Off-Campus Housing
Student & Administrative Services Center, Rm. 1033 · (570) 320-8023 or (800) 367-9222
Paying Bills
As with the rent payments, roommates need to agree among themselves how the utilities will be paid each month and whose name the utilities will be in. We recommend that roommates split the utilities, so that each roommate has one or more in his or her name. Each roommate is then responsible for paying a share of the utilities each month to the roommate who receives the bill.
Checklist:
- Read your lease and clarify with your landlord what utilities you are responsible for paying.
- Utilities may include:
- electricity
- gas
- water/sewer
- phone
- cable
- internet
- garbage
- Talk with roommates about how bills will be paid each month; create a system
- Call the utility companies in advance of your move-in date to ensure hook-up by the time your lease begins. This is especially relevant for phone service
- Keep a calendar of payment due dates
- Ask utility companies and your landlord if separate payments are okay, or if payment should be made using one check/money order
Keep in mind:
- The people whose names are on the account will ultimately be held responsible for any unpaid balances.
- Know what type of heat you have: gas, electric or oil.