Utility Bills

Utility Bills are a recurring expense in inZOI that Zois must manage to avoid penalties. Similar to real life, these bills cover essential services and property taxes.

Overview

• Bills cover costs such as electricity, water, and property tax.
• They are issued weekly, on Friday.
• Payment is crucial to maintain household services and avoid [[negative consequences for Zois.

Responsibility for Payment

• For child and young Zois, their parents are responsible for paying the household bills.
• Adult Zois, especially those living alone, are responsible for paying their own bills.
• Sufficient Meow (income, typically from a job) is required to cover the bill amount.

Receiving and Viewing Bills

• Zois receive a notification on their Smartphone on Friday from the Tax Department.
• his notification can be found in the Messages app on the Smartphone.
• The message details:
  • The cost breakdown for utilities (electricity, water).
  • Property tax amount.
  • The total amount due.
  • The payment deadline (typically two days).
  • Potential penalties for non-payment.
• Bill information can also be viewed via the Utility Bills tab located in the top right section of the main Smartphone interface. (The "Payments App" icon mentioned in the Smartphone interface is primarily used during the payment process initiated elsewhere and is not typically selected directly by the player.)

How to Pay Bills

1. Open the Smartphone.
2. Navigate to the Messages app.
3. Select the conversation thread from the Tax Department.
4. If sufficient funds (Meow) are available, click the 'Submit Payment' button within the message.
5. The required amount will be automatically deducted from the Zoi's balance.

Consequences of Non-Payment

• Reminders and Warnings: The game provides initial notifications and reminders about the due bill.
• Overdue Notice: If the bill is not paid by the deadline (usually two days), a second text message arrives informing the player the bill is overdue and penalties will apply.
• Service Restriction: Failure to pay results in the electricity and water being shut off in the Zoi's home.
• Negative Moodlets: Zois living in a home without power or water will receive Unpleasant and Uncomfortable moodlets, negatively affecting their well-being.
• Service Restoration: Electricity and water services remain restricted until the overdue bill is paid.
• No Eviction: Zois are not kicked out of their house for unpaid bills, but the lack of utilities persists.

• Note: If struggling to afford bills, players can use money cheats available via the Psycat's Guide menu as a last resort.