Ben and his housemates signed a lease for an apartment for 12 months for $563 per month of which Ben agreed to pay $215 per month. Which of the following statements best gives the reasons that Ben’s rent payment is an essential (fixed) expense?

A fixed expense stays the same from month to month. Ben agreed to pay $215 each month for the 12-month lease, so his rent payment is fixed. Choice D gives this reason; choosing an apartment may affect the rent amount, but it does not explain why the payment is fixed each month.

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