Setting up your new home: utilities and internet

Which bills are yours

Your lease says what is included in the rent. Common bills that tenants pay themselves are electricity, heat (gas), water, internet and tenant insurance.

Set them up early

• Call the local electricity and gas companies a week or two before you move in. Some ask for a deposit if you have no credit history.
• Book internet installation early. Appointments can take a week or more in busy months.
• Get tenant insurance. Many landlords ask for proof before you get the keys.

Save on winter bills

Heating costs go up a lot in winter. Ask the landlord which heating type the unit has, and how much the bills were last winter.