To work out whether a flat fits your budget, add the bills you would pay each month to the rent. Being able to afford the rent does not necessarily mean the full cost of living there works for you. Before deciding, separate confirmed amounts, estimates and unanswered questions.
If you are going to view the property, take the checklist for viewing a rental flat too: it will help you check windows, heating and appliances, and prepare the questions about bills you need for this calculation.
Make a calculation you can update
Use this table to prepare your conversation with the person offering the property. Write “to confirm” wherever information is missing; a blank does not mean zero euros.
Item | What you need to confirm |
|---|---|
Rent | Monthly amount you would agree on |
Electricity | Which appliances use it and reference bills |
Gas or heating | System, billing arrangements and higher-use months |
Water | Whether it is billed separately or included |
Internet | Plan you would choose or included service |
Other costs | Which items you would be charged for and how often |
Avoid counting the same cost twice: if hot water is heated electrically, that usage will already be part of the electricity bill. Do not assume a bill is included until you have clarified exactly what is covered.
Check the more expensive months too
A spring bill may tell you little about winter. Ask about several billing periods and, if past bills are available, request copies with personal details hidden. Check how many people lived there and how much time they spent at home: your usage may differ.
Insulation, heating and your habits affect energy costs. IDAE’s household energy recommendations can help you identify what to look at. Previous usage is not a promise of what you will pay.
Fictional example: if you agreed on €900 rent and estimated €120 for utilities and €30 for internet, your forecast would be €1,050 a month. These figures are invented to explain the calculation, not market averages. Try a higher-use month too and check whether you would still have some room in your budget.
Set aside deposits, moving expenses and initial purchases separately: you need to plan for them, but they are not regular monthly living costs.
What if there are no previous bills?
Make a provisional range, ask about appliances and the plans you would choose, and leave room to adjust your estimate.
Does Rentisure confirm these costs?
Rentisure facilitates contact. The parties clarify costs and agree on rental terms directly.
content generated and validated in collaboration with AI
