Setting up bills when renting

Moving into a new rental property in the UK means navigating various household bills. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to confidently set up and manage all your household expenses.

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. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Understanding your bill responsibilities as a renter

When you rent a property in the UK, understanding who is responsible for which bills is crucial. Your tenancy agreement is the primary document outlining these responsibilities, distinguishing between what the landlord covers and what falls to you, the tenant.

What bills are tenants responsible for?

As a tenant in the UK, you are typically responsible for utility bills such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as Council Tax and the TV Licence. These are usually paid directly to the respective providers.

Checking your tenancy agreement

Your tenancy agreement is a legally binding document that specifies your obligations regarding household bills. It will clearly state which bills are your responsibility and whether there are any restrictions, such as a landlord's preferred energy supplier. Always review this document carefully to avoid misunderstandings.

Landlord versus tenant responsibilities

In most rental arrangements, the tenant is responsible for setting up and paying for the energy supply, receiving bills, and managing the accounts directly. If you pay your energy supplier directly, you generally have the right to switch, even if your tenancy agreement states a preferred supplier. However, if energy bills are included as part of your rent, or if your landlord pays the supplier directly and then recharges you, you will not be able to switch suppliers yourself.

Setting up essential utilities and services

Once you understand your responsibilities, the next step is to set up the necessary accounts for your new home.

Electricity and gas: your first steps

On your move-in day, take accurate meter readings for both gas and electricity. Photograph the meters as proof. Contact the existing energy suppliers for your property to provide these readings and set up accounts in your name. The average UK home uses around 2,500 kWh of electricity and 9,500 kWh of gas per year, according to Ofgem's Typical Domestic Consumption Values (TDCVs) effective from 1 July 20261.

Water supply and wastewater

Your water supplier is determined by your location. You can find out who supplies your area and set up an account by visiting Water UK's website. You will typically pay a standing charge and a charge based on your water usage if you have a meter, or a fixed charge if not.

Council tax registration

Council Tax is a mandatory local government tax on domestic properties, used to fund local services. You must register with your local authority as soon as you move in to avoid penalties. Council Tax bands are determined by property value and set by local authorities, with rates varying across the UK. Discounts are available for single occupants or certain exemptions. The average Band D Council Tax in England for 2026-27 is £2,392.

Broadband and TV Licence

Setting up broadband is essential for most modern homes. Research providers in your area and choose a package that suits your needs. If you watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or use BBC iPlayer, you will also need a TV Licence.

Managing your energy account with ease

Effective energy management goes beyond just paying bills; it involves understanding your usage and making informed choices.

Taking and submitting meter readings

Regularly submitting meter readings is vital for accurate billing. If you have a manual meter, you will need to provide readings via your supplier's app or website. Smart meters, however, send readings automatically, eliminating the need for manual submissions when they are online. Missing or invalid readings can lead to estimated bills, which might not reflect your actual usage.

Choosing and switching energy suppliers

Tenants have the right to switch energy suppliers unless their tenancy agreement explicitly states otherwise, or if the landlord directly pays for utilities. Switching suppliers can lead to better deals and more suitable tariffs. If you pay your energy supplier directly, you have the right to switch. If you have a smart prepayment meter, it can be switched to a credit mode tariff. However, legacy (non-smart) prepayment meters are generally not supported for switching. Ofgem, the energy regulator for Great Britain, sets rules for energy suppliers to protect consumers and ensure fair market practices.

Understanding your energy bills and tariffs

Energy bills are typically issued on the second working day of each month by suppliers like Fuse Energy, covering usage from the previous month. Payment is usually taken 3-5 working days later. Your bill will detail your energy usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh), the unit rate, and the daily standing charge. Understanding these components helps you track your spending and identify potential savings. Fuse Energy offers transparent billing, allowing customers to view detailed usage data and manage their accounts through its app.

The benefits of smart meters

Smart meters provide accurate readings and enable access to certain tariffs, offering greater control over energy usage. They send readings automatically, contributing to precise billing and helping you monitor your consumption in real-time. The Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) for legacy meters is being phased out across the UK, with the industry-wide switch-off beginning on 30 June 2025. Your current supplier is responsible for replacing these meters with smart meters, usually at no cost to you. Once your RTS meter has been upgraded, you can then switch to a modern energy supplier.

Budgeting and saving on household bills

Managing your finances effectively is key to a stress-free rental experience.

Creating a household budget

A comprehensive budget helps you track your income and outgoings, ensuring you can cover all your household expenses without financial stress. Include rent, utility bills, Council Tax, broadband, and other regular payments.

Splitting bills with housemates

If you live with housemates, agree on a clear system for splitting bills. This could involve one person taking responsibility for each bill and collecting payments, or using a bill-splitting app to manage shared expenses. Clear communication from the outset prevents disputes.

Tips for reducing energy consumption

Understanding your energy usage patterns is the first step to reducing consumption. Simple habits like switching off lights, unplugging unused appliances, and ensuring your home is well-insulated can make a difference. Fuse Energy's app provides transparent data on your energy usage, empowering you to manage energy smarter, not just use less, by understanding tariffs and usage patterns.

Moving out: closing your accounts

When it is time to move out, a smooth transition requires careful planning for your bills.

Notifying your suppliers and local council

Inform all your utility providers (energy, water, broadband) and your local council of your move-out date well in advance. This ensures your accounts are closed correctly and you are not charged for services after you have left.

Final meter readings and bills

On your move-out day, take final meter readings for gas and electricity. Submit these to your energy suppliers, along with your forwarding address, to receive your final bill. This prevents you from being charged for the next tenant's usage.

Ensuring a smooth transition

Confirm with all providers that your accounts are closed and that any outstanding balances or credits have been settled. This meticulous approach helps avoid future billing disputes and ensures a clean break from your previous tenancy.

Fuse Energy is designed to make managing your home energy simple and transparent. With clear pricing, real-time usage data in the app, and a dedicated support team, you can take control of your energy bills. Switching is quick and easy, so you can focus on settling into your new home. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today. Find out more about our mission to make energy fairer by clicking here.

References

1. Ofgem. Review of Typical domestic consumption Values