Guides

Whether you're a first-time renter or moving to a new community, understanding how utilities work in your apartment is an important part of managing your monthly expenses. Utilities are the essential services that keep your home running—things like electricity, water, gas, and internet—and they can be billed in several different ways depending on your lease agreement and community setup.

If you're wondering what utilities are included in rent or what are considered utilities, this guide will walk you through the basics and help you navigate your options as a Greystar resident.

What are utilities?

Utilities are the services and resources that make your apartment livable. While not all of them are always classified as “utilities” in a lease, these commonly include:

• Electricity: Powers lights, appliances, and HVAC systems.
• Water and Sewer: Covers your running water and wastewater services.
• Natural Gas: Fuels heating systems, stoves, and water heaters in some units.
• Trash and Recycling: Includes waste removal and community recycling programs.
• Internet, Cable, and Phone: Sometimes grouped as “technology services,” these are often set up independently by the resident.
• Pest Control or Maintenance Fees: Occasionally billed as separate monthly charges depending on the property.

Together, these services form the foundation of a comfortable living experience.

What utilities are included in rent?

The answer varies by community, but Greystar leases are designed to be transparent about utility responsibilities from the beginning. Some apartment homes may include certain utilities in the monthly rent, while others require residents to pay separately for each service. While it is most common that utilities incur extra charges, these are examples of utilities you could find to be included:

• Water and sewer
• Trash and recycling
• Gas
• Electricity
• Pest control
• Basic internet or cable packages

Always refer to your lease agreement or speak directly with your leasing team to confirm exactly what utilities are included in your rent and which ones you’ll need to set up separately.

How are utilities billed?

At Greystar communities, utilities may be billed in several different ways depending on the property's infrastructure and your specific lease agreement. Here are the most common billing methods:

• Submetered: Your apartment has its own meter for services like electricity or gas, and you’re billed based on your actual usage.
• Direct Billing: Some utilities, such as internet or electricity, may be billed directly to you by the provider. These are not included in your rent and must be paid separately.
• Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS): Utilities are billed based on occupancy or square footage and split among residents. This is often used for water, sewer, or gas when individual meters are not available.
• Flat Fee: A set monthly amount is added to your rent, regardless of how much of the utility you use. This is typically seen with services like trash or pest control.
  
   

Be sure to review your lease or speak with your leasing team to understand how each utility is billed and whether any are bundled into your monthly rent.

Can I choose my own utility providers? 

In many cases, yes—you may have the option to choose your own utility providers, especially for services like internet and cable. This flexibility allows you to shop around for the best rates or stick with a provider you’ve used in the past.
 

• Internet and Cable: Many residents prefer to choose their own plans based on speed, price, or bundling options.
• Electricity: In states with Energy Choice, renters can compare rates from multiple electricity suppliers and select the one that best fits their needs.
• Other Utilities: Gas and water are typically managed through property-preferred providers or billed directly by the community, but it’s always worth asking.

Your leasing team can provide guidance on available choices, community partnerships, and any exclusive discounts you might be eligible for as a resident.

What if utilities aren’t included?

If utilities are not bundled into your rent, you’ll typically be responsible for setting up accounts with local providers. Your leasing office can provide a list of recommended or required service companies for electricity, gas, internet, and more. Most Greystar communities offer move-in checklists or onboarding support to help you get started.

Here’s a general process for handling utilities that aren’t included:

1. Review your lease to identify which utilities are your responsibility.
2. Contact the listed utility providers to set up service in your name.
3. Schedule service activations for your move-in date.
4. Keep track of due dates and billing cycles to avoid missed payments.

Be sure to budget for these recurring costs separately from your rent. Your leasing office may also provide average monthly estimates to help you plan.

Tips for managing your utility costs

Even if you’re only responsible for a portion of your utilities, small habits can help you stay energy-efficient and save money:

• Turn off lights when not in use and unplug electronics when possible.
• Run your dishwasher and laundry machines only when full.
• Use programmable thermostats or energy-saving settings on your HVAC unit.
• Report dripping faucets or running toilets to maintenance to avoid water waste.
• Consider bundling internet and cable to reduce total monthly costs.

Paying attention to utility usage can help you stay within budget while also minimizing your environmental impact.

Greystar’s approach to utility transparency

At Greystar, we believe in providing clear, upfront information to help you feel confident in your rental experience. During the application process, you’ll receive a breakdown of your utility obligations, any included services, and tips for setting up external accounts. Many of our communities also use online resident portals that make it easy to view charges, submit maintenance requests, and pay utility bills all in one place.

No matter how your utilities are billed, Greystar is here to help you make the transition smooth and stress-free! For questions, contact your Greystar property management team.