How to Change Utilities When Moving into a New Rental in England

Moving into a new rental property brings a lot to organise, and one essential task for tenants in England is to handle utility accounts like gas, electricity, water, and council tax. Making sure these are correctly set up in your name not only ensures uninterrupted service but protects you against unwanted charges from previous tenants.

Key Steps for Changing Utilities After Moving In

1. Take Meter Readings as Soon as You Move In

Upon getting the keys, locate all meters (gas, electricity, water if available) and record the readings. Take clear photos with dates for your records. These readings are crucial to ensure you only pay for your own usage, not the last tenant’s.

2. Find Out the Current Suppliers

• For electricity and gas: Your landlord or letting agent should be able to tell you who the current suppliers are, or check recent bills left in the property.
• If there is no information, you can:
  • Call the Meter Point Administration Service (MPAS) for electricity.
  • Contact the Find My Supplier service for gas.

3. Contact Utility Providers to Register the Account

• Inform current suppliers that you are the new tenant, provide move-in and move-out dates (if applicable), and share the meter readings.
• If the supplier is sending bills to your address in someone else’s name, call their customer service to have this corrected.
• Suppliers require proof of tenancy start — keep your tenancy agreement ready.

4. Choose to Switch Suppliers (Optional)

You have the right to switch gas and electricity suppliers as a tenant, unless your tenancy agreement states otherwise. Compare tariffs on official sites or check with Ofgem. Remember there may be restrictions if your landlord pays the bills directly.

5. Set Up Water and Council Tax

• Contact your regional water company (find yours via Ofwat’s official list) to set up your account.
• For council tax, notify your local council of your move-in date and household details. Use the government portal: Register for council tax.

6. Keep Evidence and Check Your Bills

• Keep a copy of all communications, meter readings, and paid bills.
• If problems arise, contact the supplier first. If unresolved, escalate to the Energy Ombudsman or the Consumer Council for Water for free help.

Important Official Forms and Practical Examples

• Change of Occupier Form (Suppliers’ Own Forms):
  When/How to Use: Most energy and water suppliers have their own online or downloadable change-of-occupier forms. You’ll complete this to update the account holders whenever you move in. For example, British Gas offers a moving home notification form that prompts you for meter readings and tenancy details.
  Tip: Always request written confirmation once the account is in your name.
• Council Tax Registration Form (No unique number):
  When/How to Use: Submit your details online or via paper form available on your local authority’s website immediately after moving in, so you are taxed correctly and not for previous occupiers. Example: Register for council tax via GOV.UK.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in England?

The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) is responsible for resolving most residential tenancy disputes in England, including certain issues involving utility charges if they relate to landlord obligations or unlawful charges.

Relevant Legislation for Rented Properties

• The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 spells out landlord and tenant responsibilities, including obligations not to unreasonably prevent tenants from accessing utility services.¹
• Your tenancy agreement (such as those under the Housing Act 1988) may also set rules for utility charges and switching.²

FAQs for Renters on Changing Utilities in England

1. What should I do if the utilities are still in the old tenant's name?
   Contact the supplier immediately, provide evidence of your tenancy start date, and submit up-to-date meter readings to prevent being billed for past usage.
2. Can my landlord stop me from switching energy providers?
   Landlords cannot usually prevent tenants from switching unless bills are included in rent or the tenancy agreement says otherwise. Always check your contract.
3. Who is responsible for unpaid bills left by former tenants?
   As a new tenant, you are only liable for utility usage from your move-in date (with appropriate evidence). Suppliers should not chase you for arrears before this.
4. How quickly should I set up or change utility accounts after moving in?
   It is best to contact all suppliers and register accounts as soon as possible, ideally on your move-in day, to avoid confusion or service disruption.
5. What if my landlord controls the utility bills?
   If your landlord retains responsibility for utilities and bills you via your rent, you typically cannot change suppliers. Any disputes can be taken to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• GOV.UK: Private Renting Guidance — covers deposits, bills, and tenants’ rights
• Citizens Advice: Housing — detailed help with utility bills, switching, and housing disputes
• Ofgem — official regulator for gas and electricity suppliers
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — resolve disputes relating to rental agreements and charges
• Council Tax Registration — links you to your local authority’s council tax forms

1. Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
2. Housing Act 1988