What costs are included in the prices of rented rooms?

When it comes to being an international Erasmus student, finding the right accommodation is one of the main concerns. However, booking a rented room in a shared flat with other students is a popular and affordable option for many. Therefore, it is crucial to know in advance all the costs you will have to bear and to understand what is included in the price of the rooms. By renting through a reputable agency, such as Interasmundo, you can avoid potential scams and ensure a smooth and comfortable living experience.

Costs included in the price:

When you book a room through Interasmundo, you can be sure that the community fees are included in the price. This means that you will not have to worry about paying additional fees related to building maintenance, cleaning of common areas or other shared services.

Internet:

Internet connection is essential for any student these days. At Interasmundo, we have made every effort to ensure that you have access to quality internet. The price of Wi-Fi is €40 per month, divided between all the students in the flat. In addition, upon arrival, each student must pay a one-time fee of 15€ for the installation of the network. If the flat has 4 rooms, the total cost of Wi-Fi for one student for the whole semester would be €50. If the flat has 3 rooms, you will have to pay (13,35€ x 5 months) = 66,75€, while if it has 5 rooms, the cost will be (8€ x 5 months) = 40€. Payment will be made at the beginning of each semester, in cash.

Water:

Water charges (EMACSA) may or may not be included in the rental price, depending on the flat. Generally, the price fluctuates between 60 and 100 euros every 2 months, and is divided between all tenants in the flat. Adopting consumption-conscious practices, such as taking showers instead of baths, can help save water and reduce bills Encouraging your flatmates to be responsible with their water use will also contribute to a more economical and sustainable experience. To find out if water is included in the price of your flat, you should read the descriptive text for each room on our website.

Butane gas:

Butane gas is mainly used for cooking or hot water supply, depending on the type of flat. A cylinder of butane gas costs approximately 16-20 euros and lasts about 3-4 weeks, depending on consumption. This amount is divided between all flatmates, making it an economical option for the gas supply in the household.

One aspect to bear in mind about butane gas is that Interasmundo will explain to students on arrival how to change a gas bottle, inform them of the number they need to call for a replacement, etc. Once this has been done, the students themselves will be in charge of calling the company and changing them. We recommend that there is always an extra cylinder in the flat to avoid running out of hot water at weekends, as the company does not deliver cylinders on these days.

Natural gas:

Natural gas is used in some flats as an alternative to butane gas due to its advantages and benefits, as it is a cleaner and more efficient energy source than butane gas, making it a more environmentally sustainable option.

Natural gas is mainly used for two purposes in a flat: cooking and hot water supply. In some flats, natural gas is used instead of butane gas. The cost of natural gas also depends on the students’ consumption and, on average, ranges between €60 and €120 every two months. As with other shared expenses, this amount is also divided among all tenants in the flat.

Electricity:

Talking about electricity consumption in a shared flat, it is relevant to consider that the price of electricity can vary according to the energy consumption of the students. It is common that during certain times of the year, such as winter and summer, electricity consumption increases due to the use of heating, air conditioning or fans.

It is essential to be aware of the responsible use of electricity to avoid unnecessary expenses and to maintain an economical and sustainable environment. Here are some tips for saving electricity in a shared flat:

Regulate the use of heating and air conditioning: Adjust the temperature according to your actual needs. Avoid leaving the heating or air conditioning on when no one is at home. You can also use curtains or blinds to regulate the temperature naturally.

Laundry and dishwasher: Try to use the washing machine and dishwasher when they are fully loaded. Also, take advantage of cold wash programmes to reduce energy consumption.

It is important to keep in mind that the cost of electricity varies according to the provider and the tariffs in place in each region. At Interasmundo, we strive to provide estimates and recommendations for electricity consumption, but it is essential that students are aware of their own usage and keep track of their expenses to avoid surprises on bills.

It should also be noted that some homes have electricity bills that are issued every 1 or 2 months, depending on the energy supply policies of the area. Generally, prices vary between €80 and €200 for the whole flat, to be divided between all the tenants in the flat.

In addition to the costs mentioned above, it is important to note that some of the newer and refurbished flats offer an annual fire insurance policy. This insurance must be paid for by all students staying in the flat over the course of a full year, and is usually priced between approximately €120 and €150, to be divided between all tenants. This insurance is only payable once at the beginning of each semester.

Remember that by accessing the page of each Interasmundo room, you can find more information about the costs included and the specific details of each property. If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you with everything you need to make your housing experience during your Erasmus stay comfortable and carefree.