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
Are you planning on buying a house? If you are, you’re going to love the Buyer's Market definition. But if you are a home seller, you will wish that term never comes up again in your ...
Process of the borrower giving the lender security to obtain the loan. ...
Statutes stipulating that the property of deceased individuals is distributed in a way that assumes that property during marriage is jointly owned and equally shared by the spouses ...
An interim or provisional court decree, which is not final and can be reversed or amended, normally issued to direct additional proceedings prior to issuing a final decree. For example, an ...
Classification of one's ownership rights in land. One way either buy the land and own all rights to it or lease it where one's rights are described in and limited by the lease agreement. ...
Time interval between buying a real estate investment and selling it. A sound way to determine the return from a real estate investment is over its life. For example, if land was bought on ...
Expenditures incurred to initially purchase property, including incidental costs necessary to put the property into existing use and location. This cost is then depreciated over the assets ...
Also called the Rule of the Sum of the Digits. An approach that bank use to formulate a loan amortization schedule. It results in a borrower paying more interest in the beginning of a ...
Document evidencing the passage of title to a purchaser of property sold for taxes. The tax deed is issued upon foreclosure of the property lien. Typically, there is a grace time period ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.