Off-Campus Utility Guide

What is it?

Electricity powers your home’s lighting, outlets, heating and cooling systems, and many everyday appliances. It is an essential utility that supports comfort, safety, and daily routines. Understanding how electricity functions in your home can help you manage usage, avoid unexpected costs, and maintain a safe living environment. Being aware of what relies on electricity, such as HVAC systems and major appliances, can also make it easier to troubleshoot issues and communicate clearly with your landlord or utility provider when something is not working as expected.

Who provides it in Knoxville?

• Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) provides electric service to most of Knoxville and surrounding areas.
• Some properties in outlying areas may be served by other utility districts (e.g., Lenoir City Utility Board (LCUB).

How billing typically works?

• Individual properties: May have residents set up an account in their name
• Larger complexes: May us a third-party company to bill residents monthly through the property and then add it to their lease

How to start service? (if required)

1. Visit kub.org.
2. Select Start/Stop Service.
3. Have your lease start date and address ready.
4. Be prepared for a possible deposit.

Student Tips

• Expect higher bills in August and September and January and February due to increased air conditioning and heating use.
• Keep blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day and open them in cooler hours to help regulate indoor temperature naturally.
• Set your thermostat a few degrees higher in the summer and lower in the winter to reduce strain on your system and lower costs.
• When leaving for the day or a weekend, adjust the thermostat instead of turning the system off completely so it does not have to work as hard when you return.
• Turn off lights when you leave a room and unplug chargers, gaming systems, and small appliances when they are not in use, as they can still draw power.
• Use ceiling fans when available to help circulate air so you can rely less on heating and cooling systems.
• Talk with roommates early about temperature preferences in shared spaces and agree on a reasonable range that balances comfort and cost.
• Consider creating a simple plan with roommates for when no one is home, such as adjusting the thermostat or turning off lights in common areas.
• Pay attention to unusually high bills, which may signal that something is not working efficiently or that usage habits may need adjusting.

What is it?

Natural gas is a utility used in many homes to power heating systems, stoves, and water heaters. It helps keep your space warm, provides hot water, and supports cooking. Unlike electricity, which runs through wires, natural gas is delivered through underground pipelines. Not all properties use natural gas, so some students may only have an electricity bill, while others may have both gas and electric accounts.

Understanding the difference can help you manage costs and plan ahead. Electricity typically powers lighting, outlets, and electronics, while natural gas is often used for heating and hot water, which can lead to higher bills in colder months. Knowing what uses each utility can make it easier to track usage and address issues if they come up.

Common Provider

• Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) supplies natural gas service in most areas

Important Notes

• Not all properties use gas
• Gas accounts are usually separate from electric

Safety Reminder

If you smell gas:

• Leave the unit immediately.
• Alert your property’s maintenance team.
• Call KUB’s emergency line.
• Do not use electronics or open flames.

What is it?

Water and wastewater (sewer) covers water used for everyday activities like showers, sinks, and laundry, as well as wastewater services that remove and treat water after it leaves your home. This utility supports daily routines, sanitation, and overall comfort.

Understanding your usage can help you avoid higher bills, especially if charges are based on how much water your household uses. Habits like long showers or frequent laundry can add up quickly. It is also important to report leaks, running toilets, or drainage issues early, as they can increase costs and lead to larger maintenance problems.

Common Providers

• Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB)
• Other utility districts may serve certain areas of Knox County (e.g., West Knox Utility District).

How is it billed?

• Often included in rent or billed monthly through the property using shared usage
• Can also be billed separately

Student Tips

• Ask how water is divided (per person, per unit, or usage based).
• Report leaks immediately, as water bills can increase quickly.
• Be mindful of shower length and laundry frequency, as both can significantly impact usage.
• Avoid running water unnecessarily, such as leaving the faucet on while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
• Keep an eye on your bill for unexpected increases, which may signal a leak or issue.
• Talk with roommates about shared water use habits to help manage costs and avoid surprises.

What is it?

Wi-Fi provides internet access for schoolwork, communication, streaming, and everyday online activities. Depending on your property, you may need to set this up yourself, or it may be included in your rent or utilities.

