Skip to content 
Photo for illustration. Photo from Pexels.
In serviced accommodation, bills are included in the guest’s price, so the owner or operator pays them, not the guest. That covers energy, water, broadband, a TV licence and either council tax or business rates. Under guaranteed rent, the operator usually pays the running bills while it holds the lease.
Jump to
Which bills does serviced accommodation have?
Serviced accommodation has the same household bills as any home, plus some business ones depending on how it is rated.
| Bill | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Gas and electricity | Usually the largest cost, especially in winter |
| Water | Billed by the local supplier, check how the property is classed |
| Broadband | Reliable, fast Wi-Fi is essential for working guests |
| TV licence | Needed if guests can watch or record live TV |
| Council tax or business rates | Depends on the 140 and 70 day tests |
| Music licence | Only if you play music in public areas |
See GOV.UK TV licence guidance.
Who pays the bills under guaranteed rent?
Under a guaranteed rent company lease, the operator usually pays utilities, broadband and the TV licence while it runs the home. Council tax or business rates are set out in the lease. The owner usually keeps buildings insurance.
- Esho Stays becomes your tenant under a company lease
- Rent is paid in full every month, even if the property is empty
- We list the home across major booking platforms and our direct network of more than 30 companies
- We handle bookings, guest screening, communication, cleaning and maintenance
- Regular inspections, with cleaning between every stay
- A landlord dashboard showing upcoming bookings and performance
Bills are built into the guest price. Photo from Pexels.
How can you keep running costs down?
Running costs fall with good insulation, efficient heating controls and sensible settings between stays.
- Smart thermostats with sensible limits between stays
- LED lighting throughout
- Draught-proofing and loft insulation
- Efficient appliances when replacing old ones
- A better energy rating, which also appeals to corporate clients
See our guide to preparing a property for serviced accommodation.
Should a serviced home pay council tax or business rates?
A serviced home pays business rates if it is available for 140 days and let for 70 days a year, and council tax otherwise. Small business rate relief may reduce the bill.
Read our guide to business rates and council tax for short lets.
Tips for managing bills in serviced accommodation
Take meter readings at handoverRecord readings when a lease starts and ends, so each side pays the right share.
Review tariffs yearlyEnergy tariffs change, so check you are on a suitable deal.
Budget for winterHeating costs peak from November to March, so allow for them in your figures.
Frequently asked questions
Do serviced accommodation guests pay for utilities?
No. In serviced accommodation, utilities, Wi-Fi and other bills are included in the nightly or weekly price. Guests do not set up or pay separate bills, which is one reason companies use serviced homes for staff on fixed contracts.
Does serviced accommodation need a TV licence?
If guests can watch or record live TV, or use BBC iPlayer, the property needs a TV licence. GOV.UK guidance for self-catering homes notes that a licence may apply if you provide TVs. Check the rules for your property.
Who pays bills under a company let?
It depends on the lease. In serviced accommodation company lets, the operator usually pays utilities, broadband and the TV licence, and the lease sets out who pays council tax or business rates. Confirm the split before signing.
How much do bills cost in serviced accommodation?
Costs depend on the size of the home, its energy efficiency, the season and how many guests stay. Energy is usually the largest bill. Build a monthly budget using previous bills, with extra for winter heating.
Next step
Prefer not to manage the bills?
Tell us about your property, and we will explain which bills we cover under our company lease.
