Yes, in most cases internet and TV packages are treated as part of utilities or monthly running costs.

Your contract or property offer should state:

• whether internet/TV is included in the rent,

• whether it is included in the fixed utilities, or

• whether you pay it separately (by consumption or by a flat fee).

This depends on the contract:

• Some agreements state that fixed utilities are non-adjustable (you pay the same amount every month, no refund).

• Other agreements allow a final calculation at the end of the tenancy and a partial refund if you consumed significantly less.

Always check what your contract says about fixed utilities and any possible reconciliation at the end.

If a utility bill includes a period before your official move-in date:

• You are only responsible for the part of the bill that belongs to your stay.

• You should inform the landlord immediately and share the bill details.

• The landlord should calculate and charge only the part that corresponds to your tenancy period.

This is another reason why recording meter readings at move-in is very important.

No. The security deposit is not a prepayment of utilities or rent.

• During the tenancy, you must pay each rent and utility payment regularly and on time.

• You cannot “skip” utility payments because you have paid a deposit.

At the end of the tenancy, unpaid utilities may be deducted from your deposit

If you do not pay utilities on time:

• The landlord may charge default interest for the delay.

• If you are seriously or repeatedly late (for example more than 15 days, depending on the contract), the landlord may have the right to cancel/terminate the tenancy agreement and to use your security deposit to cover unpaid amounts and costs.

Utilities should be treated with the same importance as rent.

This depends on the model in your contract:

• Included in rent – utilities are already included in the rent. You pay everything on the rent due date.

• Fixed amount – the fixed utility amount is usually paid once per month, together with the rent.

• By consumption – utilities are usually paid once per month after the landlord sends you the bill or calculation (often around the middle of the following month, but always check your Tenancy Agreement).

If utilities are fixed:

• You pay a fixed monthly utilities amount to the landlord, usually together with the rent.

• The fixed amount is based on an estimate of normal monthly consumption.

• You do not pay separate monthly bills to providers – you just pay the agreed fixed amount to the landlord.

If your consumption is clearly excessive, or if there are major changes in utility prices (for example, energy price increases), the landlord may adjust the fixed amount if the contract allows it.

If utilities are paid by consumption:

• You pay based on actual usage, according to the bills (electricity, gas, water, etc.).

• The landlord informs you of the amounts and can provide copies of the bills or a calculation.

• You then pay these utility amounts to the landlord in addition to your rent.

It is strongly recommended that you and the landlord:

• record the starting meter readings (electricity, gas, water) at move-in, and

• record the final meter readings at move-out.

This protects both sides and makes it clear what was consumed during your stay.

If utilities are included in the rent:

• You pay one combined amount to the landlord.

• As long as you use utilities in a normal and reasonable way, there are no separate monthly utility payments.

• If you use utilities irresponsibly or excessively (for example, heating on full with open windows, air conditioning running constantly), the landlord may charge extra for the additional costs, if the contract allows it.

It depends on the property and the contract. Your Tenancy Agreement will state one of the following:

1. Utilities are included in the rent

2. Utilities are paid by consumption (based on actual bills)

3. Utilities are paid as a fixed / lump-sum amount, in addition to the rent

Always check your contract to see which option applies to you.

This is also visible during the booking/reservation for each property.