Utilities for temporary rental

[Caitlin Worrell]

I am currently house hacking. I’m going to be out of town for 4 months this fall and hope to rent my unit furnished. For simplicity’s sake, I am considering rolling the utilities (water, gas, electric, internet/cable) into the rent. Also, the gas bill is spilt on a square footage basis with the upstairs tenant. At the same time, I am worried that “free” utilities will mean the heat is kept at a tropical level or they’ll make a ice rink in the back. Does anyone have strategies to mitigate this? A clause with utilities included up to a cap? Any advice would be appreciated.