Congratulations on getting the keys to your new home! It’s an exciting time, but there’s a lot of admin that needs to be done, and if you’re a tenant for the first time this can be daunting! 

It can be tricky understanding what you need to do, what you need, and when you need to do it.  I hope to help demystify the process of setting up your utilities with this step-by-step process.    

 Your Responsibility

Unless stipulated in your tenancy agreement that bills are included, from the tenancy start date the bills are officially your responsibility.

Setting up your utility bills in your name ensures you’re only paying for your own usage, helps you build a good credit history, and puts you in control of your household spending.

Step 1: Take Your Meter Readings

On move in day, you should take meter readings for your gas, electricity, and water. This is important because you want to pay for utilities from the day you move in, not before. 

Take a clear photo of each meter and make a note of the reading and the date. You’ll need these numbers when you contact the suppliers. Also check with your property manager or landlord as they may have done this for you. 

Step 2: Find Out Who Your Suppliers Are

Sometimes your landlord or letting agent can let you know who the current provider is, but if not, it’s easy to find out online.

https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/find-your-energy-supplier

A quick search will point you to the right place to identify your gas and electricity suppliers.

For water, the supplier is usually determined by your postcode. In Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire this a Wessex Water area, you can easily create an account on their website.

https://www.wessexwater.co.uk

Step 3: Shop Around for the Best Energy Deals

Just because your landlord, or the previous tenants were with a certain provider it doesn’t mean they’re the best for you. 

As the bill payer, you have the right to switch to a different energy provider. I always use a comparison site to see what is available in your area, they may have discounted rates.   

Websites like Uswitch, MoneySuperMarket, or Compare the Market allow you to enter your postcode and household details to see a range of tariffs and providers.

When looking at utilities it’s a good idea to use a cashback site to gain even more savings. 

I have a referral code which will provide you with £20 cashback automatically if you’re not already a member of topcashback: https://www.topcashback.co.uk/ref/miller_lettings

Step 4: Get in Touch with Your Suppliers

Once you know who your chosen suppliers are, it’s time to get in touch. You can usually do this online or over the phone. You’ll need to provide key information to get your new account set up:

• Your full name and contact details.
• The address of the property
• The date you moved in
• The meter readings you took on your move-in day.

Step 5: Set Up Your Payments

The most common and convenient way to pay your bills is by Direct Debit. This is where you give your bank details to the supplier, and they automatically take the money from your account each month.

It’s great for budgeting and ensures you never miss a payment. When you’re setting up your account, the provider will walk you through the process of setting up a Direct Debit.

And that’s it! Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be all set up and ready to enjoy your new home.

For more tips check out my Information Hub.