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I am moving into a 2BR in Jersey where the utilities have separate bills / are not automatically included in rent. Can anyone give an indication for what to expect for monthly payment (ballpark)? I understand that a lot of it depends on usage, but still -- just looking for average figures to get an idea.
My water bill for a family of 2 adults and now 3 kids runs between $30-$40/month. My sewer bill is annual, paid through the town. I think it's $210/yr. Gas/Electric runs me about $140 in the summer (no central a/c) and about $400-$500 in the winter (gas heat - radiator steam heat).
It largely depends on your dwelling. You should be able to call the utility and ask what the average bill is for the property.
I have never heard of a tenant having to pay a sewer bill. That is usually sent by the town directly to the registered property owner. I never heard of a tenant getting billed for water either (it would normally be included as part of the rent). What kind of place are you renting?
To have utilities included in the rent is a plus, but I wouldn't say it's unusual to NOT have them included.
As bradykp already stated, you'll get the most accurate picture by calling the utility to ask for averages. (Most people don't know you can do this, but you can.)
Generally, water will be the cheapest bill (2 figures).
As a renter, I don't think you'll have to worry about a sewer bill at all.
Gas & electric will probably be the biggest (at least during the coldest & hottest months). But it really depends on the size of your 2-bedroom unit (apartment? townhouse?), and how well it is insulated, and obviously what your particular heating/cooling habits are.
I live in a 2-bed (townhouse).
In the summer, I rarely use AC (only at night), and in the winter I keep the thermostat on 55-62.
My electric bill is between $30 to $60 a month, depending on the month.
My gas bill is between $20 to $120, depending on the month (really depends on how cold it gets and how hard the furnace has to work).
Internet & basic cable run me $130 a month (if I dropped the cable, the internet would cost ~$65).
As for phone, you probably already know based on your own useage and plans.
I have never heard of a tenant having to pay a sewer bill. That is usually sent by the town directly to the registered property owner. I never heard of a tenant getting billed for water either (it would normally be included as part of the rent). What kind of place are you renting?
The owner of our condo unit pays the water / sewer bills, but once a year sends us the copies & we have to reimburse them. It's in our lease.
About $500. per year covers both the water & sewer.
Last edited by daliowa; 05-14-2014 at 04:08 PM..
Reason: edit
Utilities are generally understood to be gas (both cooking and heating) and electric. Asking for water is unusual but not unheard of and will likely run somewhere between $200-400/year. Sewer is generally somewhat more, and is extremely rare to be paid for by the renter; as such it's also a red flag that you will have problems with the landlord trying to nickel and dime you on other things as well down the line. Choose another apartment.
Same situation here. I'm moving into a place called Warren at York, where this also appears to be the case.
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