Setting Up Utilities as a Tenant in Scotland: A Guide

Moving into a new rental home in Scotland? One of your first priorities should be making sure utilities like electricity, gas, water, and council tax are properly set up. Not only is this important for comfort and safety, but it can also help you avoid unnecessary charges and disputes with your landlord. This guide explains what you, as a tenant, need to do and where to get official help along the way.

Which Utilities Are Tenants Usually Responsible For?

As a renter in Scotland, your responsibility for utilities will depend on both your type of tenancy and what is stated in your tenancy agreement.

• Electricity and Gas: Usually, tenants must register the supply in their name and pay directly to the provider.
• Water and Sewerage: In most private tenancies in Scotland, these charges are included with your council tax bill. The council then passes them on to Scottish Water.
• Council Tax: Generally payable by the tenant directly to the local council, unless otherwise specified.
• Internet/TV/Phone: You are responsible for arranging and paying for these services unless provided in your rent.

Always check your written tenancy agreement for details and clarify any uncertainties with your landlord before you move in.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Utilities When You Move In

Here's a quick summary of what to do when moving into a new rental property in Scotland:

• Read the meters as soon as you get the keys. Take a photo and note the date.
• Find out who the current utility suppliers are. Your landlord or letting agent should provide these details, but you can use services like Find My Supplier for gas/electricity.
• Contact the current energy suppliers to set up an account in your name. Provide your meter readings to avoid being billed for energy you didn’t use.
• If you want, compare tariffs and consider switching providers, but always inform the landlord if your tenancy agreement requires it.
• Register for council tax with your local authority. Use your council's online form (see Pay Council Tax on GOV.UK).
• Arrange broadband, TV licence, and any other essential services you need.

Properly setting up your utilities at the start of your tenancy protects you from inherited unpaid bills and ensures accurate billing in your name.

Forms and Legal Steps for Scottish Renters

• Change of Occupancy (Council Tax): Most Scottish councils use an online form, often called Change of Address for Council Tax. For example, Edinburgh residents use the City of Edinburgh's online form. Use this to notify the council when you move in or out.
• Water Charges Reduction (Council Tax Reduction Scheme): If you are on a low income, you may be eligible for a reduction. Use the Council Tax Reduction Application provided by your local council. It’s usually combined with housing benefit forms.
• Energy Supplier Registration: No official government form exists; contact the supplier directly. They will ask for your details and initial meter readings.

Example: After receiving your keys, you visit your new flat in Glasgow, note down the meter readings, and use your council's online Change of Address form to update your council tax record. You then call the supplier listed on your energy meter to open an account, giving them your meter readings so your billing starts correctly.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 governs most private tenancies in Scotland.

• You have a right to choose your own utility provider unless your agreement says otherwise.
• Your landlord cannot charge you for utilities beyond what you use or add an extra profit.
• If your landlord fails to pass on post-move bills or register you for utilities, you may make a formal complaint or seek advice.

Utility disputes, such as overcharging by a landlord or lack of access to meter readings, can be brought to the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber), which handles residential tenancy issues and disputes over terms of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.¹

What to Do if a Utility Problem Arises

If you have problems with utilities—such as bills addressed to the wrong person, access issues, or disputes about responsibility—follow these steps:

• Raise the issue swiftly with your landlord in writing, keeping a record of your correspondence.
• Contact the utility provider to clarify your account details.
• If unresolved, seek advice from your local council or a tenant advocacy group (see below).
• For legal disputes, you can apply directly to the Housing and Property Chamber for a decision on your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to pay gas and electricity if they were included in the previous tenant’s rent?
   Usually, if your new tenancy agreement does not include utility bills, you must register and pay for them—even if the prior tenant’s arrangement was different. Always check your agreement and clarify with your landlord.
2. What if my landlord refuses to tell me who the utility suppliers are?
   Ask in writing for the supplier information. If not provided, use the Find My Supplier tool for gas/electricity, and contact your local council for water/council tax responsibilities.
3. Am I allowed to switch energy providers?
   In most cases, yes—you are free to switch energy suppliers unless your tenancy agreement places restrictions. You must notify your landlord if required, especially if exiting a fixed contract could incur penalties.
4. What should I do if there’s a dispute over an unpaid bill left by the previous tenant?
   Contact the utility supplier immediately with details of your move-in date and supply evidence (such as your tenancy agreement and meter readings). Only pay for usage within your tenancy period.
5. Where can I get help if I can’t resolve a utility issue?
   Start with your local council or speak to a tenant advice group. For legal disputes, apply to the Housing and Property Chamber, which handles tenancy issues in Scotland.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Check your tenancy agreement to see which utilities you are responsible for.
• Register with utility providers and your local council as soon as you move in.
• Keep records of meter readings, correspondence, and supplier contacts.
• Know your rights—contact the Housing and Property Chamber if you have unresolved disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) – for tenancy and utility disputes
• mygov.scot Tenant Support – official advice for private renters in Scotland
• Citizens Advice Scotland Housing Advice – clear guides on tenant responsibilities
• GOV.UK Council Tax – pay or register for council tax
• Local council websites – for council tax changes and local support schemes

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1. See the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 for current Scottish tenancy legislation.
2. First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) is the official tribunal for housing disputes.
3. Utility set-up and council tax registration processes: see Tenant Support at mygov.scot and Pay Council Tax on GOV.UK.

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