Renting a property in Garfield, New Jersey can be a smart move—this Bergen County city offers a convenient location, diverse housing stock, and relatively affordable rents compared to some nearby areas. But whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, one question comes up again and again: Who pays for utilities? The answer isn’t always simple. Depending on the type of property, terms of the lease, and how the utilities are set up, either party—or both—may be responsible for paying some or all of the utility bills. In this guide, we’ll walk through how utility costs are typically handled in Garfield rentals, what the law says, and what to watch for in your lease. Whether you’re renting out a multi-family building or moving into a small apartment, understanding these details upfront will save you stress—and money—later. ________________________________________ Understanding Utility Responsibilities Let’s start with the basics. In any rental situation—whether in Garfield or elsewhere—utilities are essential services that keep your property livable and functional. These typically include: • Electricity (lighting, appliances, AC) • Natural gas or heating oil (for heating and hot water) • Water and sewer • Trash and recycling services • Internet and cable TV (optional but often considered standard) So who pays? The answer is often: it depends. In most cases, the lease agreement outlines utility responsibilities. But there are also local practices and laws that can affect who foots the bill. Tenants should never assume that a utility is included in the rent unless it is clearly written in the lease. Likewise, landlords should not expect tenants to cover utilities unless they’ve spelled it out explicitly. Misunderstandings here are one of the most common causes of tenant-landlord disputes. In Garfield specifically, many rentals operate under shared utility arrangements or older metering systems, which makes it even more important to be clear and up front before signing on the dotted line. ________________________________________ Local Rental Practices in Garfield, New Jersey Garfield has a mix of housing types—everything from older two-family homes and basement apartments to mid-sized rental complexes and townhome communities. That variety means utility arrangements vary widely as well. From reviewing dozens of rental listings and speaking with local property managers, here are the most common trends: • Tenants usually pay for electric and gas: These are almost always metered individually and billed directly to the tenant. • Landlords often pay for water, sewer, and trash: This is especially true in multi-unit dwellings where the property shares a single water meter. • Internet and cable are generally considered tenant responsibilities, although some landlords of furnished or premium apartments may offer them as part of the rent. In multi-family units, landlords may also include water and heating in the rent—especially if the heating system uses a central boiler or shared hot water heater. In these cases, it’s legally necessary for landlords to maintain service, so they typically factor these costs into monthly rent. For more insight into how property owners in the area structure costs, check out this guide to maximizing rental income, which outlines different cost allocation strategies for landlords in New Jersey. ________________________________________ Factors That Determine Who Pays Utilities Every lease is different, but several key factors usually determine who pays what when it comes to utility bills: 1. Lease Agreement Terms The lease is the most critical document when determining utility responsibilities. A well-written lease will clearly identify which utilities the landlord will pay and which ones the tenant must handle. Look for a dedicated “Utilities” or “Tenant Expenses” section. If the lease is vague or silent on this topic, it’s wise to ask for clarification—and get it in writing. Some leases include utilities as part of the monthly rent (known as “utilities included”), while others list specific services the tenant must initiate and pay for. Always confirm before signing. 2. Type of Property Utility arrangements can differ based on whether you’re renting: • A single-family home (usually all utilities paid by tenant) • A duplex or shared house (may involve shared meters) • A large apartment complex (utilities may be included or individually metered) • A basement apartment (often shares utilities with the main unit) In older Garfield properties, shared metering is still relatively common, especially in 2- or 3-family houses. This can lead to confusion and disputes, so if you’re a tenant, ask how utility charges are divided. 3. Metering System Properties can be metered in one of two ways: • Individually Metered: Each unit has its own gas, electric, or water meter. The tenant opens their own account with PSE&G or the local utility provider. • Master Metered: One meter serves the entire building. The landlord receives the bill and may include utility costs in rent or divide the charges among tenants. In master-metered setups, landlords must be transparent about how bills are calculated if tenants are expected to contribute. 4. Rental Duration Short-term or furnished rentals often come with all utilities included as a convenience. But for standard 12-month leases, tenants are more commonly expected to manage and pay for most or all utilities. If you’re unsure, confirm this during your apartment tour or lease negotiation. ________________________________________ Utilities Typically Paid by Landlords In many Garfield rentals, landlords cover some utility costs—especially in multi-unit buildings where separate meters are not installed. Here are the most common landlord-covered utilities: 1. Water and Sewer If a property has a shared water meter, it’s legally and logistically easier for the landlord to cover the bill. In some cases, the landlord might factor this into the rent or divide costs among tenants. New Jersey municipalities, including Garfield, often provide water and sewer as bundled services. 2. Trash and Recycling Trash and recycling services in Garfield are provided by the city and usually billed directly to the property owner via property taxes or a flat municipal service fee. This means tenants rarely deal with this cost. 3. Heating (Sometimes) If the building uses a central boiler or shared heating system, landlords are typically responsible for the fuel costs—whether it’s gas, oil, or electric. This is particularly true in older brick buildings and small apartment complexes in the area. If tenants are covering this, the lease must state it clearly, and each unit should be metered individually. 4. Internet or Cable (Occasionally) This is more common in furnished apartments, short-term rentals, or luxury buildings offering amenities. In standard rentals, tenants usually choose their own providers and handle the bills. If a landlord does offer these services, make sure you understand whether it’s included in the rent or if there’s a separate charge. For a full breakdown of a landlord’s responsibilities, you can also visit this article which outlines legal expectations in New Jersey. Utilities Typically Paid by Tenants In most Garfield rentals, tenants are expected to cover the bulk of daily-use utilities, especially those that are metered separately. This is typically spelled out in the lease. Here are the main services that tenants usually handle: 1. Electricity Electricity is nearly always a tenant responsibility. It powers lighting, appliances, devices, and in many cases, air conditioning units and electric baseboard heaters. Garfield properties are generally served by PSE&G (Public Service Electric and Gas), and tenants are expected to set up their own accounts when moving in. 2. Natural Gas or Oil Natural gas is often used for heating, hot water, and cooking in many New Jersey homes. If the heating system or stove in your rental uses gas, expect to manage that bill. Some older properties may still use heating oil, which involves scheduled tank deliveries. This should be addressed specifically in your lease due to its unique billing cycle and cost structure. 3. Internet and Cable Tenants usually select and pay for their own internet and TV providers. Options in Garfield include Optimum, Verizon Fios, and Xfinity. These costs are not considered essential utilities by law, so landlords aren’t typically required to provide them—though some premium or short-term rentals might. 4. Optional Services Additional services like security systems, streaming subscriptions, or home phone lines are almost always tenant expenses. These are considered lifestyle choices, and their costs are usually not discussed in lease agreements unless bundled in premium units. ________________________________________ Reading and Negotiating Utility Clauses in a Lease One of the most critical steps in any rental agreement is understanding and negotiating the utility section of your lease. Yet it’s often rushed through or overlooked entirely—until a dispute arises. A well-crafted lease in Garfield should clearly state:

