Zaragoza

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Utilities and Services

Sections

1. Utilities Typically Included in Rental Agreements

In Zaragoza, rental agreements can vary, but here’s what you can generally expect:

  • Fully Furnished Apartments: These often include basic utilities such as water and community fees (e.g., building maintenance, elevator costs, garbage collection) in the rent. Electricity, gas, and internet are usually excluded.
  • Unfurnished Apartments: These typically do not include any utilities, and you will need to set them up and pay for them separately.
  • Short-Term Rentals (e.g., Airbnb): Utilities are almost always included in the price.

It’s important to clarify with your landlord or rental agency what is included in the rent before signing the lease. Look for terms like "gastos incluidos" (expenses included) or "gastos aparte" (expenses separate) in the rental listing.

2. Average Costs of Utilities in Zaragoza

The cost of utilities in Zaragoza depends on the size of the property, the number of occupants, and your consumption habits. Below is an estimate of monthly costs for a typical two-bedroom apartment:

a. Electricity (Electricidad)

  • Average Cost: €50–€100 per month.
  • Electricity prices in Spain are among the highest in Europe, and costs can fluctuate depending on the time of year (higher in winter due to heating and in summer due to air conditioning).
  • Spain uses a tiered pricing system based on time-of-use (peak, off-peak, and flat rates). Choosing the right plan can help reduce costs.

b. Water (Agua)

  • Average Cost: €20–€40 per month.
  • Water is generally affordable in Zaragoza. The city has a good water supply system, and the cost is based on consumption.
  • Some rental agreements include water in the rent, so confirm this with your landlord.

c. Gas (Gas)

  • Average Cost: €30–€70 per month.
  • Gas is commonly used for heating, hot water, and cooking. Costs are higher in winter due to heating needs.
  • Zaragoza experiences cold winters, so gas bills can increase significantly during this period.

d. Internet and TV (Internet y Televisión)

  • Average Cost: €30–€60 per month.
  • Internet speeds in Zaragoza are generally good, with fiber-optic connections widely available. Popular providers include Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and MásMóvil.
  • Many providers offer bundled packages that include internet, TV, and mobile phone services, which can save money.

e. Community Fees (Gastos de Comunidad)

  • Average Cost: €30–€100 per month.
  • These fees cover shared building expenses like maintenance, cleaning, and garbage collection. They are often included in the rent but may be charged separately in some cases.

3. Setting Up Utilities

If utilities are not included in your rental agreement, you will need to set them up yourself. Here’s how:

a. Electricity and Gas

  • Providers: Major providers in Zaragoza include Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy, and Repsol.
  • Procedure:
    1. Contact the provider of your choice (online, by phone, or in person).
    2. Provide your NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero, a foreigner’s ID number), proof of address (rental contract), and bank account details for direct debit payments.
    3. The provider will activate the service, which may take a few days.
  • Tip: Compare tariffs and consider time-of-use plans to save money.

b. Water

  • Provider: The municipal water company in Zaragoza is Canal de Isabel II.
  • Procedure:
    1. Contact the water company to set up an account.
    2. Provide your NIE, rental contract, and bank details.
    3. Water service is usually activated quickly.
  • Tip: Check with your landlord if the water account is already active, as it is often included in community fees.

c. Internet and TV

  • Providers: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, MásMóvil, and Jazztel are popular options.
  • Procedure:
    1. Choose a provider and package (internet-only or bundled with TV and mobile).
    2. Sign a contract online or in-store. You’ll need your NIE, proof of address, and bank details.
    3. Installation usually takes 1–2 weeks.
  • Tip: Look for promotions or discounts for new customers.

4. Local Regulations and Procedures

  • Energy Efficiency: Spanish law requires landlords to provide an energy efficiency certificate (Certificado de Eficiencia Energética) for the property. This can give you an idea of potential energy costs.
  • Deposit (Fianza): Landlords typically require a deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent. This deposit may be used to cover unpaid utility bills if you leave without settling them.
  • Meter Readings: When moving in, take note of the meter readings for electricity, gas, and water. This ensures you are not charged for the previous tenant’s usage.
  • Utility Contracts: Utility contracts are usually tied to the property, not the tenant. If the previous tenant has unpaid bills, you may need to resolve this with the landlord or utility company before setting up your own account.

5. Tips for Managing Utilities Efficiently

  • Energy-Saving Habits: Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights when not in use, and lower heating temperatures slightly to save on electricity and gas.
  • Time-of-Use Tariffs: Take advantage of off-peak hours for electricity usage (e.g., running appliances at night).
  • Monitor Consumption: Many utility providers offer online portals or apps where you can track your usage and adjust your habits accordingly.
  • Bundled Services: Consider bundling internet, TV, and mobile services with one provider to save money.
  • Negotiate with Providers: If you’ve been with a provider for a while, call and ask for discounts or promotions. Many companies offer loyalty discounts.

6. Cultural and Practical Considerations

  • Heating in Winter: Zaragoza has cold winters, so ensure your apartment has adequate heating (gas or electric). Central heating is less common in older buildings.
  • Air Conditioning: Summers can be hot, but not all apartments have air conditioning. Portable fans or AC units may be necessary.
  • Recycling and Waste Disposal: Zaragoza has a well-organized recycling system. Familiarize yourself with the color-coded bins (yellow for plastics, blue for paper, green for glass, and gray for general waste).
  • Language Barrier: Most utility providers have English-speaking customer service, but it’s helpful to know basic Spanish phrases when setting up services.

By understanding these details, you’ll be well-prepared to manage utilities and services efficiently while living in Zaragoza. If you have further questions or need assistance with specific providers, feel free to ask!