Utilities
Heat, hot water and trash removal are always included in rent for all residents. For information about gas and electricity, please review the information below.
Gas & Electricity
Electricity and cooking gas are included in the rent for students who live in apartment shares or dorms, and most students in private, couple and family apartments. The inclusion of utility charges in rent typically saves student residents $100-$200 per month, depending on the size of the unit.
Residents who do not have service should reach out to their building super for assistance.
Heat & Hot Water
Building owners are legally required to provide heat and hot water to their residents. Hot water must be provided 365 days per year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat must be provided between October 1 and May 31. You may review the Columbia Residential Heat & Hot Water Policy for more information.
Internet, Cable and Phone
Columbia University Information Technology (CUIT) provides internet service for most Columbia Residential buildings. This service, known as ApartmentNet, is available in over 100 buildings wired with Ethernet jacks in every apartment. For a list of wired buildings, please visit the Morningside Heights Wired ApartmentNet Buildings page. Residents in these buildings will need to bring their own router to set up a personal Wi-Fi network.
In student apartments in select buildings, Wi-Fi is provided. For the list of buildings, review Internet and Cable. Residents in these buildings may contact [email protected] to troubleshoot service issues.
Residents in units not equipped with an internet connection will need to contact an outside internet service provider (e.g. Spectrum, Verizon, etc.), through which phone and cable TV services are also available.
Phone and cable TV services are not provided, though most apartments are wired for cable. Residents who wish to obtain these will need to contact an outside internet service provider (e.g. Spectrum, Verizon, etc.).
For more information, review Internet and Cable.
Electricity and cooking gas are typically not included in the rent for faculty, staff and postdocs.
Residents whose utilities (electricity and cooking gas) are not included in the rent must make arrangements with Con Edison for service prior to moving in. Information about whether these utilities are included in the rent is available in the Housing Portal in the housing assignment, and on the housing agreement. Questions concerning the gas and electric bill should be addressed to Con Edison. If residents experience problems or delays in getting gas and electric service turned on, please contact us.
Please review FAQ | Utilities for Faculty, Staff & Postdocs for helpful information and useful tips!