When renting an apartment who is responsible for setting up electric, natural gas, telephone, and water service. Who is responsible for the monthly charges?

The rental agreement should explain who is responsible for establishing and paying for utility services. Generally, the landlord will establish service if the utility bills are included in the monthly rent. On the other hand, if utilities are not included in the rent, tenants are responsible for contacting the utility companies directly to establish service and paying their bills. If this is the case, the tenant may have to pay deposits to the utility companies to have service turned on.