Besides rent, you must pay all utility costs related to the apartment during your stay, such as:

• electricity, water, gas,

• garbage collection,

• TV and internet subscriptions,

• building common area charges and similar items.

Depending on your agreement, utilities can be:

• paid by actual consumption, based on invoices or calculations the landlord shows you, usually by the 15th of the following month, or

• charged as a fixed monthly amount, paid together with the rent.

If utilities are fixed but your consumption is very high or prices rise significantly, the landlord can charge extra for the difference or increase the fixed amount.

If you are more than 15 days late paying utilities or related costs, the landlord may:

• charge default interest, and

• terminate the contract and keep the deposit.

Some practical tips:

• At move-in, take photos of meter readings (electricity, gas, water) together with the landlord.

• Ask clearly: “Are utilities included, fixed, or by consumption?” and write it down.

• Keep records of every payment (bank statements, confirmations).

• Use heating, air conditioning and hot water reasonably.

• If you do not understand a charge, ask the landlord for a detailed explanation or breakdown.

• Report any leaks, strange noises, or problems (with radiators, water, electricity) as soon as you notice them.

Your obligation as a tenant is to:

• pay the agreed rent and utilities to the landlord, on time and in full.

If you have paid everything as agreed and the landlord has not paid the utility provider:

• this is an issue between the landlord and the provider.

• you should keep your payment confirmations and inform the landlord (and, if needed, the agency) in writing.

HomeInZagreb can help with communication, but cannot control or replace the landlord’s obligation to pay the providers.

Yes, in most cases internet and TV packages are treated as part of utilities or monthly running costs.

Your contract or property offer should state:

• whether internet/TV is included in the rent,

• whether it is included in the fixed utilities, or

• whether you pay it separately (by consumption or by a flat fee).

This depends on the contract:

• Some agreements state that fixed utilities are non-adjustable (you pay the same amount every month, no refund).

• Other agreements allow a final calculation at the end of the tenancy and a partial refund if you consumed significantly less.

Always check what your contract says about fixed utilities and any possible reconciliation at the end.

If a utility bill includes a period before your official move-in date:

• You are only responsible for the part of the bill that belongs to your stay.

• You should inform the landlord immediately and share the bill details.

• The landlord should calculate and charge only the part that corresponds to your tenancy period.

This is another reason why recording meter readings at move-in is very important.

No. The security deposit is not a prepayment of utilities or rent.

• During the tenancy, you must pay each rent and utility payment regularly and on time.

• You cannot “skip” utility payments because you have paid a deposit.

At the end of the tenancy, unpaid utilities may be deducted from your deposit

If you do not pay utilities on time:

• The landlord may charge default interest for the delay.

• If you are seriously or repeatedly late (for example more than 15 days, depending on the contract), the landlord may have the right to cancel/terminate the tenancy agreement and to use your security deposit to cover unpaid amounts and costs.

Utilities should be treated with the same importance as rent.

This depends on the model in your contract:

• Included in rent – utilities are already included in the rent. You pay everything on the rent due date.

• Fixed amount – the fixed utility amount is usually paid once per month, together with the rent.

• By consumption – utilities are usually paid once per month after the landlord sends you the bill or calculation (often around the middle of the following month, but always check your Tenancy Agreement).

If utilities are fixed:

• You pay a fixed monthly utilities amount to the landlord, usually together with the rent.

• The fixed amount is based on an estimate of normal monthly consumption.

• You do not pay separate monthly bills to providers – you just pay the agreed fixed amount to the landlord.

If your consumption is clearly excessive, or if there are major changes in utility prices (for example, energy price increases), the landlord may adjust the fixed amount if the contract allows it.

If utilities are paid by consumption:

• You pay based on actual usage, according to the bills (electricity, gas, water, etc.).

• The landlord informs you of the amounts and can provide copies of the bills or a calculation.

• You then pay these utility amounts to the landlord in addition to your rent.

It is strongly recommended that you and the landlord:

• record the starting meter readings (electricity, gas, water) at move-in, and

• record the final meter readings at move-out.

This protects both sides and makes it clear what was consumed during your stay.

If utilities are included in the rent:

• You pay one combined amount to the landlord.

• As long as you use utilities in a normal and reasonable way, there are no separate monthly utility payments.

• If you use utilities irresponsibly or excessively (for example, heating on full with open windows, air conditioning running constantly), the landlord may charge extra for the additional costs, if the contract allows it.