Many tenants, especially foreigners, assume that the rent covers all monthly expenses In Romania, when you rent an apartment, the rent usually covers only the cost of using the space — not the monthly living expenses. These extra expenses are called “utilități” (utilities) and include several services you need to pay for separately.

What “utilities” mean in Romania

In Romania, the term utilities refers to all essential services used daily in an apartment: electricity, gas, water, internet, etc. These are usually not included in the rent.

List of utilities and what they include

  1. Electricity (curent electric) – Paid monthly based on how much you use. Each apartment has its own meter.

2. Gas (gaz) – Used for heating, cooking, or hot water, depending on the apartment’s system.

3. Water and sewage (apă și canalizare) – Charged according to water consumption.

4. Heating (încălzire) –

  • If the building has central heating (district system), the cost is calculated by the administration.
  • If the apartment has individual heating (centrală proprie), it’s included in the gas bill.

5. Internet and TV – Provided by private companies, billed separately based on your subscription.

6. Building maintenance fee (întreținere / cheltuieli de bloc) – Covers cleaning of common areas, elevator maintenance, hallway lighting, garbage collection, and sometimes water and heating if shared. The cost depends on the number of people and varies monthly.

7. Garbage collection (gunoi) – Sometimes included in the maintenance fee, sometimes paid separately to the local service.

We want each client to have a clear understanding of costs when renting an apartment in Romania. Rent usually only covers the living space, while utilities — such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and building maintenance — are additional expenses that must be considered.

Understanding these costs before signing a lease helps you plan your budget correctly and avoid unpleasant surprises. Our team is available to answer any questions regarding utilities and associated costs, ensuring a smooth and transparent rental experience.