• Which utilities the tenant must pay directly
• Any utilities the landlord will provide or cover
• If utilities are shared, how they will be split or billed
• Whether there is a flat monthly utility fee included in rent

If you don’t see this spelled out, ask for an addendum to clarify. Also watch for red flags like vague language (“some utilities included”) or terms like “tenant shall be responsible for all additional charges not listed above,” which can create confusion later. For guidance on managing lease terms and keeping things professional, property owners should check out this guide on handling tenant relationships. ________________________________________ New Jersey Legal Guidelines on Utilities New Jersey has clear laws when it comes to essential services in rental housing. According to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), landlords are required to provide:

• Heat (between October 1 and May 1)
• Access to safe and running water
• Electricity and lighting (unless contractually delegated)

Even if a tenant agrees to take on these responsibilities, the landlord is still ultimately liable if service is disrupted due to nonpayment or poor infrastructure. This means if a water line breaks or a heating system fails, the landlord must make timely repairs—even if tenants pay the utility bills. Landlords are also prohibited from: • Disconnecting essential utilities as a form of eviction • Charging more than the actual utility cost if reselling utilities to tenants • Failing to disclose how utility costs are divided in master-metered buildings Violations can be reported to the DCA or to local housing authorities in Garfield. For more on your obligations as a property owner, read Understanding the Legal Responsibilities of a Landlord. ________________________________________ Garfield-Specific Tenant and Landlord Regulations Garfield, NJ follows state regulations, but the city also has its own housing department that oversees rental properties and enforces local ordinances. These may include rules about:

• Registration of rental units
• Annual property inspections for multi-family buildings
• Utility maintenance compliance for landlords

