Power and water are provided by state-owned monopolies. The Beijing Power Company provides the city with electricity, while Beijing Tap Water Company supplies most of your household water, unless you live in a district outside of the city limits. As Beijing is located in a desert, water supplies are a constant concern. The Beijing Gas Company is responsible for your natural gas, which is usually only used for cooking.

Heating is centralised. Most apartment buildings use steam radiators for heat, which is usually turned on in mid-November and turned off in mid-March. Luckily, most rooms also have their own air conditioner and heater units. Air conditioning is typically managed through these units, so electricity costs peak during the summer when they may be left on day and night.

Electricity, gas, water, telephone, and internet costs are not usually included in rent, though the winter heating fee almost always is. These fees are usually paid every other month, in cash, and often your building management company will combine all utilities except telephone and internet into one bill. It is also possible that your apartment will use prepaid cards for some services, in which case your landlord will check the meters when you move in and out and charge accordingly. Be sure to ask your landlord or agent for clear information on when, where, and how to pay these bills.