What is a utility bill? 

A utility bill is an invoice for using services such as, gas, electricity and water.

 

When searching for a house to rent, you should check whether or not utility bills are included in the rent or separate from the rent. This allows for more accurate budgeting. For example if bills are included in the rent, you are more likely to have stable financial outgoings, whereas if the utility bills are separate from the rent this may cause a financial burden by experiencing unexpected housing costs. 

 

Internet is also considered a utility bill, but is often listed differently to other bills. You should always check if internet is included in your bills. 

 

What is fair usage/capping of utility bills and what does it mean?

 

Many students are often unaware the energy included in their agreement is often subject to a fair use policy. In other words, you have an allowance on the energy included in your bills. Most of the time, this is not based on the units of energy consumed, but rather the money which is spent. 

 

Sometimes these caps are generous, however in light of the rising gas and electricity prices these allowances are being rapidly reduced. This means that should a household exceed the agreed fair usage cap, the student(s) will be expected to pay the extra charges. 

 

Fair usage policies and breakdowns should be displayed within your contract. Queries about fair usage caps should be directed to your landlord or letting agency, or you can book an appointment with our Advice Team to review your contract.

 

It is more important now than ever to check the small print of your contacts for any hidden clauses which might allow landlords to change the fair usage at any point during the tenancy. 

 

Need a helping hand? Book an appointment with our Advice Team