People move into houses for many reasons. Some desire the privacy that apartment-living lacks. Some prefer to raise their families in a house with a yard rather than in an apartment building. Others want the benefit of homeownership. People choose to rent or purchase homes. The primary bill that someone renting a house pays is the rent. The primary bill that someone purchasing a house pays is the mortgage. There are, however, other bills that come with living in a house.
Utilities
Most home renters and all homeowners pay their utility bills. Common utility expenses include electricity, natural gas and water expenses. Electricity or natural gas powers appliances and can provide heat. Paying the water bill keeps the toilet flushing and the water running in the sink.
Home Insurance
Both home renters and homebuyers need to pay for insurance to protect their assets. Mortgage companies require homebuyers to purchase homeowners insurance. If the house suffers irreparable damage, such as by fire, the insurance company pays the mortgage company for the amount owed on the mortgage. The insurance company pays the remaining benefit amount to the homeowner. Homeowners insurance also protects the homeowner from liability claims when someone becomes injured on the property. Both renters insurance and homeowners insurance protect the home dweller after vandalism or theft and reimburse the home dweller for the loss.
Outdoor Responsibilities
Home dwellers are responsible for maintaining their outdoor property, including snow removal or lawn care. They can pay for supplies and equipment to do the work themselves or they can hire someone else to do it.
Trash Pickup
Many cities require residents to manage their own trash disposal. Home dwellers must coordinate their own trash pickup service, either by hiring a trash collection service or disposing of their own trash. Trash collection companies schedule trash pickup for their clients on specific days and transport the trash to the city dump. These companies bill their clients monthly for the service. In some communities, the trash bill is an annual fee paid to the municipality.