When you’re in the process of moving into a new rental property, one of the first things that you need to get squared away as soon as possible is your utility services. But if it’s your first time doing so, knowing how to set up utilities when renting can be a bit confusing. To help you with this process, here’s a step-by-step guide on how tenants can set up utilities when renting. Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
- Understanding which utilities you’re responsible for, as indicated on your lease, is key to knowing how to set up utilities while renting.
- The process of setting up utilities revolves around contacting local providers, scheduling turn-ons, and ensuring that addresses are in order.
- It’s critical to verify that all services are connected and functional before you move into your new place.
Look at Your Lease
We know that moving into a new rental can be enthralling. You’ve spent a lot of time and effort working with rental home companies to find that perfect home that you have long dreamed of. However, securing a lease is only one thing. To make sure that you’re move-in ready, you need to ensure that the rental is connected to all the necessary utility services.
The very first step in setting up utilities for a rental property is to review your lease to understand what exactly your responsibilities are. Generally, your rental lease agreement outlines which utilities you’re responsible for, which most commonly include electricity, gas, water, sewer, and sometimes trash collection, which is often handled by the landlord in multi-unit properties, but requires tenant setup in single-family rentals, and, at times, internet and cable connections.
In some cases, it can also say if utilities are included in the lease agreement, all of it, or at least some. Keep in mind that rentals with utilities included come with their pros and cons. While you have more liberty to use utilities as you please, as well as avoid activation and connection fees, you’re most likely to pay more for this convenience. Not to mention that some landlords may even put a limit on your heating and cooling usage.
Get the Information of Local Providers
Once you’ve clarified what your responsibilities are, the next step in setting up utilities is to conduct your research on local utility service providers and determine which one best fits your needs. You can ask your landlord or property manager about their recommended utility companies. However, it’s a better practice to know your options for certain services.
For example, in Austin, TX, you can choose from several Retail Electric Providers (REPs), which are the companies that sell you electricity in the deregulated market. But the local utility Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU), which is responsible for the actual delivery, wires, and outages, is determined by your location and cannot be chosen. Water and sewer services are typically handled by Austin Water (within city limits), while gas is generally covered by the Texas Gas Service. If the internet and cable are not yet included in your lease, you also have a bunch of options that you can choose from, including Spectrum, AT&T Fiber, and Starlink.
Call and Schedule for the Transfer/Turn-On
After choosing which companies will provide your utilities, you need to contact them to schedule the transfer or activation of services. Arguably, this is the most tedious step in the process of setting up utilities when renting, as you must coordinate times and dates with each service provider.
To do so, reach out to each company via call or online account setup. If you want to be more hands-on, you can inquire personally through an in-person appointment, if it’s available. In this step, you can learn more about their services, ask about deposits, and confirm the dates for service transfer or turn-on near your target move-in.
Keep in mind that there are different lead times for each service. We suggest scheduling the transfer or service turn-ons at least a week before you plan to move in. Specifically, the ideal timeline for electricity is to have it activated on the same day or the next day, and at least a day or two for water and gas services. Typically, internet and cable services take the longest to set up, so allocate at least a lead time of one week or two from your target move-in date.
Update Address and Pay Deposits
To finalize your transaction, you need to give your information to the service providers. Specifically, you need to provide your name, contact information, and your service and mailing addresses. A key note to remember is that, while the service and mailing address are typically the same, it’s best to have the first bill sent to your current address (before you move into your new place) so that you don’t miss any important mail, as well as prevent missed bills or unpaid notices.
Once your record with the service company is all settled, they will require a deposit to open your new account, ranging anywhere from $50 to $150. This deposit may be waived if you have a good credit history, or you may be able to use a letter of credit from a previous utility company instead of paying a deposit. In some cases, the deposit will simply be added to your first billing, so be sure to clarify this with your service provider. At the same time, your service provider may ask you to set up your online account to make future transactions easier.
Verify Services on Move-In Day
The last step of setting up utilities is to verify that you’re connected to all the services that you need. Before you start unpacking your stuff, do a quick run-through to ensure that everything is not only available but is functioning properly.
For the electricity, you need to go room to room flipping light switches and testing every outlet to make sure that power is running throughout the property. As for the water, turn on faucets and check if there’s adequate pressure, even with multiple faucets running. Aside from that, test if there’s hot water and if the temperature is high enough. Otherwise, you need to report this to your landlord and have it fixed since it affects the property’s habitability.
On top of checking your connections and services, you need to document everything that you notice during the property walkthrough. Take photos and videos (noting the time and date) and contact the utility provider to let them know of the issue. It is also best to notify your landlord or property manager so that they are aware of the situation.
Plan Your Move with Bay Property Management Group
In terms of how to set up utilities when renting, you need to carefully review your lease to determine which services (like electricity, water, or gas) you are responsible for activating. Then, you should contact local service providers in advance to schedule the transfer or turn-on dates. At this point, you should share any necessary information and pay any deposits they require of you. Finally, you should verify all your services are working properly by checking the lights, the water pressure, and other connections on or before your move-in day.
Need a rental that will help you make the most of your rental? Partner with a home property management company, like us at Bay Property Management Group! We can recommend reliable service providers in the area, potentially coordinate between parties if there’s any delay, give you tips on how to minimize your usage and bills, and more. Interested? Don’t wait any longer. Look at our listings today!