Guide · Renting and leases
Setting Up Utilities
A friendly, practical guide to starting and stopping power, gas, water, trash and internet when you move, with meter readings, deposits and fewer surprises.
Where to start
- Moving soon?
Start with a smooth moving checklist.
- Service off or a bill looks wrong?
Take a breath. See if a service is off or a bill is wrong.
- Own the home?
The short version
Setting up utilities is mostly a checklist, and a little planning means the lights are on when you arrive.
Check the lease for which utilities you pay, then schedule power, gas, water, trash and internet about two to three weeks ahead.
Take dated photos of every meter on move-in and move-out day, and stop old service the day after you leave.
Ask about deposits and payment plans, and remember that real utilities never demand payment by gift card.
Rules about utilities differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage a quick look at the rules where your home is. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1Know who pays for what
The lease should say which utilities are in the resident’s name and which the owner covers. Ask if it doesn’t.
- 2Start early, stop late
Schedule new service a couple of weeks ahead, and stop old service the day after you move out.
- 3Photo every meter
Take dated photos of each meter on move-in and move-out day. It settles nearly every billing question.
- 4Keep heat and power on
A home left without heat or power can freeze pipes and cause damage. Plan the handoff carefully.
A smooth moving checklist
From the guide’s own moving checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.
All done. The lights should be on when you arrive.
If a service is off or a bill is wrong
- Take a breath. If you smell gas, leave right away and call the gas company or 911 from outside.
- If power is out, check whether neighbors are out too, then check the electrical panel for a tripped breaker.
- Call the provider using the number on their official website or bill, and ask whether service is active in your name.
- If a bill seems wrong, compare it to your dated meter photos and move in and move out dates.
- Ask the provider kindly for a correction in writing, and keep notes of every call.
- If the issue involves the home’s systems, share it with the owner or manager in writing.
You did exactly the right thing.
Handling utilities between residents
- List clearly in the lease which utilities the resident pays and which are included in rent.
- Give new residents a simple sheet with each provider’s name and contact information.
- Keep utilities in the owner’s name between residents, so the home stays heated, powered and protected.
- Make sure meters are easy to find and read, and that the electrical panel and water shutoff are labeled.
- Take dated meter photos at every move out and move in.
- Respond quickly if a resident reports no heat, no water or a gas smell.
Every home is different, so the lease is what decides. If it isn’t clear, please ask before you move in.
Guides that go well with this one
How much do you remember?
4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.
Go deeper with The Perfect Move-In Checklist Workbook
Simple, step by step checklists you can write in for moving in: the move in walk, moving day, your first week, utilities, keys and more.
Keep the full guide handy
The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.
Download the PDFTake it with you
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
More guides
This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal or financial advice. Bunklow does not provide utility service or decide billing disputes.