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With the rising costs I was wondering how there are apartments out there for $300-$400 with all utilities included. I know some people who's heat bill alone is $200+. Does the tenant have control of the thermostat in this instance?
With the rising costs I was wondering how there are apartments out there for $300-$400 with all utilities included. I know some people who's heat bill alone is $200+. Does the tenant have control of the thermostat in this instance?
Probably.
usually when your utilities are included its because theres no seperate meter for whatever the source is.
So, if the building has one electricity meter, its either divided evenly amongst the tenants, or its paid for by the landlord.
Same with water, sewage, etc.
Also, Heat may be electric heat, which would then be part of the electricity bill.
And if you have a 3rd floor apartment, your thermostat can sit at minimum for, well... always.
Often when heat is included the tenant does not have control over the temperature. Definitely ask about this. Usually radiator heated buildings are like this. If it's blisteringly hot, the only thing you can do is open a window until is freeze-your-butt-off cold.
Last edited by aragx6; 02-12-2008 at 04:35 PM..
Reason: typo
Always wondered about that, too. I see multi-family buildings with one meter and one fuel tank. Now, I used to pay my tenants' water bill, until one gave me a $1400 bill in one month. I sent a letter, "In lieu of a rent increase, tenants will now be responsible for their own water bills." Got a few complaints, but as all are month-to-month, they could go elsewhere. Nobody moved. I'd never pay for utilities, that's an invitation for a tenant to open a laundry or bakery in your rental.
I had "heat included" but had my own thermostat but I too believe, more often than not, the landlord controls the heat and that can be a pain. Heat included apartments can be a good deal, always look to see who controls the temp though before you rent.
This depends upon the building. When I moved to MN from the southwest, I assumed this would be good (heat included). I found that the building gets quite warm since it is heated w/a big boiler. Having a basement apartment, this isn't important to me but the tenants on the third floor have to keep their windows open quite often. One tenant can't even have fish because this means that the unit has wide temp sweeps. She is from Florida so if anyone would need the extra heat, it would be her.
You might want to ask the other tenants how it works out, if you are able.
Our heat is included (good deal for VT) but the heat is generated by an electric boiler (bad idea) so now our bills are skyrocketing (like everything else).
I have another house that is rented and it has electric heat. It is wonderful. it never breaks down, they tenants always have heat and it needs no maintenance. Yes, it is a little expensive, but its up to you to keep the bills lower.
dorothy
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