A bills-included apartment is a rental that covers some or all of your household bills in your monthly fee. These may include gas, electricity, water, broadband and sometimes council tax. It sounds easy, and frequently it is. But “bills included” can mean quite different things from one landlord to the next.
So before you sign anything, you need to be sure what’s included, what isn’t and what happens if you use more than you planned. myLondonHop’s guide puts you through the important inspections in plain English so that you can rent with confidence in the UK.
What Does “Bills Included” Mean in the UK?
If your rental contract says “bills included”, it indicates your landlord or renting agent is paying some of the household costs for you. You pay a single monthly fee, and the landlord manages the vendors.
The bills that may be included are:
- Gas and electricity
- Water and sewage
- Broadband and Wi-Fi
- Council tax
- TV licence (rare, but some landlords include it)
Here is the important part: there is no legal rule that says which bills must be included. It is up to the landlord. That is why you must read the details, not just the advert.
Are Bills-Included Apartments Cheaper?
Not exactly. Bills-included apartments are easier to budget for, but they’re not always cheaper.
The landlord has to take the risk of price rises and significant energy use. Therefore, the rent can be adjusted a little higher to safeguard them. If you are a low energy user, you could be paying more than you would on your own bills. If you’re home all day and use a lot of heat, you might save money.
Compare and decide on the best approach. Work out for yourself what you’d spend on energy, water, broadband and council tax. Then compare that sum to the rent you see on mylondonhop, including bills. If the numbers are close, maybe the easy monthly payment is worth it.
9 Things to Check Before You Sign
1. Which bills are actually included?
Do not trust a short phrase like “all bills included.” Ask for a clear list in writing. Check each one:
- Gas
- Electricity
- Water
- Broadband
- Council tax
- TV licence
If something is missing from the list, assume you will pay for it yourself. It is common for a flat to include energy and water but leave out council tax. Knowing this early stops nasty surprises later.
2. Is there a fair usage cap?
This is the big one. A fair usage policy (sometimes called a usage cap) sets a limit on how much gas or electricity is covered. If you go over the limit, you may have to pay extra.
Ask these questions:
- What is the monthly or yearly limit?
- How is the extra cost worked out?
- Will I get a copy of the meter readings or bills as proof?
If the landlord says “there is a cap” but cannot tell you the amount, that is a warning sign. A fair cap should be clear and written down.
3. Is council tax included?
Council tax is paid to your local council, and it is often one of the biggest bills. In London, the amount depends on your borough and the property’s council tax band.
Some landlords include it in the rent. Many do not. If it is not included, ask which band the property is in so you can work out the cost. Full-time students may be able to get an exemption, so it is worth checking with the council if that applies to you.
4. What are the internet details?
Broadband is often listed as “included,” but that tells you very little. Ask:
- Who is the provider?
- What is the speed, and is it fibre?
- Is it shared with other flats or housemates?
- Whom do I call if the Wi-Fi goes down?
If you work from home or stream a lot, this matters more than you might think. A slow connection can make a “great deal” feel like a bad one.
5. What does the tenancy agreement say?
The advert is not the contract. The tenancy agreement is. Read it carefully and look for the part that talks about bills or utilities.
Make sure it clearly states:
- Which bills are covered
- Any usage limits
- What happens if you go over
- Whether the landlord can change the bill terms during your tenancy
If a promise was made over the phone or in a message, ask for it to be added to the agreement. If it is not written down, it is hard to prove later.
6. Can the rent go up during the tenancy?
Energy prices can change, and some landlords try to pass that on. In England, rules about rent rises are changing under the Renters’ Rights Act, so check the latest guidance on GOV.UK. In general, a landlord must follow the correct process to raise your rent. They cannot simply add a new charge because bills went up.
Ask the landlord how rent changes are handled and make sure the answer matches what is in the agreement.
7. What are the deposit and fees?
The Tenant Fees Act 2019 limits what landlords and agents can charge tenants in England. Here are the basics:
- Holding deposit: no more than one week’s rent
- Security deposit: usually no more than five weeks’ rent (if yearly rent is under £50,000)
- Banned fees: things like admin fees, referencing fees, and “check-in” fees are generally not allowed
Your deposit should also be protected in a government-approved scheme, such as the Deposit Protection Service (DPS), MyDeposits, or the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS). Ask for the protection details after you pay. If a landlord asks for extra “bills deposits” or strange charges, double-check that they are allowed.
8. Is the home safe and energy efficient?
A bills-included flat that is cold and damp is not a bargain. Ask to see:
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate): shows how energy efficient the home is, from A (best) to G (worst). Most rented homes in England need at least an E.
- Gas safety certificate: needed every year if the home has gas appliances.
- EICR (electrical safety report): shows the wiring and electrics have been checked.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: these should be fitted and working.
If you have a better EPC rating, the home is usually cheaper to heat. That helps both you and the landlord, especially if a usage cap applies.
9. What happens when you move in and out?
Good records protect you. At the start of the tenancy:
- Take photos of every room, including any damage or marks
- Check the inventory carefully and note anything missing
- Take meter readings (even if bills are included, this helps if there is a dispute)
At the end, ask how the final bill check works. Make sure you know whether you will be charged for any extra use after you leave.
Quick Pros and Cons of Bills-Included Rentals
| Pros | Cons | |
| Budgeting | One simple monthly payment | Rent may be higher than the base price |
| Time | No need to set up accounts with suppliers | You have less control over your providers |
| Cost risk | Protected from sudden price rises | Usage caps could cost you extra |
| Sharing a home | No arguments about splitting bills | One person’s heavy use can affect everyone |
Questions to Ask the Landlord or Agent
Save these for your viewing, or for your email to the landlord or agent when you find a place on mylondonhop:
- Which bills are included? Can I have the list in writing?
- Is there a fair usage cap? What is the limit?
- Is council tax included? If not, what band is the property?
- What is the broadband speed and provider?
- Can the bill terms change during my tenancy?
- Where is my deposit protected?
- Can I see the EPC, gas safety certificate, and EICR?
- What is the process if I have a problem with heating, hot water, or Wi-Fi?
Final Thoughts
At mylondonhop, we realize that a bills-included flat can make life easier, especially if you’re new to London or sharing with others. But the finest deals are those with explicit terms. See what bills are included, watch out for usage limits and have it all recorded in your tenancy agreement.
Take your time, ask lots of questions and evaluate the actual cost before you sign. A few minutes checking now can save you a lot of money and stress later on.
Looking for your next home? Find bills-included apartments on mylondonhop and rent with confidence.