Utility bill from your landlord: check the balance in 5 steps

A reconciliation names the period, the building’s total costs per category, the allocation method (by floor area, occupants or metered use) and your share. Your monthly advance payments are subtracted. The result is a credit or a balance due.

1. Is the period correct and complete?
2. Are only costs included that your lease lets the landlord pass on?
3. Does the allocation method match your lease, and is your unit size right?
4. Are all your advance payments subtracted?
5. Are there big jumps compared with last year?

With Pro, ExplainThisDoc puts the balance first and explains each charge. In the example, $468.12 is due, payable with the December rent on December 1, 2026.

Rules on reconciliations depend on your lease and local law. If a number looks wrong, ask your landlord in writing for the underlying bills before you pay, and keep a copy of your request. Tenant organizations can help.

Whether a charge is unusual often only shows in comparison. Search “utility” in your archive and last year’s statement appears next to this one, each with its explanation. Note your questions for the landlord right on the statement.