeing to a full payment of whatever you decide to use on electricity!

[Mikala43]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

Check to see if there is a limit on the electric usage - because I cannot imagine a landlord agreeing to a full payment of whatever you decide to use on electricity!

If there is no A/C it may not be a problem.

Of course, a new problem arises.... no A/C

[mdand3boys]

Originally Posted by Mikala43

If there is no A/C it may not be a problem.

Of course, a new problem arises.... no A/C

But what is to prevent the tenant from adding window or portable AC units?

[Mikala43]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

But what is to prevent the tenant from adding window or portable AC units?

Good point, unless it is covered in the lease.

[whtviper1]

One needs to be careful when electricity is included in the rent. Often they are illegal rentals as they can't get a dedicated meter for the unit. You see that at home where they rent a downstairs or separate area of a home.

[Futuremauian]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

But what is to prevent the tenant from adding window or portable AC units?

If electricity is included, some places ban A/C, and will know if you add a portable unit because the usage will suddenly, and dramatically increase. If it's banned you are then out of compliance with your contract.
PITA, but not uncommon. It is just one more thing you have to consider when looking for housing.

[armyengineer]

Originally Posted by islandmamaof3

I am considering a home rental in the Kapahulu area that includes utilities in the lease: Electricity, Water, Gas, Cable TV, and Internet. If I priced that out individually for a family of 2 adults/3 children....what is a good guesstimate for a monthly total? I am just curious if the landlord is giving a good and fair deal.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated since I do not know the rates for each item in Oahu. Obviously much higher $$ than the mainland.

Many thanks!

I'm confused. If utilities are included in the rent then what is the issue?