Apartments (Utilities Included or Seperate)

[Junk Food Junkie]

Sometimes apartments have utilities included in their rent. Is this the cheapest way to go, or is it better to find an apartment with utilities separate? Or does it all equal out in the end and doesn't really matter?

[sherman51]

Usually you don't get to choose. Some have them included because of the way the utilities are set up. If you have the choice and only pay for your own, best to go plus utilities so that you can control your own costs.

[Piro21]

I'd go utilities included just for simplicity's sake.

[X820]

included, then you don't have to worry about turning on your a/c or heater all day long.

[uber_shnitz]

Depends. I've found apartments where utilities were included and they weren't any more expensive than those without so in that sense I was saving money because you can use however you want without worrying about the bills.

Therefore if you can find a place where utilities are included and it's not noticeably more expensive (or even less expensive) that'd be the "best value".

[chemical_echo]

Mine are included right now, but when I moved in they said Smart Meters were coming in a few months and we would be responsible for hydro after that.
I moved in March 1st and haven't heard or seen anything since then.

[billdozer]

General RFD opinion: Just live at home with Mommy and Daddy and you don't have to worry about any of this.

[matdwyer]

When they are included you will be more wasteful. I used to keep the AC at 18 wonderful degrees, do the dishes once a day, laundry all the time, etc. When paying for it i have programmed for 23 at lowest, turn it off when I leave, everything in off peak, etc.

I'd prefer all in but I know I pay for it included, so it doesn't really matter

[wilsonlam97]

General RFD opinion: Just live at home with Mommy and Daddy and you don't have to worry about any of this.

Good money saving tactic.

[rsasp]

included, then you don't have to worry about turning on your a/c or heater all day long.

+1

[navigator416]

All in - its just easier to not have any surprises AND it's annoying to have to put down a deposit for a hydro account...

[Manatus]

It depends if you use more or less hydro, water etc. than the average person living there. If utilities are included and you use less, you are subsidizing others; if you use more, they are subsidizing you. From my experience if I owned a condo then I would prefer separate, because if it was included in the condo fee then people would use more and I would have to pay increased condo fees. If I was renting then I prefer included, since rents are pretty controlled here (both by the gov't and by the market), and I probably wouldn't stick around long enough to see significant increases as it takes some time to filter through. But yes, you will be a lot more wasteful if utilities are included. I used to have windows open to get some fresh air with the A/C or heat running, would do laundry/dishwasher all the time, and so on.

There's also the mental aspect of it... if it's included, you don't need to worry, kind of like a hotel.