Setting up bills when renting

Moving into a new rental property can be both exciting and a little overwhelming. Beyond finding the perfect place, understanding and setting up your household bills is a crucial step. This guide provides clear, actionable advice to help you navigate managing your bills, ensuring a smooth transition into your new home.

Understanding your tenancy agreement and bill responsibilities

Your tenancy agreement is the foundational document outlining your responsibilities as a renter. It is a legally binding contract that details what you and your landlord are accountable for, including utility bills. Always review this document carefully before moving in, and ask for clarification if anything is unclear.

Bills included in rent

While most private rental properties require tenants to pay their own utility bills and Council Tax, some rentals offer "all bills included" arrangements. This is more common in house shares, student accommodation, or some serviced apartments. If bills are included, this should be explicitly stated in your tenancy agreement. Be aware that some agreements might include fair usage clauses, meaning you could be charged extra if your consumption exceeds a specified limit.

Bills you are responsible for

Unless specified otherwise in your tenancy agreement, you will typically be responsible for several essential household bills. These generally include electricity, gas, water, Council Tax, broadband, and a TV Licence.

Essential bills for renters

Understanding the common bills you will encounter is key to effective budgeting and avoiding surprises.

Electricity and gas

These are fundamental for heating, lighting, and appliances. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity and 9,500 kWh of gas per year. For an illustrative Direct Debit household on the Ofgem price-cap default tariff for 1 July to 30 September 2026, electricity is 26.11p per kWh, with a daily standing charge of 57.19p. Gas is 7.33p per kWh, with a daily standing charge of 29.04p. Energy suppliers are regulated by Ofgem in Great Britain.

Water and sewerage

You will pay for both fresh water supply and wastewater services. Water rates are set by the local water company, which is fixed by your region, meaning you cannot switch suppliers. Payment can be either through a fixed rate or based on metered usage.

Council Tax

Council Tax is a mandatory local government charge that funds local services like rubbish collection and schools. The amount depends on your property's valuation band and local council. You will typically need to register with your local council as soon as you move in. Discounts, such as a 25% single-person discount, and exemptions are available for certain circumstances, including for full-time students.

Broadband and TV Licence

A reliable internet connection is now a necessity for most. You will need to choose a provider and package that suits your needs, with most requiring a 12- or 18-month contract. A TV Licence is legally required if you watch or record live television programmes or use BBC iPlayer.

Other potential costs

Beyond the main utilities, consider contents insurance to protect your personal belongings. While optional, it is highly recommended for peace of mind. If you are renting a flat, you might also encounter service charges or ground rent for the upkeep of communal areas.

Your step-by-step guide to setting up utilities

Setting up utilities can feel like a lot, but breaking it down into manageable steps helps.

Before you move in

Ideally, start planning before your move-in day. Research potential broadband providers and compare deals, as installation can sometimes take time. If you know your new address, you can also start to get an idea of who the current energy suppliers are.

On your move-in day

Taking accurate meter readings on your move-in day is crucial. This ensures you are only charged for the energy you use and helps avoid disputes with previous tenants or suppliers. Take photographs of the meter readings, noting the date and time, and send them to your landlord or letting agent, and the current energy suppliers.

After you have moved in

Once settled, notify existing utility suppliers of your move-in date and set up accounts in your name. For Council Tax, register with your local council. For broadband, activate your chosen service. If you are struggling to pay your bills, contact your supplier as soon as possible.

How to find your current energy supplier

If you do not know who supplies your gas or electricity, there are several ways to find out. The easiest is often to ask your letting agent, landlord, or the previous tenant. If that is not possible, you can use online tools:

• For gas: Use the Find My Supplier service by entering your postcode. This will also provide your Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) and can be accessed at https://www.findmysupplier.energy/.
• For electricity: First, identify your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) using the Energy Networks Association (ENA) postcode search tool. Once you know your DNO, you can contact them directly to find out your electricity supplier and Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN). Alternatively, you can use the What's My Supplier? tool at https://supplier.nationalgrid.co.uk/.

Managing your bills and budget

Effective management of your household bills is essential for financial stability as a renter.

Budgeting for household expenses

Creating a budget helps you understand your monthly outgoings and avoid financial stress. Typical monthly bills for energy, Council Tax, water, broadband, and TV Licence can range between £380 and £500, though this varies significantly by region, property size, and usage. For a two-person household in a 1-2 bedroom flat, average monthly utility bills (gas, electricity, water, sewerage) are projected to be around £143 in 2026.

Understanding your energy bill

Your energy bill breaks down into unit rates for the energy you use (measured in kilowatt-hours, kWh) and a daily standing charge. The standing charge is a fixed daily amount you pay regardless of how much energy you consume, covering the cost of maintaining the energy networks.

Switching energy suppliers

If you pay your energy bills directly, you generally have the right to switch suppliers at any time to find a better deal. Even if your tenancy agreement lists a default supplier, you can usually switch if you are responsible for paying the bills. Ofgem, the energy regulator, supports tenants' rights to switch.

Common questions about renting bills

Renters often have specific questions about their energy supply and support options.

What if I have a prepayment meter?

Prepayment meters require you to pay for your energy before you use it, typically by topping up a key or card. The energy price cap also applies to prepayment meters, with a separate cap reviewed independently by Ofgem.

What is the Priority Services Register?

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free, voluntary service offered by energy suppliers and network operators to provide extra support to vulnerable customers. You may be eligible if you have reached State Pension age, are pregnant or have young children, have a disability or long-term medical condition, or require power for medical equipment. Registering can provide benefits like advanced notice of service interruptions, priority in power cuts, and accessible bills. You can register by contacting your energy supplier or network operator.

What if I have a Radio Teleswitch service (RTS) meter?

The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) for legacy meters began an industry-wide phase-out on 30 June 2025. These meters are being retired and replaced with smart meters by your current supplier. You cannot complete a switch to Fuse while you still have an RTS meter. Once your supplier has replaced your RTS meter with a smart meter, you can then switch to a modern energy provider.

Managing your energy bills should be clear and easy to understand. Fuse Energy focuses on straightforward pricing, so you can see exactly what you are paying without unnecessary complexity. If you have a smart meter, you can view detailed usage data through the app or website, helping you understand how you can lower your bills. If you do not have a smart meter, Fuse Energy can upgrade your non-smart meter, completely for free. This can make it easier to track spending and make informed decisions about your energy use. Our human customer support team is always on hand whenever you need help. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out about our mission by clicking here.