The advertised rent is rarely the full monthly cost. These are the common extra charges in Dhaka buildings and how to confirm each one before you sign.
Why rent is not the whole cost
Many Dhaka listings quote only the base rent. Service charge, utilities and shared building costs can add a significant amount every month, and they vary a lot between buildings. Ask for a written list of every regular charge before you compare flats.
Service charge
Service charge usually pays for guards, a caretaker, cleaning of common areas, lift maintenance and common-area electricity. Ask exactly what it includes, whether it has changed recently and who decides it. In apartment buildings an owners' association often sets it.
Motor bill, water, generator and parking
Some buildings charge separately for running the water pump (the 'motor bill'), for generator backup during power cuts or for parking.
- Water: a fixed share, or metered per flat?
- Pump or motor: a fixed monthly amount?
- Generator: which lights and sockets are covered, and at what cost?
- Parking: included in rent or charged separately?
Gas and electricity
Ask whether gas comes through a piped line with a fixed monthly bill, a prepaid meter, or cylinders you buy yourself. Electricity is usually prepaid or postpaid per flat; ask for recent bills to see a realistic average, especially for summer months with air conditioning.
Put every charge in writing
Add the full list of monthly charges and who pays each one to your agreement or a signed note. Then compare flats on total monthly cost, not rent alone; the monthly cost calculator on each BariViews listing helps you add it up.
Compare homes on total monthly cost
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
