What Are Called Utilities? Essential Guide for Renters and Homeowners

If you’ve ever had to set up services after moving into a home, you’ve probably come across the term “utilities.” But what does it actually mean when someone says a bill is a utility? More importantly, what are called utilities in everyday housing situations?

In this blog, we’ll walk through a simple definition of utilities, provide real-life examples, and explain how they apply to both renters and homeowners. We’ll also touch on what are utilities in terms of housing and cover what are the basic public utilities you should expect to manage.

What Are Utilities?

Utilities are essential services that allow your home to function. Without them, the place you live would not be safe, sanitary, or comfortable. They power your lights, provide clean water, dispose of waste, and in many cases, keep you connected to the internet.

While the providers may be public (like a city department) or private (like an internet company), the definition is the same: a utility is a core service tied to the infrastructure of your home.

What Are Called Utilities?

So, let’s answer this clearly:
Utilities are the basic services required for habitability in a home. They typically include:

• Electricity
• Water and sewer
• Natural gas or heating oil
• Trash and recycling pickup
• Internet service (in most modern homes)

These services are considered non-negotiable in terms of daily function. Without them, your house wouldn’t meet local housing standards—and in many places, it wouldn’t even qualify for occupancy.

What Are the Basic Public Utilities?

To further break this down, let’s look at what are the basic public utilities—those commonly provided or regulated by local or state governments.

✅ Electricity

Powers all the major systems in your home. Typically delivered by regional providers through a public grid. Billed monthly based on usage.

✅ Water and Sewer

Handled by your city or local utility district. Water comes in for use; sewer removes and treats wastewater.

✅ Natural Gas

If your home runs on gas (for heating, water, or cooking), this utility comes through underground lines and is billed by therm usage.

✅ Trash and Recycling

Usually managed by your municipality or a contracted provider. Often bundled into property tax or water bills.

These are the public services you must have to maintain health and safety in a home.

What Are Utilities in Terms of Housing?

Now let’s connect the dots. What are utilities in terms of housing?

In the context of housing, utilities are the services that make a property livable. That means:

• They are required for legal tenancy or homeownership
• They are commonly included in lease agreements
• They are often used to verify occupancy (via utility bills)
• They directly affect monthly housing costs

Whether you own or rent, utilities are part of the total cost of living in a home. In fact, when landlords advertise “utilities included,” they’re referring to these exact services.

Utilities for Renters vs. Homeowners

Depending on your living situation, how you manage utilities will differ.

🏠 Renters

Renters may or may not be responsible for utilities. It all depends on the lease agreement. Here are common setups:

• All utilities included – Rare, but happens in student or short-term rentals
• Some utilities included – Often includes water and trash
• No utilities included – You pay for everything separately

Always read the lease carefully and ask:
❓ Which utilities are included?
❓ What do I need to set up myself?

🏠 Homeowners

As a homeowner, you’re responsible for all utilities. That means:

• Choosing providers (where options exist)
• Paying monthly bills directly
• Managing energy usage and upgrades
• Maintaining equipment tied to service (like gas heaters or water lines)

It also means more freedom to shop around, bundle services, or make efficiency improvements.

Common Utility Bills You’ll Encounter

Here are examples of the most frequent utility bills you’ll see:

Keep copies of these bills handy—they’re often needed for address proof or expense documentation.

What’s NOT a Utility?

It’s easy to confuse recurring services with utilities, but not everything counts. Here’s what does not qualify:

• Rent or mortgage
• Cell phone plans
• Cable TV (standalone)
• Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify)
• Gym memberships
• Insurance premiums
• Lawn care or pest control

These are household or lifestyle expenses—not infrastructure essentials.

What Is the Average Utility Cost?

Now let’s talk money. What is the average utility cost you should expect?

Utility expenses vary based on home size, climate, location, and how many people live in the house. But here’s a general monthly estimate for a single-family home in the U.S.:

Tip: To stay ahead, create a monthly budget category just for utilities. This helps you avoid surprises, especially during peak heating or cooling seasons.

How to Reduce Utility Bills

Whether you rent or own, here are smart ways to lower monthly utility costs:

• Switch to LED lighting
• Seal windows and doors to reduce drafts
• Use a programmable thermostat
• Wash clothes in cold water
• Take shorter showers
• Bundle internet and cable for discounts
• Shop for competitive energy providers if available in your area

Over time, even small changes can lead to big savings.

When Are Utilities Needed?

You’ll need utilities when:

• Moving into a new rental or home
• Switching providers to save money
• Applying for ID or government aid (utility bill as proof)
• Renting commercial or storage space
• Handling estate or real estate transitions

Each situation may require setting up, transferring, or verifying services tied to the address.

What Are Called Utilities?

Let’s recap.

✅ Utilities are essential services that support home life
✅ They include electricity, water, internet, gas, trash, and sewer

✅ They’re either publicly or privately delivered and billed monthly
✅ They are not the same as rent, insurance, or entertainment services
✅ In housing, utilities are key to determining habitability, budgeting, and lease expectations

Knowing what utilities are—and how they work—puts you in control of your home, your comfort, and your costs.

Power Your Home the Smart Way with Get Home Utilities

Need to get utilities set up fast? Moving soon or looking for better rates?

Get Home Utilities makes it easy to compare and activate your electricity, internet, and natural gas services—without the guesswork.

✅ Find providers by ZIP code
✅ Compare pricing and bundles
✅ Save time, reduce stress
✅ Get connected before move-in

Visit Get Home Utilities today and take charge of your home services the smart way.