Setting up bills when renting

Moving into a new rented home means navigating a new set of responsibilities, and setting up household bills is often a top concern. This guide walks you through identifying, setting up, and managing essential bills, ensuring a smooth transition into your new property.

Setting up your energy bills as a renter should be straightforward, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home. Fuse Energy's app and 24/7 human support simplify energy management, making it easy to track usage and manage payments. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy today.

Understanding your bills as a renter

When you rent, it is crucial to understand which bills fall under your responsibility. Typically, tenants are accountable for most household outgoings, unless your tenancy agreement states otherwise.

What bills are renters responsible for?

As a renter, you will generally be responsible for several key household bills. These include utility bills such as gas, electricity, and water, as well as Council Tax and a TV Licence. 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 2026.1 Council Tax is a mandatory local government tax based on property valuation bands, paid by residents. A TV Licence is legally required to watch or record live television, or to stream programmes on BBC iPlayer.

Bills often included in rent

While most bills are usually your responsibility, some tenancy agreements, particularly for student accommodation or shared houses, might include certain bills within the monthly rent. This could cover broadband, water, or even energy. Always check your tenancy agreement carefully to confirm what is and is not included, as this will prevent unexpected costs.

Your rights as a tenant

As a tenant, you have specific rights regarding your household bills. Notably, if your name is on the energy account, you have the right to choose your own energy supplier, regardless of any preference the landlord may have. This means you are not tied to a supplier chosen by a previous tenant or your landlord, allowing you to shop around for the best deals. Ofgem, the independent energy regulator for Great Britain, establishes rules for suppliers and consumer protection, ensuring fair practices in the energy market.

Setting up your bills: a step-by-step guide

Setting up your bills can feel like a lot to manage, but breaking it down into steps makes the process much clearer.

Before you move in

Before you even pick up the keys, review your tenancy agreement. This document is your single source of truth for what bills you are responsible for and any specific clauses related to utilities. If anything is unclear, ask your letting agent or landlord for clarification. It is also a good idea to research typical energy prices in your new area and identify potential broadband providers.

On move-in day: essential tasks

Your move-in day is busy, but two tasks are critical for bill management:

1. Take accurate meter readings: For both gas and electricity, locate your meters and take clear photos of the readings as soon as you move in. Note the date and time. These readings are essential to ensure you are only charged for your own usage and not the previous tenants'.
2. Locate stopcock and fuse box: Know where these are in case of an emergency.

After you have moved in

Once settled, it is time to notify the relevant providers:

1. Contact utility providers: Use your move-in meter readings to inform the existing gas and electricity suppliers (you can find out who supplies your energy if you do not know).
2. Notify your local council: Register for Council Tax with your local authority. You can usually do this online.
3. Set up water account: Contact your local water company to set up your account.
4. Arrange TV licence: If you plan to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, arrange your TV Licence.
5. Compare and switch energy suppliers: Do not stick with the 'deemed' contract you are initially placed on. Compare tariffs and switch to a supplier that offers a better deal for your needs.

Managing specific household bills

Each household bill has its own setup process. Understanding these specifics will help you manage them effectively.

Gas and electricity

Upon moving in, you will automatically be on a "deemed" contract with the property's existing suppliers. Provide them with your move-in meter readings. After this initial step, you have the right to switch to a supplier and tariff that suits you better. Use comparison websites to find deals, and consider suppliers like Fuse Energy that offer digital tools for easy management. The Fuse app simplifies energy bill management for renters by providing real-time balance tracking, easy meter reading submission, and instant access to statements.

Water bills

Water bills are typically managed by a regional water company. You can usually find out who your supplier is by checking the Water UK website or asking your landlord. Contact them with your move-in date and meter reading (if applicable) to set up your account. Unlike energy, you generally cannot switch water suppliers.

Council tax

Council Tax is administered by local authorities and is based on the property's valuation band. You must inform your local council when you move in. You may be eligible for discounts, such as a 25% reduction if you live alone.

Broadband and TV licence

Setting up broadband is usually straightforward: choose a provider, select a package, and arrange installation. For your TV Licence, you can purchase it online or at a Post Office. Remember, you need one if you watch or record live TV, or stream anything on BBC iPlayer, on any device.

Proactive bill management and saving tips

Taking control of your bills means more than just setting them up; it means actively managing them to avoid stress and save money.

Choosing the right energy supplier

Do not settle for the first energy supplier you encounter. Regularly compare tariffs from different providers. Look beyond just the unit rate; consider standing charges, contract length, and customer service reviews. Many suppliers offer different tariffs, including fixed-rate deals that lock in your unit price for a set period, or variable tariffs that can change with the market.

Monitoring usage and costs

Keep an eye on your energy consumption. Smart meters can provide real-time data, helping you understand where your energy is going. Many energy suppliers, including Fuse Energy, offer apps that allow you to track your usage and costs, transforming bill management from a source of anxiety into an empowering experience. Fuse offers 24/7 human customer support, providing immediate and reliable assistance for renters navigating energy bill queries or unexpected issues.

Dealing with bill disputes

If you believe there is an error on your bill or you are struggling to pay, contact your supplier immediately. Most companies have a complaints procedure. If you cannot resolve the issue directly, you can escalate your complaint to the Energy Ombudsman for energy bills, or Citizens Advice for general guidance.

Frequently asked questions about renting bills

Can your landlord choose your energy supplier?

No, your landlord cannot choose your energy supplier. As a tenant, if your name is on the energy account, you have the legal right to choose your own energy provider, even if your landlord has a preferred one. This allows you to switch to a tariff that best suits your needs and budget.

What happens if you do not pay your bills?

Failing to pay your bills can lead to serious consequences. For utilities, this could mean debt collection, damage to your credit rating, or even disconnection in extreme cases. For Council Tax, the local authority can take legal action, including court summons and bailiff action. It is always best to communicate with your providers if you are struggling to pay.

How to split bills in a shared house

In a shared house, you have several options for splitting bills. You can nominate one person to be the account holder for each utility and collect contributions from housemates, or use a bill-splitting app or service. Ensure everyone agrees on the method to avoid disputes. Setting up Direct Debits for each person's share can simplify the process.

Fuse Energy makes energy management effortless for renters, freeing you to focus on settling into your new home. Our clear pricing, in-app usage data, and 24/7 human support are designed to give you control over your energy bills. Switching is quick and easy, so you can get started today. Click here to switch to Fuse Energy. You can also learn more about our mission to make energy fairer by clicking here.