Including utilities such as water, electricity and internet can sometimes cause friction amongst communal housing
Including bills in rent or not, is what we will discuss here.
Most tenants will ask to have bills included in their rent payments. It makes it easier to budget, no doubt. If each individual paid bills in the house, that could become a big problem in the household because this would put each person pitting against the other if and when bills were divided.
In this article, I will try to go into detail about the pros and cons of each side of the coin.
What bills are we talking about?
Bills usually consist of water and electricity, which usually include heating and hot water, as well as the internet. To most landlords, the internet is a fixed cost, so no matter how much data you use, the price is the same. But other bills such as water and electricity can prove to be a big headache for most landlords, which is based on the usage of each individual. And this usage, depending on the person, can be responsible, normal usage, or excessive usage, such as taking extra long showers, using the washing machine every day for one or two garments, and leaving the heater on endlessly in the winter without care for the landlord or for the parents that are paying the bills.
This fall in 2023 a letter to each tenant will be sent regarding energy usage:
Dear Guest,
As we approach one of the meanest winters of this century concerning energy bills, I wanted to reach out to each one of you.
Upon home visits, I have seen firsthand, how some of you use the washing machine with just a few garments inside on 3-hour cycles... I have also seen from the street how some of you leave lights on and are not even at home. I have also seen how you use heaters, leaving the doors sometimes open and going to the kitchen for a meal… The rest, I can only guess…
This winter will be a test, a test to see whether it is economically feasible, the home you are at, stays on the market for short-term rentals with bills included. Some may think “why should I care, I am going home in 3 months, and I´m paying with bills included, right”? Well to answer that, there are your friends and classmates that may come to Porto and not find a room, and/or the price will be so high, it will be unrealistic. I remind you again, this is not a hotel nor Airbnb situation or you would be paying AT LEAST 4-5 times more...
It is my goal here to shed some light on the energy crisis and give you some tips:
- Washing Machine: Use cold or warm water, shorter cycles, and with a full load.
- Take shorter showers.
- Brushing your teeth or shaving: Turn off the water in between.
- Dress appropriately: wear sweaters and sweats at home and only use the heater when needed. Your skin will thank you.
- Ask for extra blankets and I will get you.
- If you see a light on, turn it off.
- Never leave your heater unattended.
And finally, if there is a spike in energy costs, over the previous averages, be prepared to pay extra.
If you have any ideas to improve energy efficiency in your room or home, let me know.
In the end, as landlord, I prefer to include the bills for various reasons. Firstly, if bills were not included, it would put the housemates at each other. They will ultimately argue with each other, for instance, one who always has the heater on while the other doesn’t even like using the heater at all. Or there is the one that traveled for 3 weeks last month and still has to share the bills with everyone else. That person will feel that the system is unfair. Then there will be those that ultimately argue with the landlord over maybe a 5 euro surcharge because maybe it was miscalculated on his part or the meter count was misread. It basically comes down to there being friction in the air. Thus it is preferable that everyone has their bills included in the rent, so long is there is reasonable usage, which can be compared to previous years.
Why Cheap Student Rent Isn’t Always the Steal You Think It Is
When you're a student, cheap rent can feel like the holy grail.
€350 rent per month? Yes, please.
More money for travel, coffee, late-night souvlaki? Even better.
But here’s the truth no one really tells you:
Sometimes, cheap rent costs you more than you save.
In time. In energy. In mental health. In missed experiences.
Let’s break down why “cheap” isn’t always a good deal—and what to consider before you jump on that budget-friendly flat.
1. You’ll Pay in Commute Time (and Sanity)
Let’s say your dream apartment is €80 cheaper—but it’s 45 minutes away from campus.
That’s 1.5 hours every day.
7.5 hours a week.
Almost a full workday—gone.
Time you could’ve spent studying, socializing, sleeping, or just
chilling.
Instead, you're memorizing metro schedules and racing to catch the last train.
💡 Pro tip: Always factor in commute time. Time is a currency too.
2. You’ll Miss Out on the “Drop By” Lifestyle
There’s something magical about spontaneous student life:
- Random coffee dates after class
- Group dinners that start with “hey, you around?”
- Study sessions that turn into pizza nights
If you live far away, you start saying no. Not because you want to—but because it’s too much effort.
Slowly, the spontaneous stuff—the fun stuff—fades.
