Question about Housing Allowance

Hi,

I just got a university contract that will give me a 10K/month housing allowance. I have been looking at apartments in the area and noticed that most are either 8K-ish or 12K-ish.


Can I make a deal with the rental agreement to pay $10K/month inclusive of utilities or is this verboten (i.e. illegal). Can any utilities (such as water) be covered by housing allowances?


2nd question, are serviced apartments (which typically cover most utilities) allowed under university housing allowances? (As you know, serviced apartments are a very appealing option for overworked, sleep-deprived individuals who can't afford regular domestic help).


Thanks.

I don't know why but when I was looking the prices seemed to be as you are finding 8 or 12, 15 or 20 and nothing in between. In reality everything is negotiable to a certain degree it just depends on the individual land lord. My rents have always been exclusive of utilities, I expect because they are so variable esp. electricity due to the costs of air conditioning. Serviced apartments tend to be inclusive of everything but no idea if your uni would accept one, plenty of companies do. One thing to consider in your negotiations is the set up costs involved if you rent a regular place ie: 3.5 months rent (.5 to the agent, 1 month in advance, 2 mths deposit) and the depositis needed for ultities - from memory my power, water and phone/tv/internet combo were $800 - $1200 each.


Good luck

Hi Marigold,


I'm not entirely sure what you're asking. It is very unlikely that any landlord will agree for the rent to cover any utilities, since they don't know how much the utilities are going to cost. But it may be possible for your housing allowance to cover utilities - this is for you to negotiate with the university.


There is nothing illegal about a housing allowance being used for a serviced apartment. Again, and as allynz says, this is for you and the university to agree on.


Remember, though, that serviced apartments are usually a lot more expensive than regular apartments. Of course they do have the advantage of being fully furnished, and being cleaned on a regular basis. Sometimes not all utilities are included.