Student housing and utilities escrow WI

[Joseph M.]

Hi Everybody,

I'm researching a student housing market with promising numbers (very low price per SFH, up to 4 unrelated people to rent it, respectable rents) but I see that Utilities Escrow is a common practice in the market. I am totally unfamiliar with the pros/cons of this arrangement. Given price competition, I would assume its partially a method to make the rent look lower, partially to make sure that new renters (students) don't miss utility payments so that issue is avoided.

Any tips, suggestions, practices here for Utility escrow or the issue of making sure tenants pay the utilities they are responsible for to get out ahead of those issues?