Utilities when renting

Metered — tenant

Power, gas, water, internet — per meter readings on move-in day. Meter photos in the handover act are the settlement base.

Fixed charges — owner

Building fees/HOA, capital repairs, property tax, owner's insurance — to the owner: these are ownership costs, not consumption.

Typical models

'All inclusive' (rent + utilities fixed), 'meters separate' (tenant pays consumption, cap in the contract), 'equal shares' in shared rentals.

Move-in/out act

Meter readings on move-in and move-out dates, signed by both parties — the only way to avoid inheriting previous tenants' debts.

Caps and increases

Fix in the contract: who pays over-cap consumption (winter!), adjustment on tariff changes, payment deadlines and late penalties.

Utility debts

Before moving in — a no-debt certificate on the account. Predecessors' debts don't transfer to the tenant but can block service.