Setting Up Bills When You Move In

Council tax is a local tax set by your council to pay for services like rubbish collection, street lighting, and local policing. The amount you pay depends on the valuation band of your property (A to H in England, based on the property's value in 1991) and your local council's rate. You can check your property's council tax band on the government's website.

You need to register for council tax with your local council as soon as you move in. Contact them with your move-in date, the property address, and the names of all adults living there. Most councils allow you to register and pay online. You can usually choose to pay monthly (over 10 or 12 months) by direct debit.

If you live alone, you are entitled to a 25% single person discount. Full-time students are exempt from council tax entirely; if everyone in the household is a full-time student, the property is exempt. You will need to provide proof from your university. Other people who are "disregarded" for council tax purposes include certain carers, people with severe mental impairment, and some apprentices.

When you move into a rental property, you are automatically supplied by whoever provided energy to the previous occupant. However, you are free to switch to any supplier you like, unless your tenancy agreement specifically states otherwise (which is rare and potentially unfair). Take meter readings on your first day and submit them to the current supplier.

To find the best deal, use a comparison website such as Ofgem's price comparison tool, Uswitch, or Compare the Market. Since the energy crisis of 2022-2023, the market has been volatile, so check whether a fixed-rate tariff offers savings compared to the energy price cap. If you are on a prepayment meter, you can ask the supplier to switch you to a credit meter at no charge. Credit meters are generally cheaper and more convenient.

Your landlord is responsible for ensuring the property has a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rated at least E. If the property is rated F or G, the landlord may be in breach of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) regulations and you should report this to your local council.

Unlike gas and electricity, you cannot choose your water supplier. Your supply is determined by where you live. The main water companies in England include Thames Water, United Utilities, Severn Trent, Anglian Water, Yorkshire Water, and others depending on the region. You can find your supplier by checking the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat) website.

Contact your water company to set up your account when you move in. If the property has a water meter, you will pay based on usage. If there is no meter, you will pay a fixed annual charge based on the property's rateable value. In most cases, a metered supply works out cheaper for smaller households (one or two people), while an unmetered supply may be cheaper for larger households.

If you are on a low income, you may qualify for a social tariff or affordability scheme offered by your water company. These can significantly reduce your bills. WaterSure is a scheme that caps bills at the average household rate if you receive certain benefits and either have a large family or a medical condition requiring extra water use.

Setting up broadband is straightforward but requires some planning. Most broadband contracts are 12, 18, or 24 months. If you are on a short tenancy, look for a shorter contract or a no-contract rolling monthly plan to avoid early termination fees. Some providers offer specific packages for renters.

Check what broadband infrastructure is available at your property before signing up. You can check full fibre (FTTP) availability on the Openreach or Virgin Media websites, or use comparison sites like Broadband Choices or MoneySupermarket. Speeds and availability vary significantly between areas and even between neighbouring streets.

If you are in a flatshare, discuss with your housemates who will hold the broadband account and how the cost will be split. It is simpler to have one person manage the account and collect contributions from others. Apps like Splitwise can help track shared expenses.

You need a TV licence if you watch or record live television on any channel or device (including phones, tablets, and laptops), or if you watch or stream programmes on BBC iPlayer (live, catch-up, or on-demand). The standard colour TV licence costs £169.50 per year (as of 2024/25). You can pay monthly, quarterly, or annually.

If you only watch on-demand streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video and never watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, you do not need a TV licence. However, you should make a formal declaration at tvlicensing.co.uk to confirm this, otherwise you may receive letters and visits from TV Licensing enforcement.

In a shared house, you may only need one licence for the whole property if you all share a communal living area with a single tenancy agreement. However, if you each have a separate tenancy agreement for your individual room (as in some HMOs), each tenant may need their own licence for any device they use in their private room. Check the TV Licensing website for the specific rules.

Your landlord's buildings insurance does not cover your personal belongings. If there is a fire, flood, or burglary, your possessions would not be covered unless you have your own contents insurance. A basic policy typically costs between £5 and £15 per month and covers items like electronics, furniture, clothing, and jewellery.

When taking out a policy, make sure it covers the risks relevant to you. Check whether it includes accidental damage, cover for items taken outside the home (such as laptops and phones), and any high-value individual items. Some policies also cover temporary accommodation costs if the property becomes uninhabitable.

As a rough guide, expect your total monthly bills (excluding rent) to be between £150 and £300 per person, depending on the property size, location, and your usage. Council tax is typically the largest single bill after rent, followed by energy. Here is a rough monthly breakdown for a single person in an average one-bed flat: council tax £100-£150 (after single person discount), energy £80-£130, water £20-£40, broadband £25-£35, TV licence £14, and contents insurance £5-£15.

Set up direct debits for all your bills to avoid missed payments and late fees. Consider opening a separate bank account just for bills if you are in a shared house, with everyone contributing their share by standing order each month. This keeps things transparent and avoids arguments. Our Bills Estimator and Rent Split calculators can help you plan.