Am I Required To Pay For Utilities at My Rental Property?

Audience: current and prospective residents who want to understand which utilities they’re responsible for, what the lease requires, and how utility billing typically works in a MoveZen-managed rental home.

Understanding what you must set up, what may already be included, and how billing works helps you avoid service interruptions and unexpected charges.

Here’s everything you need to know about utility requirements in your rental home.

FAQs ❓

Am I required to pay for utilities?
Yes. most leases require residents to set up and pay for all standard utilities unless otherwise noted.

Which utilities am I responsible for?
This depends on your lease, but commonly includes electricity, water, sewer, gas, trash, and internet.

Are any utilities included in the rent?
Sometimes. but only if your lease specifically states this.

Do I need to put utilities in my name?
Yes, for most homes. Some properties with shared systems may use a ratio billing or reimbursement model.

What happens if I don’t set up utilities on time?
You could experience service interruption, late move-in, billing penalties, or lease violations.

What Utilities Residents Typically Pay For ✔️

Although every property is unique, most residents are responsible for:

🔌 Electricity
💧 Water
🔥 Gas (if applicable)
🚽 Sewer
🗑️ Trash services
🌐 Internet & Wi-Fi
📺 Cable or streaming services
🐾 Pest control (in many markets)

Your lease will specify exactly which utilities fall under your responsibility.

What Utilities Might Be Included in Rent? (Less Common)

Some rental homes especially multi-unit buildings may include:

Water
Sewer
Trash
Lawn care
HOA-provided services (if applicable)

But these are never assumed and only apply if your lease clearly states them.

Do Utilities Need To Be Put in My Name? 🧑‍💼

In most single-family homes and townhomes:

✔ Yes — utilities must be placed in your name

You will need to contact:

The electric provider
Water/sewer department
Gas company
Internet provider

These must be set up on or before your move-in date according to your lease.

Exceptions:

Some apartments or HOA communities use:

Master-meter utilities
Ratio utility billing (RUBS)
Landlord-paid water or trash
Shared gas or hot water systems

If your home uses one of these, your lease will outline the billing method.

Ratio Utility Billing (RUBS) or Reimbursement Systems 🔄

Some properties don’t require utilities in your name because usage is billed through:

The landlord
The HOA
A utility billing service

In these cases:

You receive a monthly charge on your tenant ledger
Charges reflect your estimated or shared usage
Payment is due with rent

This will always be disclosed before move-in.

What Happens If Utilities Are Not Set Up on Time? ⚠️

Delays can cause:

Interrupted service
Move-in delays
Utility shutoffs
Lease violations
Possible fines from utility providers
Damage risks (e.g., no power for HVAC systems)

Your lease may require proof of utility activation before or on move-in day.

How Utilities Affect Move-In and Move-Out ✔️

Before Move-In:

Set up utilities in your name to avoid delays and ensure a smooth transition.

During Your Lease:

Keep utilities active shutting them off early violates the lease and can cause tenant-responsible damage.

During Move-Out:

You must:

Keep utilities active until your lease ends
Not disconnect early
Provide final meter readings when necessary
Pay remaining balances owed to providers

Turning utilities off early can lead to charges or repair costs.

Tips for Managing Utilities Smoothly 💡

Set reminders for due dates
Enroll in autopay with utility companies
Keep a list of provider contact numbers
Note all account numbers for future reference
Verify activation a few days before move-in
Confirm disconnection occurs after your lease ends