Utilities

Utilities are the essential services that are necessary for the habitability and functioning of a rental unit, such as water, electricity, gas, and heat. Lease agreements and state laws govern the responsibilities of landlords and tenants for the payment and maintenance of utilities. In some cases, landlords may include the cost of utilities in the monthly rent, while in other cases, tenants may be responsible for setting up and paying for their own utility accounts. Landlords must ensure that the rental unit has proper utility connections and maintain the systems in good working order. If a utility service is disrupted due to the landlord’s negligence or failure to make necessary repairs, the tenant may have the right to withhold rent, make the repairs themselves and deduct the cost from rent, or terminate the lease without penalty.