What Utilities Should Landlords Pay in Houston?

Utility responsibility varies by property type and local requirements. Getting this right affects your cash flow and is an important detail in your Houston lease agreement.

• Single-family homes: Tenants typically pay all utilities — electric, gas, water/sewer, and internet. The landlord is usually only responsible for trash if the city or HOA mandates it.
• Multi-family properties: If units have individual meters, tenants pay their own utilities. If the building has a master meter (common for water in older Houston duplexes), the landlord pays and can factor the cost into rent or use a RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System) to allocate costs.
• Houston-specific consideration: Electric bills in Houston can reach $200–$400/month during summer. Landlords who include electricity in rent should set it for an above-average month or cap usage in the lease.
• Yard maintenance: Specify in the lease whether the tenant or landlord handles lawn care. In HOA communities, an unkempt yard generates violations and fines that often fall on the owner.
• Vacancy utilities: Budget for landlord-paid utilities during vacancies. Keep the AC running at 80°F in summer to prevent mold and humidity damage, a real risk in Houston's climate.

Bottom Line

For Houston SFH rentals, have tenants pay all utilities and specify this clearly in the lease. For multi-family, invest in individual metering if possible — it eliminates disputes and makes tenants accountable for their usage.