3. You Might Spend More Anyway
Cheap rent feels like a win… until the hidden costs pile up.
- Daily transport
- Occasional Ubers or taxis when you miss the last metro
- Eating out more because you're not around to cook at home
- The "loneliness tax" of needing to constantly go elsewhere for a social life
Add it all up, and that €80/month saving? Gone.
4. Living Far Can Be… Lonely
This one hits hard.
If you’re far from your classmates, friends, or the main student areas, your apartment might start to feel like a bubble.
No one drops by. You don’t go out as much.
The city feels less like your home and more like a place you
visit.
And loneliness, especially during study abroad or university years, can creep in fast.
5. The Vibe Matters More Than You Think
Even if the rent is great, ask yourself:
- Is the neighborhood safe and walkable?
- Are there cafes, markets, or life nearby?
- Are other students around, or are you surrounded by retirees and office workers?
A cheap place in a dead zone might be quiet… but it might also be too quiet.
You want to feel part of it. Not like you’re watching from the sidelines.
So… Should You Skip Cheap Rent Altogether?
Not at all.
Affordable housing is important—especially for students. But cheap shouldn't mean isolated, inconvenient, or miserable.
The sweet spot?
✅ Reasonable rent
✅ Walkable or well-connected
✅ Close to your uni and social life
✅ A neighborhood you feel good in
Because at the end of the day, your student years aren’t just about saving money.
They’re about experiences, friendships, late-night adventures, and
belonging.
And sometimes, that’s worth a little extra.
Another important factor to consider, are having the bills included or not. Some may think it is cheaper...
Having bills included in rent is a major win for students—and here’s why:
1. One Less Thing to Worry About
As a student, you’re already juggling assignments, exams, and probably a part-time job. The last thing you need is to remember when to pay your electricity bill or keep track of your water usage.
When bills are included, it’s one less task to add to your already full plate. You pay your rent, and that’s it. No stress about fluctuating utility costs, deadlines, or surprise fees.
2. Predictable Monthly Costs
Budgeting is hard enough without unexpected expenses. If your rent is €400 but utilities add up to €80 in the winter months, suddenly you’re paying €480. But with bills included, you know exactly what you’re paying every month.
That predictability can make managing your finances much easier and prevent those “I spent how much on electricity last month?!” moments.
3. Avoiding Utility Price Surprises
Utility costs can fluctuate depending on the season—heating in the winter, air conditioning in the summer, and even just the overall energy consumption. This can make your monthly bills unpredictable. With bills included, you avoid the headache of rising prices and energy-saving guilt trips.
No more adjusting your lifestyle just to avoid a crazy energy bill at the end of the month. It’s just one fixed cost, and you can plan around it.
4. More Freedom to Live Comfortably
When bills are included, you don’t have to feel guilty about turning on the heat or cranking up the AC during a heatwave. You can focus on being comfortable in your living space without stressing about energy conservation every time you flick on a light.
This makes it easier to feel at home—especially when you're living away from home for the first time.
5. Easier for Students Living in Shared Accommodation
In shared flats, utility bills can lead to awkward situations: who used the most water? Did someone leave the lights on all night? If you’re sharing a flat with others, splitting utilities can lead to disagreements or confusion over who owes what.
With bills included, it’s a hassle-free setup. Everyone pays their share of rent, and there’s no need to chase down your flatmates for their portion of the electricity bill at the end of the month.
6. It Can Be a Bargain
In some cases, bills are included in the rent as part of a flat or apartment that’s priced slightly higher than average. But when you calculate the overall savings—especially in areas with high utility costs—it can actually work out as a better deal than renting a cheap place with no bills included. You avoid those extra fees and the mental effort of managing multiple payments.
7. Peace of Mind for International Students
For international students, having bills included is a game-changer. The last thing you want to do in a new country is deal with the complexities of setting up utility accounts, understanding local tariffs, or navigating unfamiliar payment systems.
With all bills covered, you can settle in without worrying about whether or not your water or electricity is about to get cut off for non-payment.
Conclusion
Overall, having bills included in rent is like having a little extra peace of mind in the chaos of student life. It simplifies budgeting, reduces stress, and gives you more time and energy to focus on your studies, social life, and everything else that makes the student experience memorable.
So next time you’re house-hunting, don’t just look at the rent price—consider the full package with all bills included. It could be the hassle-free, stress-free choice you never knew you needed!
