Always include everything in the rent. You’ll avoid arguments about who owes what for utilities, or who watches the cable TV more. Cancel long distance, get a phone card, and just have local service. When utilities get too high, raise the rent. Just don’t be tempted into “share” arrangements for anything.
While others were fighting with landlords and roommate-friends, my renters stayed for years. They had no household bills to pay, and no money issues for us to argue about. They payed weekly or bi-weekly, according to their paydays, so they wouldn’t even have to budget for monthly rent.
