Definition of "Utility"
In order to determine what is the definition of utility, we only need to look at what the term comes from. The word utility can be used to describe something useful and when looking at what is utility in real estate we see amenities that provide functionality and the actual ability to use properties based on our modern lifestyle. Thus, utility is an additional service that is required so that the property can be fully functional. These services are paid on a monthly basis and include services such as electricity, natural gas, air conditioning, sewage, water, trash, and, based on the evolution of modern living needs, sometimes internet and cable as well.
In other words, the term utility covers services provided to a parcel of land by public utility companies, such as gas, water, electricity.
Why are Utilities Important in Real Estate?
Whether you are interested in rental properties or are looking to purchase a home, the cost of utilities can tell us a lot of things. When the landlord determines the price they charge tenants for rentals, they keep in mind the cost of utilities because these monthly expenses influence your return on investment and profit. Utilities can also be offloaded to the tenant, making them responsible for the monthly costs from gas, electricity, water, etc. However, by not passing the utilities responsibility, they make sure that all the bills are paid on time.
Utilities in Commercial Real Estate
Regarding commercial real estate, utilities are included in the operating expenses as they are paid out-of-pocket and impact the Net Operating Income (NOI). These costs are split between the multiple commercial tenants through the pro-rata method and come as a cost added to the monthly rent. The cost of utilities and other operating expenses is split based on the square footage of the space rented for common areas. Otherwise, and mainly if it can be determined how much each renter spends, they each pay the amount of water, gas, and electricity they use.
Popular Real Estate Terms
model depicting on paper what a structure physically looks like. The dimensions are draw on a proportionate basis to the real thing. An example is a scale of an existing or proposed office ...
Index of the costs to construct residential properties. ...
Unincorporated combination (roll-up) of limited partnerships in a real estate together as a group. It is usually more comprehensive, financially sound, and marketable than individual ...
Method of selling and obtains possession, but the seller retains the title. ...
Number of times a given amount of capital assets turn over to generate sales over a given period of time. ...
Building with large unpartitioned floors areas often used for storage. ...
Partial fulfillment. Pro tanto is normally used in relation to the partial satisfaction of a claim. For example, a pro tanto settlement in an eminent domain action will not prejudice any ...
A municipal or county local government board that resolves zoning disputes. ...
percentage of land that may be used productively to the total square footage of the land. For example, if total square footage is 40,000 but only 30,000 square feet may be built upon ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.