Rent & fees
Can my landlord make me pay utilities for the whole building?
Only if your lease clearly says so and your state or city allows it. Many places permit landlords to divide a shared bill by formula, but some restrict it or require disclosure up front.
In older buildings with one meter, landlords sometimes bill tenants a share of water, sewer or trash using a formula based on square footage or occupants. This is often called a ratio utility billing system.
A charge that only appears after you move in, or that is not in your lease, is hard to enforce. Some states require separate meters for new buildings or cap what can be passed on.
Ask for the billing method and a copy of the actual bill before you sign, and factor the cost into what the apartment really costs per month.
Do something about it
The True monthly cost calculator turns this answer into action.
General educational information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and city and change over time - for a specific situation, contact a local tenant-rights organization.