When comparing two apartments, almost everyone compares the rent. Very few ask how electricity is charged. Yet that's the biggest, quietest difference between them.
Electricity in Vietnam is priced in tiers
Vietnam Electricity (EVN) splits consumption into tiers: the more you use, the higher the unit price in the upper tiers. It also distinguishes a household rate from a higher business rate.
That leads to two different ways rentals charge you:
At the actual EVN rate. The landlord collects exactly what they pay the power company. You pay for what you use.
At a fixed rate. The landlord charges one unit price for every kWh, usually above the household rate, "to cover line losses" or because it "includes management costs".
The second method isn't illegal if both sides agree and it's in the contract. But you need to know what you're paying.
How big can the difference be?
A one-bedroom apartment in Da Nang with the AC on most of the time in the hot season typically uses around 300–500 kWh a month.
Say there's a difference of 1,000 VND per kWh between the two methods. At 400 kWh, that's 400,000 VND a month — almost 5 million a year. Enough to turn the apartment that's "1 million cheaper in rent" into the more expensive one.
And this difference only shows up after a few months — when you've already signed.
Separate meter or split per head?
The second question, just as important.
A separate meter for each unit — you pay exactly what you use. It's the fairest method, and the easiest to check.
Split evenly per head — the building's total bill is divided by the number of people. If you're out all day and your neighbour runs the AC 24/7, you're paying part of their bill.
Splitting evenly can make sense in a small guesthouse with a few rooms. For serviced apartments there's no reason not to install separate meters.
Water
Simpler than electricity. Two common methods:
By volume, with its own meter — you pay for actual use.
A flat fee per person — usually 80,000–120,000 VND per person per month.
Both are normal. A flat fee is convenient; just know the amount upfront and have it in the contract.
Charges people forget
Besides electricity and water, ask about:
- Management fee — included in the rent or charged separately
- Parking — scooters and cars are charged differently
- Rubbish collection — usually small, but worth knowing
- Internet — free or extra, dedicated line or shared
- Cleaning — how many times a week, and whether it costs extra
Ask for a full list and get all of it written into the contract. A contract that only states the rent and then "other costs as incurred" is an invitation for surprises later.
Four things to do
Photograph the meters on check-in day. Make both the electricity and water readings legible, and send them to the landlord that day. Without this, you have nothing to compare your first bill against.
Ask to see the original EVN bill. If the landlord says you're charged at the state rate, the bill proves it. A transparent business has no problem showing it.
Read the meters yourself every month. Photograph them on the same day each month. It lets you cross-check, and tells you how much you're really using.
Ask about the hottest month's bill. May to August is when electricity bills peak. Ask a previous tenant or the landlord for that month's figure — it's a more honest guide than the yearly average.
Ways to cut electricity that actually work
The air conditioner makes up most of the bill. A few things make a real difference:
Set it to 26–27°C instead of 20°C. Each degree is a few percent of energy, and in Da Nang 26°C is cool enough.
Clean the filter every one or two months. A dirty filter makes the unit run longer to reach the same temperature.
Keep doors shut and curtains drawn at midday, especially in west-facing rooms.
Use a ceiling or standing fan as well. Moving air makes you feel cooler at the same temperature, so you can set the AC a few degrees higher.
At RentalFM, electricity is charged at EVN rates and every unit has its own meter. We're happy to show the original bill whenever a guest wants to check. Water, internet and management fees are all stated in the contract — no "as incurred" charges.