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
British thermal unit-a unit of energy associated with the creation of heat. Prior to 1929, it was defined as the amount of heat required to raised the temperature of 1 pound of water 1 ...
Method of construction where vertical siding is attached to a horizontal framing structure. Often found in the design of agricultural buildings. ...
The definition of a property brief is a document including the summarization of the attributes and characteristics of the property. Officially issued legal records are supposed to include ...
Study of real estate activities including demand, price, location influence, and current trends. ...
A method of brick construction where the bricks are laid with their sides facing outward. ...
A developer is a person that designs or creates something that could be a concept, structure, product or service. An idea can be turned into something real, tangible and the person that ...
Act of postponing a closing for another day or place. Adjournments of closing can occur for a variety of reasons including the lack of an appropriate closing statement, one or more parties ...
Market analysis method where sales of similar properties in proximity neighborhoods are compared. The comparable sales methodology is extremely useful if the properties being compared are ...
Property deed in which the grantor limits the title warranty to the grantee. A grantor does not warrant a title defect to the property occurring from a happening before the time of his ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.