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Do you have to sign up for water, gas and electricity before you move into your rental home?
Moving into a new rental home in London, having just relocated from overseas, is an exciting experience, but there’s a less thrilling, yet essential, aspect: admin. Not least signing up for gas, water and electricity. After all, you’ll want to ensure you can cook, shower and charge your mobile phone once you’ve moved in.
Unlike New Zealand, Australia, Canada and parts of the US, in the UK utilities are not cut off when tenants move out of a rental property. Providers usually maintain services to the property, and the responsibility for paying for these utilities transfers from one tenant to the next.
Therefore, as a new tenant in London, you have a choice when signing up for these utilities: you can do it before or after you move into your rental home. This makes the moving process less stressful, as you can do what works best for you.
What you’ll learn in this quick guide
- What happens to utilities during a change of tenancy
- When you can sign up for utilities
- How to sign up for utilities
Review your tenancy agreement
Before doing anything, review your tenancy agreement to see if utilities are included in the rent. Landlords sometimes offer this to ensure bills are paid on time, particularly in shared accommodations, but this is not typically the case.
During a tenancy change
When the previous tenant moves out, the landlord or letting agent should notify the utility providers and provide final meter readings, allowing a final bill to be issued.
The landlord or letting agent typically ensures utilities remain active during this vacant period, which is helpful for maintenance and viewings. Utility companies also prefer service continuity as cutting off and reconnecting utilities can be disruptive and costly, making it easier to change the account holder details. This arrangement makes the transition smoother for landlords and new tenants.
Contact utility providers
Contact the current energy and water suppliers for your new home to inform them when you’re moving in or that you’ve moved in, so you can register and take over responsibility for the bill. They will automatically place you on a ‘deemed contract’ – this applies their ‘default’ or ‘standard variable’ tariff. When contacting your local water company to set up your account confirm if the rates are fixed or metered.
Take water – if applicable – gas and electricity meter readings the day you move in and give them to the current supplier so they can give you an accurate first bill.
FAQs
Should I shop around for cheaper providers?
Once you’ve set up accounts with the existing energy providers, it’s worth comparing tariffs and switching to a cheaper provider. However, water services are regionally monopolised meaning you cannot change supplier.
Who is responsible for setting up utilities in a rental property?
The tenant is generally responsible for setting up utilities unless your rental agreement states otherwise. Review your tenancy agreement first.
When should I set up utilities?
Set up your utilities as soon as your tenancy begins. Contact each provider as close to your move-in date as possible to avoid disruptions.
What information do I need to set up my utilities?
You’ll typically need to provide:
- Your address
- The meter readings on your move-in date
- Bank details for direct debit (optional)
- A recent bill if staying with the existing provider
What if the property has prepayment meters?
Contact the current supplier immediately if the property has a prepayment meter for energy or water services. Refrain from using a key or card or putting money on the meter until you’ve contacted the supplier as you risk paying extra for debts owed by previous tenants.
How much will it cost?
Want to know how much you should budget for utilities? Use our helpful calculator below to work out your cost of living in London:
Sources
Consult with Simply London
As part of our settling-in service, we can help set up your utilities, internet, and council tax once you’ve found your ideal home in London. We can also help arrange personal registrations – like mobile phone and UK SIM card, bank account, National Insurance number and doctor – so you can focus on enjoying your new life in London. Contact us today to learn how we can help make your move to London smooth and stress-free.
We’ve helped so many people relocate and settle into their new home in London, find out what some of them have to say about our services here.
Article published 22.01.2025
