A worked example for separating monthly bills, move-in costs and refundable money—without treating sample figures as market prices.
Ask for the total, then ask what it includes
Two flats with the same advertised rent can have very different monthly costs. Request a breakdown for the particular unit you are considering, with a date and an explanation of how shared costs are calculated. A verbal “everything included” is hard to compare later.
- Regular charges: base rent, service charge, water, electricity, cooking fuel, internet and parking if applicable.
- Variable charges: metered usage, generator fuel or shared repairs, where your agreement makes these your responsibility.
- Moving costs: transport, installation, furniture and any clearly agreed agent or booking fee.
- Refundable amounts: keep deposits separate from spending, with written return conditions.
A worked example, not a Dhaka price estimate
Suppose a hypothetical flat has rent of ৳20,000, service charge of ৳2,000, electricity of ৳1,500, cooking fuel of ৳1,200, internet of ৳800 and water of ৳500. The illustrative monthly total is ৳26,000. Your actual bills may be very different; these figures are for practising the calculation only.
If the same example requires a ৳40,000 refundable deposit and ৳5,000 moving cost, the initial cash needed is ৳71,000 when the first month’s ৳26,000 is included. The deposit ties up cash even if it is later returned.
Check the assumptions behind each bill
Ask whether meters are individual or shared, whether a service charge includes generator fuel and whether charges change with occupancy. For LPG, ask how cylinders are supplied and stored; use current supplier information for price rather than an old advertisement.
Where possible, review recent bills with personal details covered. A bill from a lightly used flat is not a reliable forecast for a larger household. Ask what the figures do not cover.
Compare the cost of living there
Add your own commute and everyday expenses before comparing areas. A lower rent can be offset by a longer daily journey or unreliable access. Keep a margin that fits your circumstances for bills that vary.
Write down the amount, due date, payee and receipt arrangement before sending money. A platform badge does not confirm that a payment request is genuine. Recheck payment details directly with the authorised person.
Compare available homes
These guides offer general information, not a property endorsement or personalised professional advice. Examples are illustrative; confirm current costs and important details yourself. Contact the team
