Since it has gas heat and you are in the northeast I would highlight that as well in the title.make a decision on the pets. 

Wiley Heating & Air, Inc.  770-562-555.  

My heating guy, who has the maintenance contracts for several real-estate owned PM companies, told me the other day that my rentals are by far the nicest he maintains/services, and that you wouldn't believe the quick-fixes these guys are doing to these houses and then renting them for market prices.

Electric and Heat would be separate. 

I have also seen newer houses with heated driveways to melt the snow -- this could save on snow removal and also reduce the chance of injury on the property.You could also control door locks to let service people in to do repairs etc.As for creating a selling point for tenants I think offering the ability to control lights, temperature and shades can definitely add value.

I would do now in spring before the summer heat.  

Literally, even working full time as a shift leader at Walmart or as a healthcare aid, they don't have enough income to house, heat, feed, and cloth their families.

He also said that the Heat/Hydro were $350/month, but I don't know if that's just during the warmer the summer months, etc. 

It has been getting thinner as the Puget Sound heats up thanks to Seattle, I know that much.

Throughout my college days I recall cooking burgers in the sweltering heat of a bustling restaurant kitchen.