Why Do Landlords Include Utilities in Rent? Evidence from the 2000 Housing Discrimination Study (HDS) and the 2002 American Housing Survey (AHS)

► For about 60 percent of rental units at least one kind of energy/water utility is included in the rent. ► Including utility in the rent can be a marketing strategy. ► Utility inclusion decisions differ on the housing characteristics and neighborhood quality. ► Energy/water utility and non energy utility (amenity) inclusion can significantly affect rent.