“Utilities included” sounds wonderfully simple. You pay rent, move in, and never think about another household bill.

Unfortunately, that is not always what the phrase means.

One apartment may include water and trash but leave you responsible for electricity, gas, and internet. Another may include several utilities plus parking. A third may advertise a lower rent but require you to pay separately for nearly every monthly service.

Those differences can add up quickly. They can also make two apartments with similar rents cost very different amounts each month.

If you are searching for apartments with utilities included in Verona, WI, do not stop at the listing headline. This guide explains how utility inclusions work at Regency Property Management’s Verona communities and how to compare the true monthly cost of your options.

What Does “Utilities Included” Mean?

An apartment with utilities included has one or more household services covered as part of the rent. Those services may include water, sewer, trash, recycling, electricity, gas, or internet.

Electricity, gas, internet, and cable are more commonly the resident’s responsibility, although the exact arrangement depends on the property and apartment type.

The safest approach is to ignore the general phrase and ask for a specific list:

  • Which utilities are included in rent?
  • Which utilities must I set up?
  • Which provider serves the property?
  • Does the responsibility change by floor plan?
  • Is parking included?
  • Are there any recurring fees beyond rent?

Your lease should ultimately identify the responsibilities that apply to your apartment.

Which Utilities Can Be Included in Apartment Rent?

Before comparing Regency’s properties, it helps to understand what each utility covers.

Water

Water service covers the water used in your sinks, shower, toilet, dishwasher, and washing machine.

At properties where water is included, you do not normally receive a separate water bill for standard apartment use. Where it is not included, the account or billing arrangement may need to be established according to the property’s instructions.

The City of Verona requires both the tenant and property manager to complete its Tenant Water Service Agreement when a water account is placed in a tenant’s name [2].

Always follow the instructions provided by your property manager.

Sewer

Sewer charges cover the removal and treatment of wastewater from the apartment.

Water and sewer are often listed together because sewer charges may be connected to water use. Still, they are separate services. If a listing says water is included, do not assume sewer is included unless it is also stated.

Trash and Recycling

Trash service covers the scheduled removal of household waste. Recycling covers eligible paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, and other materials accepted by the local collection provider.

At Regency’s Verona communities, trash and recycling are handled through designated collection areas. Residents are still responsible for placing waste in the correct location and following the community’s disposal rules.

Electricity

Electricity usually powers lighting, outlets, appliances, air conditioning, and other equipment. Depending on the apartment, it may also power some or all of the heating system.

Electricity use can vary considerably. The season, apartment size, thermostat settings, appliances, work-from-home schedule, and personal habits all affect the bill.

At several Regency properties in Verona, residents establish electricity service through Alliant Energy [1].

Gas

Gas may be used for heating, hot water, cooking, or other building systems. Whether a resident needs a gas account depends on the property and floor plan.

For example, residents of non-studio apartments at Lincoln Street are instructed to establish gas service through Madison Gas and Electric. At Prairie Crest and The Outlook, gas setup applies to two-bedroom apartments [1].

Do not assume that every floor plan at the same property has identical utility responsibilities. Confirm the requirements for the specific apartment you are considering.

Internet and Cable

Internet is usually not included with rent at Regency’s Verona properties.

The available provider depends on the community. Some properties offer access to TDS, Spectrum, or both. Homestead and The Outlook also have fiber optics extending to each apartment, which supports modern internet connectivity. However, residents should confirm the provider, plan, installation process, and monthly cost before moving in.

Internet availability and included internet service are not the same thing. A fiber connection to the apartment does not necessarily mean the monthly internet plan is included with rent.

Which Utilities Are Included at Regency’s Verona Apartments?

Here is a quick comparison based on Regency’s current property information:

PropertyUtilities included with rentOther major included feature
Prairie CrestNo standard household utilities are identified as included in the current property summaryAssigned heated underground parking
Lincoln StreetWater, sewer, trash, and recyclingOne assigned underground parking space
Homestead Luxury RentalsWater, sewer, trash, and recyclingAccess to extensive community amenities
The Outlook at 1000 OaksWater, sewer, and garbageHeated underground parking

These inclusions should be confirmed for the specific apartment and lease you are considering. Property policies, availability, and lease terms may change.

Now let’s look at each community more closely.

What Is Included at Prairie Crest Apartments?

Prairie Crest Apartments is located at 321 Meadowside Drive in Verona. It is an established 160-unit community near Epic Systems and scenic trails.

Prairie Crest’s most significant included cost benefit is assigned heated underground parking. While parking is not technically a utility, it belongs in your total monthly cost comparison because many apartment communities charge separately for it.

