A bills-included property is one that covers the cost of utilities, such as energy, gas, and water, in your rent. A property without this option requires you to sort this out by yourself. This is specified when you look for houses, and some landlords may even let you pick between the two options for the same property.
Opting for having bills included vs. sorting them out on your own can be a difficult choice. In order to make it easier, we have put together some pros and cons so you can make your decision!
Pros of having bills included
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Better budgeting
It is easier to budget with bills included as you have a fixed amount that you pay every single month. This is ideal if you are nervous about finances in uni as it helps you sort your expenses. Your housing expenses every month are more predictable. -
Time-saving
Picking out your utility provider, especially if you do not have a fixed bills package, can be time-consuming. Having to compare different packages is exhausting, and having a bills-included package mitigates this. - Equal split
This is important, especially if you’re worried about forgetful housemates or some using more energy than others. It can lead to you having a more peaceful time with your housemates rather than chasing everyone up.
Cons of having bills included
- Higher rent
Houses with bills included tend to have higher rent. You are also unlikely to know how much of this actually contributes to your bills, so you may actually be paying more compared to if you sort your bills out yourself. - Lack of choice
As you have no say in your utility provider, you are unlikely to have control over your utilities. This may impact things such as your WiFi speed, as you have no control over your package. - Limited clarity
With a bills-included property, you are not in control over what you pay for, so you may lack clarity over what’s included and what is not. Similarly, you may have to be prepared to be charged for excess usage.
So, what’s the answer?
There is no fixed answer to whether having bills included is better, as it depends on your personal circumstances.
A good mid-point between the two is finding a fixed bills package, which you can find here. This allows you to have the benefits of bills included, such as fixed expenses and an equal split, and the choice to pick your provider and find a fair price. While this is often more expensive than sorting out individual bills yourself, it is extremely convenient, and there are lots of providers, allowing you to find a quote that fits your needs and budget best.
If you are still finding a home, let alone sorting out bills, check out the AFS website for thousands of student properties!
