Quick links:
- Your pre-move utility action plan
- Moving day checklist
- Setting up your utilities in your new home
- Why consider switching utility suppliers?
- Special considerations
- Take control of your utilities
When you move into a new place, setting up your utilities can be one of the biggest headaches. Not only can it be stressful and complex, but it can be time-consuming, too.
It’s not just the admin of setting up the bills that takes time, but waiting for installation or even on hold with suppliers all takes time. Some utilities, like gas and electricity, might only need a meter reading, but you could need an engineer appointment to be arranged by your broadband supplier, which can take 2-3 weeks!
This guide covers the process of setting up your new home’s utilities, including:
- Energy
- Water
- Council tax
- Broadband
- TV Licensing.
Find out how to avoid billing issues, minimise service interruptions, and create a predictable bill cycle, so you can start enjoying your new home straight away without worrying about any unexpected costs.
So, whether you're a homeowner or a tenant, keep reading to find out everything you need to know to make your move as hassle-free as possible.
These few steps can take away some of the stress and delays associated with setting up utilities, you’ll just need to get organised a few weeks before you move.
✅ Notify current suppliers
Inform your current energy, water, broadband, and other providers as soon as possible. This should ideally be 2-4 weeks prior to your move. If that’s not possible, aim for at least 48 hours before. The more notice you give, the better, as it will help suppliers to accurately calculate your final bill and allow you to budget accordingly.
You’ll need to take final meter readings on the day you move out and send these to the suppliers and the landlord if you're a tenant.
✅ Understand your fixed tariff
If you're on this type of energy tariff, you’ll need to find out how the exit process works. Ask the supplier if there are any additional fees or other policies to be aware of, and how these will be handled when you move.
✅ Gather information about your new home
Speak with the current owner or landlord to determine who supplies the utilities to your new home. This isn’t absolutely necessary, but it’ll help to reduce stress in that first week post-move. If this information isn’t easily accessible, you can find out suppliers from the following places:
- Gas and electricity: Find My Supplier tool
- Water: Find my water supplier tool from Water UK
- Broadband: Check the router or connection point
✅ Inform council
Find out your local council via the government website. Let the council know you're moving, either within their jurisdiction or to another area, so you don’t end up with any unexpected council tax bills. You can do this on their website or via phone. Ask them to send you written confirmation for your records.
Tenants usually pay council tax; however, please check your tenancy agreement to confirm. A typical exception is in Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMOs).
✅ Broadband planning
Broadband installation and setup can often take a few weeks, consider contacting the supplier ahead of the move to schedule an engineer visit if needed. If you have broadband in your current home, ask your provider about transferring your account to the new address. This will depend on their policies and your contract. You may also want to shop around to make sure you’re getting the best deal and the fastest internet speeds.
Tenants will need the landlord's permission if any physical changes are required for broadband installation. Usually, this isn’t an issue because it’s in the landlord’s best interest to have a good internet connection at their property.
Learn more about setting up your broadband in our dedicated guide.
✅ Research new deals
Knowing what you’ll pay for utilities each month will help with budgeting. Reviewing the tariffs and rates available at your new home is a good idea.
Another top tip for keeping track of your finances is to apply for a single bills package with One Utility Bill. Bring together your gas, electricity, broadband, and even TV Licence into one monthly direct debit payment and get a clear view of your monthly outgoings.
✅ Inform TV Licensing
You’ll need a TV Licence if you watch live TV (on Freeview, Sky or even through a streaming service), and/or you watch anything on BBC iPlayer, which includes pre-recorded and streamed television and films.
If you already have a TV Licence at your current property, you can transfer it to your new address by simply notifying them up to three months before you move. For first-timers, you can easily set up a new TV Licence online, or even roll it into your single bill package with One Utility Bill.
Get to grips with TV Licensing in our comprehensive guide.
For tenants
Check your tenancy agreement to determine what you’re responsible for paying and any restrictions that apply. If you’re still unsure, speak to your new landlord ahead of the move to save time and hassle on the day.
This is the day you’ve been waiting for. But before you hand over the keys to your old place, there are a few things you need to do to ensure a smooth transition:
Take final meter readings: This will inform suppliers (and the landlord, if applicable) of what you owe on your final bill. Take a photo on your smartphone, because they record the date and time a picture is taken, which avoids any confusion. Learn more about taking meter readings in our dedicated home moving guide.