Residents are instructed to establish electricity through Alliant Energy. Residents of two-bedroom apartments must also establish gas service through Madison Gas and Electric [1].

Internet and cable options include TDS and Charter Spectrum. Residents should contact the provider directly to compare current plans, speeds, equipment charges, and installation requirements.

The current Regency utility summary does not identify water, sewer, trash, or recycling as included with rent at Prairie Crest.

Prairie Crest residents use the trash and recycling area in the underground garage closest to the garage door. Pickup currently takes place on Tuesdays and Fridays [1].

What Is Included at Lincoln Street Apartments?

Lincoln Street Apartments is located at 104 Lincoln Street, close to downtown Verona, parks, shopping, and the Military Ridge State Trail.

Water, sewer, trash, and recycling are included with rent. One assigned underground parking space is also included [1].

That combination can make monthly budgeting easier because several predictable housing expenses are already built into the rent.

Residents remain responsible for:

  • Electricity through Alliant Energy
  • Gas through Madison Gas and Electric for non-studio apartments
  • Internet through TDS

The gas requirement is important because it changes by floor plan. A studio resident may have different setup responsibilities from someone renting a one-, two-, or three-bedroom apartment.

Trash and recycling containers are located in the parking garage to the left of the garage door. Pickup currently takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays [1].

Lincoln Street also offers additional storage units for a separate monthly cost and electric vehicle charging spaces for rent. These are optional property expenses, not utilities included with standard rent.

What Is Included at Homestead Luxury Rentals?

Homestead Luxury Rentals is located at 1003 Wild Willow Way and was built in 2023.

Apartments also have fiber optics extending to each unit. This is valuable for residents who work remotely, stream, game, or use several connected devices. However, internet service itself should not be treated as included unless the lease or property manager specifically says so.

Residents should ask the Homestead leasing team:

  • Which internet providers serve the apartment?
  • Is professional installation required?
  • Are equipment charges separate?
  • Which utilities must be established before move-in?
  • How is electricity billed?
  • Does any floor plan require a separate gas account?

Homestead also provides extensive community amenities, including a resort-style pool, athlete-designed fitness center, yoga room, rooftop patio, business center, grilling spaces, and community room.

These amenities are not utilities, but they can affect the value of the apartment. If you would otherwise pay for a gym, coworking space, or recreational membership, consider whether the property’s amenities could replace some of those expenses.

What Is Included at The Outlook at 1000 Oaks?

The Outlook is located at 10017 Sweet Willow Pass in Verona.

Residents establish electricity through Alliant Energy. Residents of two-bedroom apartments must establish gas service through Madison Gas and Electric.

Internet and cable options include TDS and Spectrum. The apartments have fiber optics extending to each unit, but residents are still responsible for confirming and purchasing the service that fits their needs.

Trash and recycling are located in the underground garage in the room closest to the garage door. Pickup currently occurs on Mondays and Thursdays [1].

The Outlook’s included parking can have a meaningful effect on the total cost. When comparing it with a property that charges separately for garage parking, add that parking charge to the competing apartment’s rent before deciding which option costs less.

Why Do Included Utilities Matter?

Included utilities do more than reduce the number of bills arriving each month.

Included utilities can also simplify move-in. Every service you do not need to establish is one less call, account, deposit, or installation appointment to manage.

There are several practical benefits:

  • Fewer separate monthly bills
  • Easier household budgeting
  • Less variation in certain costs
  • Fewer utility accounts to establish
  • Simpler comparisons between floor plans
  • Less chance of missing a service setup before moving

Utilities cost is part of the overall rental arrangement. What matters is whether the total value works for your budget.

How Do You Compare Apartments With Different Utility Policies?

Start with the full monthly cost, not the advertised rent.

Use this formula:

Monthly rent + electricity + gas + internet + parking + recurring fees = estimated monthly housing cost

You should also account for optional expenses you expect to use, such as:

  • Additional storage
  • Electric vehicle charging
  • Premium internet plans
  • Cable television
  • Renter’s insurance, if required
  • Laundry costs
  • Optional parking spaces

Imagine that Apartment A has a lower rent but charges separately for water, trash, internet, and parking. Apartment B has a slightly higher rent but includes water, sewer, trash, recycling, and underground parking.

Apartment A may still be less expensive, but you cannot know until you calculate both totals.

Do not assign a vague value to included features. Use real numbers whenever possible. Ask for current parking charges, contact utility providers for typical billing information, and compare internet plans before applying.

Which Utility Bills Can Change the Most?

Electricity and gas are usually the most variable household utilities because their costs depend on use.

