Running Costs

When you rent a property you will be expected to pay for the electricity, gas and water that you use. These bills are known as the running costs: the money you are required to pay to keep the property running. If you rent a large property you will usually have larger bills to pay, because for example the property will require more electricity to heat it.

However, if you are renting a large property with other people, you will also be able to share the running costs. When you move into the property, check with the landlord and/or letting agency that the property is currently registered with the cheapest fuel providers. If you are able to register the property yourself, ensure that you shop around for the cheapest deals. Some electricity companies will also offer gas and if you choose to receive both services from them you will be entitled to a reduction. You may also save money on your bills if you agree to pay the bills each month via direct debit.

Other running costs include council tax, telephone and internet costs. Council tax is a monthly payment to the local city or county council, and goes towards the upkeep of the area that you live in, paying for street cleaning services and rubbish removals for example. The amount you pay depends on the size of the property you rent and the area where the property is located. If you are a student, or are on a low income, you may not need to pay any council tax at all. You should be given a form to fill in detailing your circumstances and thus avoid receiving a bill at all. It is also worth shopping around for a good telephone and internet deal: some companies offer package deals with both services for a low price, and if you are a student you may even be eligible for special deals. Some telephone providers will agree to a minimum contract period of nine months, instead of the standard twelve.

Usually running costs will be included in the rental price of a room in the halls of residence at University. However, each University and residential hall will vary as to the services they include: make sure that you check your contract for the running costs that you are expected to pay before you sign. For many students University will be the first time that they are not living at home and are responsible for paying their own utility bills. The cost of electricity, water and gas is high, and many students will find that paying bills forms a significant part of their expenses: be sure to follow basic energy saving tips and save money on your bills too! For example:

• turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
• turn off the shower when shampooing your hair
• put on a jumper before turning up the heating
• use a central heating timer to program the heating to come on when you most need it
• turn off the lights when you leave a room
• turn off the television, computer and stereo at the wall: standby = electricity