Utilities and Monthly Service Charges
There are two methods by which Housing Authorities (the "PHA") may provide utilities to Tenant's.
- PHA-Supplied Utilities, and
- Resident Paid Utilities
While many PHA's have begun requiring residents to get the utilities in their own name (Resident Paid),
Milan Housing Authority has continued to supply the utilities to its residents (PHA Supplied).
The PHA Supplied method saves the resident from having to travel to the utility company office and pay utility deposits of up to $350 to each utility provider before moving in to their apartment. Also, under the PHA Supplied method, you have a monthly utility consumption allowance and are charged only for the amount used in Excess of the allowance.
The Resident Paid Utilities option would actually be easier and less expensive for the PHA however the resident would be responsible for getting the utilities turned on in their name before moving in, paying utility deposits ($250 to $600), and paying the full amount of the utility bill each month (including monthly service charges).
Under either method the resident is responsible for the monthly service charges charged by the utility company. We believe the PHA Supplied Utility method provides benefits to applicants and residents. It reduces the amount of money the resident has to pay out-of-pocket, and insures the utilities are not disconnected for non-payment.