Power charges

Both seem a bit high but without info on the property (size, pool etc.) hard to say conclusively, also no two tenants will use the property in the same way so utility bills can vary widely.

If the deal is formulated on you paying the utility bills separately then the landlord has no reason to tell you anything but the truth based on past lettings.

If the rent is inclusive then he/she could be using it as a way to make extra money, they will have the old bills but whether they will share them with you is another matter.

Hi Raydar,

We live in a 3 bed, 3 bath detached house with private pool - 2 adults (and 1 dog who needs the occasional shower!):

1.  Water - bills are charged quarterly and the 3 months of July, August and September is our most expensive quarter.  Our last bill was Eu 150.13 and the total for the year is Eu 522.81.

2.  Electricity - bills are charged monthly (if on a 'smart' meter).  Our September bill was Eu 71.98, but our February 2019 bill, usually the most expensive month, was Eu 156.15.  Forecasting the remainder of the year to end December, I believe our total electricity charges for 2019 will be in the region of Eu 1,200.

It's also worth mentioning that, apart from a gas fire in the lounge, we run everything on electricity, including storage units for winter heating - and electricity is one of the few things in Spain which is more expensive than in the UK.  A property that has bottled or piped gas for heating, cooking and water may be a little cheaper to run.

If you can tell us the type of property that you're looking at renting, you may get other responses specific to your circumstances.

Kind regards,

Kim

We have a two bed apartment and live here permanently, we pay around 50€ a month for electric and around 85€ a Quarter for water. I think you are being given figures that are too high, ask for a copy of the bill before you pay them.

Most helpful and thanyou for such a detailed reply 

Thanks movington very helpfu