should utilities be counted in the total monthly rent amount?

[Brandon McCombs]

We have started to allow tenants retain utilities in our name but we have wondered whether the amount we add on for utilities should be counted as part of the monthly rent, especially for reasons of aligning with the security deposit. What's the fairest way to do that? I'm of the opinion that utilities do qualify as counting toward total rent, especially when considering the issue of when a tenant skips out. Then the security deposit, which would be equal to the base rent + utility amount would cover everything for the last month. I searched for this using Google but couldn't find this specific situation addressed in this manner.