Reliable internet is an important part of student life, supporting coursework, virtual classes, and communication with professors, classmates, and support networks. It also plays a role in daily tasks like paying bills and accessing resources. Understanding your internet setup can help you choose an appropriate plan, manage costs, and reduce connectivity issues. It is also helpful to coordinate with roommates on shared usage, as multiple devices and streaming at the same time can affect speed and performance.

Common Providers

• WhiteSky: Commonly used in student-focused properties
• Xfinity: Widely available cable internet
• AT&T Fiber: High-speed fiber service in many areas
• KUB Fiber: Locally owned fiber internet expanding across Knoxville

How billing works?

• Some apartments include internet in your rent or fees
• Others require residents to choose a provider and set up their own account

Student Tips

• Ask if your property requires a specific provider.
• Compare student promotions and contract lengths.
• Avoid long-term contracts unless required, as early termination fees may apply if you move.
• Consider internet speed when choosing a plan, especially if you attend virtual classes, stream content, or game regularly.
• Choose a higher-speed plan if multiple roommates will be using several devices at the same time, as shared usage can slow connections.
• Ask roommates how they plan to use the internet so you can select a plan that fits everyone’s needs.
• Place the router in a central location in your apartment to improve signal strength and coverage.
• Restart your router as needed to help resolve connectivity issues before contacting your provider.

What is it?

Covers the removal of everyday waste and, when available, the collection of recyclable materials. This service helps keep your living space clean and supports community health and sanitation.

How service works?

• Single-family homes and small units: City of Knoxville provides curbside trash pickup inside city limits.
• Apartment complexes: Trash service is usually included in rent/fees and managed by the property. You will commonly see a Valet Trash service offered at apartment complexes.

Recycling

• Smaller residential units may opt into city recycling
• Large apartment complexes are not required by city ordinance to provide recycling, but some may choose to offer it

Valet Trash

• Valet trash is a door‑to‑door trash collection service where residents place trash outside their unit on designated evenings.
• Very common in large apartment complexes
• Usually a mandatory monthly fee ($15–$30)
• Charged regardless of whether a resident uses the service

Student Tips

• Follow posted dumpster or valet trash guidelines, including pickup days and allowed items, to avoid fines or extra fees.
• Break down boxes and large packaging materials to save space and prevent overflow.
• Ask where to dispose of bulky items like furniture during move-in and move-out.
• Do not leave trash outside of designated areas or times, as this can lead to additional charges or pest issues.
• Coordinate with roommates to take out trash regularly to avoid buildup and odors
• If you live in a house or small unit, use the City of Knoxville’s address lookup tool to find your trash pickup day.
• Households located within the City limits with four or fewer units on a parcel are eligible for the City’s free curbside recycling program. Each enrolled household receives one 95-gallon recycling cart that is emptied every other week.
• To find your recycling service day, sign up for curbside recycling, and find the Curbside Recycling Guide, please visit the City of Knoxville’s recycling website.

What is it?

Pest management is the routine treatment and prevention for pests such as ants, roaches, spiders, rodents, and other common household pests.

How it works?

• Pest management is commonly included in rent at many apartment complexes in the Knoxville area.
• Service is typically contracted by the property and performed on a regular schedule (monthly or quarterly).
• Treatments may cover common areas only unless residents request service for their unit.

What students should know

• Check your lease for terms like pest control, pest management, or extermination.
• Even if included, residents are usually responsible for:
  • Keeping the unit clean
  • Reporting pest issues promptly
  • Following prep instructions before treatment

How to request service?

• Submit a maintenance request through your property’s resident portal or office.
• Emergency issues (e.g., rodents inside the unit) should be reported immediately.

When extra charges may apply

• If pest issues result from cleanliness concerns
• If service is requested outside the regular schedule
• If pets cause or worsen pest problems

Student Tips

• Move-in is the best time to report pests as this helps document pre-existing issues.
• Keep food sealed and trash taken out regularly.
• Don’t use store-bought pesticides without approval as this can interfere with professional treatments.