Utilities

In a real estate context, utilities are the basic needs you have when you live in a property: electricity, gas, water, maybe heating, are all known as utilities. When you own property, you have to pay for all these yourself (although in some condominium buildings the condominium association might pay for some utilities, such as water). Before you rent an apartment you should know exactly who pays for the utilities, and if you have to pay for some of them, you should find out what is a typical monthly utility bill. In some cities it will not be unusual for heating to be included in the rent. When you are considering buying property, it's a good idea to ask to see copies of the seller's utility bills from each of the four seasons. That way you'll have an idea how much you'll be paying for utilities if you buy the property.