In the UK we have a somewhat idiosyncratic system of charges, supplies and taxes.

Here are some explanations in case you are baffled by it all.

Council Tax

Equivalent to property taxes in the US, it is collected by the local administration on behalf of the national administration and is charged on the property as a percentage of the market value. It is paid by who ever is resident in the home, though we try to encourage landlords to include this in the rent.

Water rates

Water is sometimes charged for at a flat rate calculated from the council tax valuation (see above) and sometimes by metered usage. We will tell you which applies to that particular property. The cost for sewage and waste water treatment is also included in this bill, payable to the local water company.

Electricity and gas charges

Due to the pressures of the market place and deregulation in the UK, gas companies can also supply electricity and electricity companies can supply electricity, both can also supply telephone services! Don't worry, it is all metered and charged by usage.

TV licence

This is an annual charge imposed by the government to pay for the two BBC public broadcast services. ITV, the other free to air service in the country, carries commercials to pay for itself. Some properties may include digital satellite or cable services, the cost of which is usually included within the rental.

Service charges

A fee imposed on the occupier to pay for the supply and maintenance of common services and accesses in multi occupancy apartment buildings. We usually try to get this included in the rent.

We make no apology here for minor inconveniences and confusion caused by British usage which says flats when it means apartments, lifts when it means elevators, pavements for sidewalks, trousers for pants, vests for undershirts, bonnets for hoods, boots for trunks, lorries for trucks, etc.