Check supply: Confirm that the gas, electricity, and water are all working at your new home. Unsure? Speak to the past occupant or the landlord. For broadband, you may need to wait for your connection to be ‘switched on’ following a visit from an engineer.
Take initial meter readings: In your new home, locate your meters as soon as possible and take the necessary readings. Again, it’s worth photographing them on your smartphone to keep accurate records and avoid future disputes.
Locate meters and main switches: Can’t find the meter? Look under the stairs, in the basement, and in any other cupboards, or ask past occupants. Tenants will need to give the initial readings to the landlord, while both homeowners and renters should inform the current supplier to ensure the first bill is accurate.
You’re finally in! You’ve done the initial checks…now it’s time to get everything formalised.
💡 Find and contact energy suppliers
Your property will already be connected to a utility company. Even if you plan to switch, you still need to send initial meter readings.
Discover more about locating and reading your meters in our comprehensive guide to setting up gas and electricity in your new home.
As a new tenant or homeowner, you’ll automatically be put on deemed rates, which are typically more expensive. Be proactive and set up with your preferred supplier as soon as possible.
One Utility Bill makes this way easier. Create your own bills package to combine your choice of utilities - gas, electricity, water, broadband, and TV Licence – all in one simple monthly bill, and the team will handle set up for you.
💧 Set up water bill
Identify your water supplier using the Find Your Supplier tool by Water UK. Create an account with the supplier on their website, or via phone or post.
Houses built after 1990 should have a water meter, but older properties could also have one installed. The supplier will ask for an initial reading to monitor your usage. Regardless of whether you have a meter or not, you’ll get unlimited water if you opt for a bills package from One Utility Bill.
Learn how to set up water bills, read water meters, and more in our comprehensive step-by-step guide.
👉 Register for Council Tax
Inform the council of your move. If you're in the same council area, inform them of your new address. If you’ve moved to a new area, you’ll need to set up a new account.
Council tax is calculated based on a number of factors, including the location and size of your property. Students and single occupants are entitled to exemptions or discounts.
🛜 Install and activate broadband
Find out which suppliers cover your new property with this handy availability checker from OfCom. Browse deals and contact your chosen provider to book an installation date. Get exclusive broadband deals and easier finances with a bills package from One Utility Bill.
📺 Set up a TV Licence
As you read above, it’s essential to purchase a TV Licence if you intend to watch any live TV, even via a streaming service, and/or content on BBC iPlayer. If you do need one, it’s worth setting it up as soon as possible to avoid fines.
For gas, electric, and broadband, you’ll be faced with dozens of different contracts and tariffs.
You could choose to stay with the property’s current supplier, but it’s always a good idea to contact them about a better deal to avoid deemed rates.
Switching suppliers can help you find better deals and choose a plan that suits your usage and budget. You can always get Unlimited Energy, Unlimited Water, exclusive broadband deals and easier finances with a One Utility Bill package. Put your choice of utilities into one, easy monthly payment and let the team handle all the setup for you, too.
Here are a few final things to consider during your move:
🤝 For renters:
Check the tenancy agreement: This important document will clearly outline who pays for which utility in your new home.
Direct payment means right to switch: If you, the tenant, pay the supplier directly, then you have the right to choose the supplier, unless your tenancy agreement says otherwise.
Be wary of landlords charging limits: Landlords cannot earn a profit on utilities. In an HMO, for example, the landlord has to show how they calculate charges.
Record all meter readings: Take clear photos of each meter to timestamp the readings. Share these with both your landlord and the utility supplier to make sure your bills are accurate.
Get permission for alterations: Always get written permission from your landlord before installations (like broadband) that involve drilling or altering the property structure.
Understanding prepayment meter: Find out the process for clearing any debt and whether you need to revert meter changes at the end of the tenancy.
🏡 For first-time buyers:
Create new accounts: Since you won’t have any past accounts, you can set up new ones with your chosen suppliers, or get a One Utility Bill package to make things super simple.
Take control of your utilities
Setting up utilities when moving house may seem overwhelming, but with the proper preparation and knowledge, you can minimise this stress and make the process hassle-free
From taking final meter readings and notifying suppliers to setting up new accounts and comparing deals, each step you take brings you closer to settling in your new home.
Whether you're a tenant or a homeowner, planning ahead will help you avoid delays and make your monthly costs
A bills package can make your finances and your house move a lot easier to manage. Get a quote in less than 3 minutes.