Utilities and Rent Question (apartments, rental, how much)

[dmenesq]

I have been thinking of moving to NYC in a few years and am trying to increase my understanding of apartment rental costs. I realize, of course, that rents in NYC are significantly higher than in most other cities. I am wondering, however, whether the rents that people talk about, such as a studio for $2,000 per month or a 1BR for $2500, typically include any kinds of utilities. Where I live, for example, an apartment rental usually includes the cost of water/sewer/garbage, but electicity, cable, etc. is usually not included in the rental (and where I live heat is electric). The individual tenant bears those utility costs. Is NYC usually the same? I realize that any lease would have to be examined for these issues on an individual basis, but I am wondering what is typical or average. I am trying to gauge how my personal cost of living might balance with the costs I might expect if I rented in NYC.

Thanks

[DAS]

In NYC utilities inclusions are about the same. Heat is usually gas or oil and is usually part of the rent. You can spend a lot less in rent or get a much larger space for $2000 or $2500 if you are willing to move to boros other than Manhattan. Especially in a private home.

[BugsyPal]

Originally Posted by DAS

In NYC utilities inclusions are about the same. Heat is usually gas or oil and is usually part of the rent. You can spend a lot less in rent or get a much larger space for $2000 or $2500 if you are willing to move to boros other than Manhattan. Especially in a private home.

Usually but not always.

Many new buildings and even some older one especially high rises have installed and or are moving to Packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) units that provide both heating and cooling for a area.

Under the guise of giving tenants more control of their indoor climate these units also transfer the cost of heating apartments from the LL to tenant. That as you can imagine does not go over well with older buildings where tenants are of low or even middle income and have been getting their heat for "free" as part of their rent.

[silverbullnyc]

Varies

Some places heat/hot water are included but you pay for electricity
Some places heat/hot water/electricity are included
Some places hot water is included and you have to pay for heat/cold (climate control) and electricity

[Kefir King]

Most are as you experience, dmenesq, BUT
Beware a newer high rise with self contained electrical heaters...they will cost a fortune. Run, don't walk away from them.

Always ask if heat and hot water are included. If you get free A/C (chikked water pumped in, somewhat common in many mid century buildings) that's a BIG perk.

You can count on paying your own electricity and the A/C bill is the largest component presuming you are not heating the place in Winter.

Buildings differ so make sure you get all your questioned answered before you sign a lease.

[Chava61]

Some older buildings also include cooking gas as part of the rent.

[dmenesq]

I am from FL so I am familiar with how expensive electric bills can be when running the AC. Does anybody have any idea how much electricity might typically run in a studio or one-bedroom apartment with AC in the summer months, assuming that heat is included in the rent during the winter months.

[rlrl]

for my studio apt for the AC during summer months (off when I am at work but otherwise on) runs about $180 per month

when i moved here in 1991 it was about $85 per month

[rlrl]

in my current and previous apt gas and heat were included in the rent, but not electricity. the lease spells this out clearly

[silverbullnyc]

Use a good quality fan if you are overly concerned. This is the first yr my wife and i have NOT used an AC once in our 975sf apt. We have 2 honeywell whole room circulating fans for our living room and kitchen, and a lasko tower fan for our bedrooms and we are saing so much money. Our electricity bill remains pretty consistent of $29-$38 instead of last yr $60/$70.