Setting up home: utilities, bills and TV Licence

Moving into a new home in the UK comes with a handful of utility accounts to set up - or to check are already in place. Getting this right from the start avoids surprise bills and gaps in your service.

Are your bills included in the rent?

Before setting anything up, check your tenancy agreement. Many house shares and some flats are advertised as “bills included” - meaning gas, electricity, water and sometimes broadband are covered in the rent. If so, you do not need to open separate accounts. If your tenancy is “bills exclusive” (very common in privately rented whole flats and houses), the accounts are your responsibility.

Gas and electricity

England, Scotland and Wales have a competitive energy market - you can choose your own supplier. When you move in:

1. Take meter readings on the day you move in. Photograph the gas and electricity meters with a timestamp so you are only billed for what you use from your start date.
2. Find out who the current supplier is. Check any old bills left by the previous tenant, ask the landlord, or contact the meter operator (your local network company can tell you who supplies the property).
3. Either stay with the current supplier or switch. You can switch supplier at any time and there are no fees for doing so on most standard tariffs. Comparison sites (such as those accredited by Ofgem) can help you find cheaper deals. Prices change, so any figures you see advertised today may not apply by the time you search - always check Ofgem’s current price cap guidance at ofgem.gov.uk.

Bills are usually monthly by direct debit. If you have a prepayment meter (a “pay-as-you-go” meter with a key or card), you top it up before you use energy.

Water

Water is supplied by a regional monopoly - you cannot switch water companies. Your supplier is determined by where you live. Contact them to register your name on the account when you move in. Charges are either by a water meter (you pay for what you use) or on a rateable value/standing charge basis. Check your tenancy to see whether water is included - in some houses it is paid by the landlord.

Broadband

Broadband is available from many providers on 12–24 month contracts, or shorter rolling contracts at slightly higher prices. Compare deals at the time of your move - speeds and prices vary by area. Allow 1–2 weeks for installation if a new line is needed. Many buildings in cities now have full-fibre connections that are quicker to activate.

The TV Licence

You need a TV Licence if you watch or record live television on any device, or if you use BBC iPlayer (even for on-demand content). This applies whether you use a TV set, laptop, tablet, or phone. The licence fee is a single annual charge covering your whole household - as a guide, check the current fee at tvlicensing.co.uk as it changes periodically. You can pay monthly, quarterly, or annually. Over-75s on Pension Credit receive a free licence.

If you only watch streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube and never watch live TV or iPlayer, you do not need a TV Licence. TV Licensing may contact you to confirm this; you can declare online that you do not need one.

Council Tax

Council Tax is a significant local bill but is handled separately. For a full explanation of who pays, discounts, and the student exemption, read our Council Tax guide.

Useful contacts

• Energy comparison and switching: Ofgem price cap guidance
• TV Licence: tvlicensing.co.uk
• General GOV.UK home and property guide: gov.uk – household bills