Unexpected Utility charges

[Ray1680]

Hello Everyone,

I recently stated in a 3 bedroom house for about 4 months with my wife. When we booked it, as it has always been the case, we thought our rental fees cover all the utility bills. We stayed in this place during the colder months from September to the end of the year and still the thermostat was automatically set it self to 50 degrees every night. We tried to keep it at around 68 degrees. We had minimal water usage not even using the showers everyday and electricity was just for the normal usage of lighting and appliance. We saw the owner multiple times during our long stay, as he came into house to water plants even when we were not there. After we left the, I received a message from the owner asking me to pay utility charges for about $460 for the 4 months period and attaching pictures of the meters which I am supposed to read and understand how much I had used. Is this normal? Why would he not tell me about it every month if this was an expense which I would need to pay extra? I would appreciate any comments that may help me with this.

Thank you all,

[Emiel1]

@Ray1680 

If the host did not mention in the listing that guest have to pay for energy costs (and also how it will be calculated), then it is not allowed to present you such bills.Also only the resolution centre can be used to charge guests for additional costs. Which gives you the option to acept or decline it.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Ray1680 as said above, unless it is clear in the listing, you don't have to pay. I also think it is a bit cheap of the host as I assume the $100/month is relatively small compared to the rental cost.

[Sofi1150]

We have just returned from Cyprus and have been presented with the same. Initially 400 Euros for 17 days stay. We are utterly stressed about this and unclear about how to challenge. The listing did say Electricity and water to be charged separately but no explanation of how to calculate. We've been sent some calculation and a picture of a water heater switch that apparently was left on which is what caused the charge. There were absolutely no instructions on our arrival either.