Updated October 2026
In short: a bills-included studio rolls rent, energy, water, broadband and often council tax into one monthly payment. For many renters, especially people new to London, students and professionals on short assignments, that predictability is worth paying a little extra for. The key is knowing exactly what's included and checking the price stacks up against renting a studio and paying the bills yourself.
What "bills included" should cover
There's no fixed definition, so always get it in writing. A full bills-included studio typically covers:
- Electricity and gas (or electric heating and hot water)
- Water and sewerage
- Broadband (check the speed)
- Council tax, sometimes, so ask specifically
- TV licence, occasionally
- Building maintenance and communal cleaning
Some tenancies include a fair-use cap on energy, with extra charges if you exceed it. Ask what the cap is and how it's measured.
Is it good value?
To compare, add up the rent on a similar studio without bills plus typical costs for energy, water, broadband and council tax in that borough. A one-person studio is relatively cheap to heat, but council tax alone can be well over £100 a month in many London boroughs. If the bills-included premium is close to what you'd pay separately, the convenience and budgeting certainty usually win.
Who bills-included studios suit
- New arrivals in London who don't want to set up multiple accounts
- Students and graduates who want one fixed cost
- Contractors and professionals on assignments of a few months
- Anyone on a tight budget who wants protection from energy price changes
What to check before you sign
- Is it a tenancy or a licence? Most self-contained studios are let on assured tenancies with full renters' rights, but some serviced or co-living units use licences with fewer protections.
- Size and layout: studios vary hugely. Check the floor area and whether the kitchen and bathroom are genuinely separate from the living space.
- Safety documents: gas safety certificate (if there's gas), electrical safety report, EPC and smoke alarms.
- Deposit: capped at five weeks' rent and protected in an approved scheme within 30 days.
- Licensing: some London boroughs require landlords to hold a licence. You can check the council's public register.
Your rights under the 2026 rules
Since 1 May 2026, new tenancies in England are rolling periodic tenancies, rent can only rise once a year with proper notice, rent in advance is capped at one month, and landlords can't refuse tenants simply because they receive benefits or have children. These protections apply to bills-included tenancies just as they do to standard ones.
Making a studio work
- Choose furniture that does two jobs: a sofa bed, an ottoman with storage, an extendable table
- Use vertical storage and the space under the bed
- Zone the room with rugs, lighting or an open shelving unit
- Keep the kitchen area clear to make the whole room feel bigger
How Fraser Bond helps
Fraser Bond lets studio flats across London, including bills-included options in well-connected areas. Tell us your budget, preferred location and move-in date and we'll send suitable studios with a clear breakdown of exactly what's included.
Find a bills-included studio with us →
Frequently asked questions
Is council tax included in bills-included rent?
Sometimes, but not always. Ask the landlord or agent to confirm in writing.
Can the landlord charge me extra for energy?
Only if your agreement includes a fair-use cap and you exceed it. Check the cap before signing.
Is a bills-included studio more expensive?
The rent is higher, but the total monthly cost is often similar to paying bills separately, and you avoid price surprises.