Wisconsin weather can make those changes more noticeable. Heating needs rise during cold periods, while air-conditioning use can increase electricity costs during warm weather.

Several factors affect energy bills:

  • Apartment size
  • Floor level and exterior exposure
  • Thermostat settings
  • Heating system
  • Air-conditioning use
  • Number of connected devices
  • Appliance use
  • Remote-work schedule
  • Length of time spent at home

A previous resident’s utility cost can be useful context, but it cannot guarantee what you will pay. Your habits and the weather may be different.

When touring, ask what powers the heating and air conditioning. Knowing whether heat is electric or gas will help you understand which account may carry the larger seasonal expense.

How Do You Set Up Utilities Before Moving?

Your property manager should tell you which services need to be active before your lease begins.

A simple setup process looks like this:

1. Confirm Your Responsibilities

Ask for a written list of included and resident-paid utilities for your specific apartment.

2. Contact the Required Providers

You may need to contact Alliant Energy, Madison Gas and Electric, TDS, or Spectrum, depending on the property and floor plan.

3. Schedule Service for the Correct Date

Make sure service begins when your lease starts. Do not wait until moving day to discover that electricity or internet is not active.

4. Save Your Confirmation Information

Keep account numbers, confirmation emails, and installation dates somewhere easy to access.

5. Confirm Internet Installation Requirements

Some internet providers may need access to the apartment. Schedule installation early if you need internet for work, study, or other time-sensitive responsibilities.

6. Ask Before Contacting the City

The City of Verona uses a Tenant Water Service Agreement when a municipal water account is placed in a tenant’s name [2]. If water is included with your Regency apartment, you generally should not need to establish that account yourself. Follow the instructions from your leasing team.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Signing a Lease?

Use this checklist when comparing apartments with utilities included in Verona, WI:

  • Is electricity my responsibility?
  • Does this floor plan require a gas account?
  • Which internet providers serve the building?
  • Is parking included?
  • Is the parking space assigned?
  • Are trash and recycling both included?
  • Where are the trash and recycling containers?
  • Are there optional monthly charges for storage or vehicle charging?
  • Are there recurring fees beyond rent?
  • Do utility responsibilities appear clearly in the lease?
  • Which services must be active before move-in?

If an answer is unclear, ask again. You are not being difficult. You are making sure you understand a recurring financial commitment before signing.

Find an Apartment With the Right Utility Inclusions

Utility policies may not be the most exciting part of apartment hunting, but they can make a major difference in your monthly budget.

Lincoln Street and Homestead include water, sewer, trash, and recycling. The Outlook includes water, sewer, and garbage along with heated underground parking. Prairie Crest includes assigned heated underground parking, while residents should confirm the handling of standard household utilities for their specific apartment.

The best option depends on more than the number of included services. You also need to consider the rent, floor plan, parking, commute, amenities, and utility accounts you will manage yourself.

Regency Property Management has been renting quality apartments across south central Wisconsin since 1980. Our team can help you understand what is included at each property before you apply.

Browse our available Verona apartments or contact the appropriate leasing office for current utility and lease information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “utilities included” mean in an apartment listing?

It means that one or more household services are covered as part of rent. It does not necessarily mean electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, recycling, and internet are all included.

Which Regency apartments include water and sewer?

Lincoln Street, Homestead Luxury Rentals, and The Outlook at 1000 Oaks include water and sewer with rent.

Which Regency properties include trash and recycling?

Lincoln Street and Homestead include trash and recycling. The Outlook includes garbage. Confirm recycling details with The Outlook’s leasing team.

Is electricity included at Regency’s Verona apartments?

Electricity is not identified as included. Residents at Prairie Crest, Lincoln Street, and The Outlook are instructed to establish electricity through Alliant Energy. Confirm Homestead’s current setup requirements with its leasing office.

Is internet included with rent?

The available provider depends on the property. Fiber connectivity is available to apartments at Homestead and The Outlook, but residents should confirm service plans and costs.

Which Regency apartments include underground parking?

Prairie Crest includes assigned heated underground parking. Lincoln Street includes one assigned underground space. The Outlook includes heated underground parking.

Can utility responsibilities vary by floor plan?

Yes. Gas setup requirements differ by property and apartment type. Confirm the responsibilities for the specific apartment before signing a lease.

Sources

[1] Regency Knowledge Base (2026). Regency Property Management internal reference covering utility inclusions, providers, parking, trash collection, amenities, and resident responsibilities.

[2] City of Verona. Start and Stop Utility Service and Water Utility.

[3] City of Verona. Refuse and Recycling.