Energies are utilities and energy carriers: electricity, gas, and often also water, heating, and waste removal. In the context of rent, these are costs that are paid separately or together with the rent for housing.
How energies are usually paid for
- Included in the rent — you pay one amount, and the owner pays the suppliers themselves.
- Separately by meters — you pay for actual consumption, often as an advance payment with an annual reconciliation.
Clarify the payment method before signing the contract. If energies are not included in the rent, ask for estimated amounts for previous months — heating bills can significantly increase in winter. Keep all bills and proof of payment: they will be needed for the annual reconciliation and when returning the security deposit if disputes arise regarding debts. Before moving in, it is also worth clarifying whether the contracts with the suppliers are re-registered to the owner or remain with the previous tenants.