If you’re a tenant in Garfield and believe your landlord isn’t providing essential services (like heat or water), you can file a complaint directly with the Garfield Health & Housing Department. In some cases, they may issue citations or demand immediate repairs. Landlords should also be aware that Garfield has enforcement authority for illegal occupancy, which sometimes arises when unauthorized units share utilities without proper metering or code compliance. It’s always a smart move to confirm your property meets the city’s rental standards to avoid penalties and unhappy tenants. ________________________________________ What Happens if Utilities Are Not Paid If utility bills go unpaid, the consequences can be serious—and not just for the tenant. For Tenants: When tenants fail to pay their portion of utilities (especially electric or gas), services may be disconnected by the utility company. This can lead to: • Loss of essential heating or power • Health risks during winter months • Lease violations and potential eviction If you’re struggling to pay, you may be eligible for NJ SHARES, LIHEAP, or other utility assistance programs (which we’ll cover in the next section). For Landlords: If the utility is in the landlord’s name and they fail to pay, they may face: • City code violations • Lawsuits or withheld rent from tenants • In some cases, being forced to provide temporary accommodations if a property becomes uninhabitable It’s in everyone’s best interest to clarify responsibilities up front, and maintain good communication about any missed payments. Subsidized or Low-Income Housing in Garfield If you’re renting a unit through Section 8, public housing, or other income-based housing assistance programs in Garfield, utility responsibilities may differ from standard leases. Typically, in these cases:

• Tenants receive a **utility allowance** that covers basic monthly costs (like electric, gas, or water).
• Landlords are responsible for ensuring the unit meets **habitability standards**, including heating and running water.
• The lease will be jointly approved by both landlord and the housing authority and should clearly list utility breakdowns.

If utility costs exceed the allowance, tenants are responsible for the overage. Some Garfield tenants may also receive direct utility vouchers, which must be applied to their utility accounts. It’s crucial that landlords of subsidized properties maintain all utility-related infrastructure and remain compliant with HUD inspection standards, including proper metering, heating during colder months, and safe water supply. ________________________________________ Utility Assistance Programs in Garfield and New Jersey If you or your tenants are having trouble paying utility bills, New Jersey offers several emergency assistance programs. These can help low-income renters stay current on vital services like heat, water, and electricity. 1. LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) Helps with heating and cooling costs, including past-due bills. 2. NJ SHARES Offers one-time emergency funds to cover essential utilities, especially for those in temporary financial crisis. 3. Universal Service Fund (USF) Reduces electric and natural gas bills for eligible households. 4. Bergen County Rental & Utility Assistance Program Occasionally funded with federal or state relief grants. Tenants can apply through local nonprofit housing offices in Garfield or online through the county’s website. To learn how landlords can support struggling tenants, visit our guide to tenant retention and crisis response. ________________________________________ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Who usually pays utilities in Garfield, NJ rentals? In most Garfield rentals, tenants pay electric, gas, internet, and sometimes water. Landlords often cover water/sewer and trash, especially in multi-unit properties. Always confirm in the lease. Can a landlord make me pay for shared utilities? Yes, but only if it’s clearly stated in the lease. If utilities are master-metered, the landlord must either include them in rent or show how costs are fairly divided. Is garbage included in rent in Garfield? Yes, trash and recycling are included as part of city services in Garfield. These costs are billed through property taxes and are rarely passed on to tenants. What happens if my utilities are shut off? If utilities are in your name and unpaid, you risk disconnection and possible eviction. Seek help through NJ SHARES or local rental assistance programs before service is cut off. ________________________________________ Tips for Tenants

• Ask for a copy of the lease **before signing**, and review the utility section closely.
• Find out if the property uses individual or shared meters.
• Confirm who pays for water, trash, and heating.
• Factor utility costs into your monthly budget—ask the landlord or current tenant for average bills.
• Know your rights: landlords cannot legally disconnect utilities to force a tenant out.

________________________________________ Tips for Landlords

• Make utility responsibilities crystal clear in the lease.
• Use separate meters where possible to reduce disputes.
• For shared utilities, consider a **fixed utility charge** or flat-rate billing.
• Ensure heating systems, plumbing, and meters are up to code.
• Stay familiar with local Garfield and NJ state rental laws.
• Read [this guide to boosting rental income](https://rentshieldpropertymanagement.com/how-to-maximize-your-rental-property-income/) for smart billing strategies.

________________________________________ Conclusion Utility responsibilities in Garfield rentals aren’t always black and white—but with the right information, you can avoid surprises. Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, the key is to ensure the lease clearly outlines who pays what and to communicate early about any gray areas. Being proactive helps avoid disputes, protect your property, and keep tenants happy. It also ensures everyone gets the essential services they need to live comfortably. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to local housing resources, legal aid, or your property management company to get clarity. ________________________________________ Call to Action Are you a landlord looking to simplify utility billing or avoid lease conflicts? Or a tenant wanting to better understand your rental rights in Garfield? ✅ Visit RentShield Property Management for expert guidance on lease setup, utility strategies, and local landlord/tenant compliance in Bergen County. ✅ Or check out our latest articles, including What to Include in a New Jersey Lease Agreement.