I'm in maryland. has anybody paid utilities as part of a "multi family dwelling" (apt complex)?

Question

i'm about to rent an apt and i saw in the lease that the tenant has to pay 10.5 percent of utilities (except for gas and electric). has anybody heard of that and would that be a reasonable amount to pay?

Answer 1

Ask the landlord for the previous years average momthly amount.

Answer 2

It depends on how many other tenants there are. If you're paying 10% and there are 10 tenants you're paying your fair share. If there are 20 tenants, however, each one should only pay 5%.

This is done although it's not that common.

Answer 3

Your lucky - most places around here you pay ALL of your own utilities.  Any place that has some utilities paid is a plus.