Everything you need to know about transferring and activating electricity, gas, internet, and more when moving into a rental property

Moving into a new apartment is exciting, but it also comes with a long to-do list. One of the most important tasks is setting up your utilities. After all, you’ll want electricity, running water, and internet access from day one in your new place.

But for many renters, especially first-time tenants, the process of setting up utilities can seem daunting. Which providers do you contact? When should you arrange for services to start? How much will it all cost?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This in-depth guide walks you through everything you need to know about setting up utilities in your new apartment. We’ll cover:

• Which Utilities You’re Responsible For
• How to Determine Your Utility Providers
• Transferring vs. Starting New Service
• When to Schedule Utility Setup
• Step-by-Step Instructions for Arranging Each Utility
• Utility Costs & Money-Saving Tips

By the end of this article, you’ll be fully prepared to tackle utility setup so all your services are ready to go on move-in day. Let’s dive in!

Identifying Your Utility Responsibilities as a Tenant

The first step is to determine exactly which utilities you need to set up. Your lease agreement should specify which utilities are your responsibility as the tenant vs. what your landlord will provide.

Landlords often cover some utilities, typically water, trash, and sewer. But tenants are usually responsible for “consumption-based” utilities like electricity, gas, and internet/cable.

Here’s a full list of utilities you may need to set up, depending on your lease:

• Electricity
• Natural gas
• Internet, cable, and phone
• Water and sewer
• Trash and recycling
• Security system

If your lease doesn’t clearly explain your utility responsibilities, be sure to ask your landlord for clarification before move-in day. You don’t want to accidentally let services lapse because you assumed the landlord would handle them.

How to Determine Your Utility Providers

Some apartments, especially in large complexes, have preferred utility providers. For example, the property may be wired for a specific internet or cable company.

Ask your landlord if they recommend providers for each utility you need to set up. This can save you time researching options and help you avoid unexpected issues down the road.

Keep in mind that for utilities like electricity and natural gas, you may not have a choice of provider. Many areas are serviced by a single regional utility company. But some states have energy choice programs that let you shop around for competitive suppliers1.

Transferring Service vs. Starting New Service

If you’re moving within the same city or metro area, you may be able to simply transfer existing utility accounts to your new address. This is usually faster and easier than starting new service from scratch.

But if you’re moving to a new area, or if you didn’t have utilities in your name at your previous residence, you’ll need to sign up for new accounts.

The setup process varies a bit by utility. We’ll walk through the specifics for each one below. But in general, you can expect to:

1. Provide your new address and desired start date
2. Share your contact and billing information
3. Pay any required deposits or activation fees
4. Schedule an installation or account activation appointment if needed

Now let’s look at the details for getting each major utility up and running smoothly.

Electricity

What it powers: Lighting, appliances, electronics, air conditioning

Setup time: 1-2 business days

Average monthly cost: $30-$50 for a 1-bedroom apartment

How to Set Up Electric Service

1. Determine your electricity provider by asking your landlord or using an online search tool.
2. Contact the provider via their website or customer service line.
3. Provide your new address and desired service start date.
4. Pay any required deposit (typically $100-$200).
5. Wait for a confirmation that your service is active.

Electricity Providers

Some of the largest electric utility companies in the U.S. include:

• Pacific Gas & Electric
• Consolidated Edison
• Commonwealth Edison (ComEd)
• DTE Energy
• Public Service Electric & Gas
• Consumers Energy

Electricity Savings Tips

To keep your electricity costs down:

• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use
• Use energy-efficient LED bulbs
• Adjust your thermostat to avoid overworking your A/C
• Unplug “energy vampire” appliances when not in use

If you live in a deregulated energy market, you may also be able to shop around for a competitive electricity supplier to secure a lower rate1.

Natural Gas

What it powers: Heating, hot water, gas stoves and dryers

Setup time: 3-5 business days

Average monthly cost: $10-$20 for cooking only; $40-$150 for heating

How to Set Up Gas Service

1. Locate your gas valve and meter, usually in the basement or side of the building.
2. Contact your area’s gas provider via their website or customer service.
3. Request service activation for your address on your move-in date.
4. Pay any required deposit (typically $100-$200).
5. Schedule a technician visit if required to activate service.

Major Natural Gas Providers

Leading natural gas utility companies include:

• Pacific Gas & Electric
• Southern California Gas (SoCalGas)
• Atmos Energy
• Washington Gas
• CenterPoint Energy
• Xcel Energy

Gas Savings Tips

To reduce your natural gas bill:

• Keep your thermostat at 68°F or lower in winter
• Wash clothes in cold water vs. hot
• Install low-flow showerheads to reduce hot water use
• Get your HVAC system tuned up annually
• Consider a programmable or smart thermostat

Like electricity, you may have the option to choose a competitive natural gas supplier if you live in a deregulated market1. Shopping around could secure you a lower rate.

Internet, Cable, & Phone

What’s included: WiFi, TV, and landline phone

Setup time: 1-2 weeks

Average monthly cost: $50-$100 for internet only; $100-$200 for a bundle

How to Set Up Internet, Cable, & Phone

1. Ask your landlord if the building is wired for a specific provider.
2. Shop around and compare plans from available providers.
3. Order your desired package online or by phone.
4. Schedule an installation appointment if needed.
5. Pick up equipment or have it mailed to you.
6. Set up your WiFi router, cable box, and/or phone.

Major Internet & Cable Providers

The largest telecommunications companies offering internet, TV, and phone bundles include:

• Comcast Xfinity
• Charter Spectrum
• AT&T
• Verizon Fios
• Cox Communications
• Altice (Optimum & Suddenlink)

Internet & Cable Savings Tips

To keep your telecom bills under control:

• Opt for internet-only if you don’t need cable TV
• Buy your own modem and router vs. renting
• Negotiate with your provider for promotional rates
• Bundle services to secure a discount
• Check for special student or low-income rates

Water, Sewer, & Trash

What’s included: Running water, waste management

Setup time: 1-2 weeks (if tenant responsibility)

Average monthly cost: $50-$150

How to Set Up Water, Sewer, & Trash

1. Determine if your landlord or city/county handles these utilities.
2. If it’s your responsibility, contact the municipal utility department.
3. Provide your address and move-in date to begin service.
4. Pay any required deposit (typically $100-$200).
5. Look for your first bill 30-45 days after move-in.

Water & Waste Savings Tips

If you’re looking to trim your water/sewer/trash expenses:

• Take shorter showers and turn off the tap when brushing teeth
• Fix any leaky faucets or running toilets ASAP
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads
• Avoid overwatering your lawn or garden
• Opt for paperless billing to reduce waste

Security System

What’s included: Burglar alarm monitoring, smart home automation

Setup time: 1-2 weeks

Average monthly cost: $15-$35 for monitoring; $200-$600 for equipment

How to Set Up a Security System

1. Research providers and compare equipment and monitoring plans.
2. Schedule a consultation with a sales rep if needed.
3. Choose your equipment package and monitoring level.
4. Schedule professional installation or set up a DIY system.
5. Activate your service and download the mobile app.

Major Security System Providers

Some of the best-known security system companies include:

• ADT
• Vivint
• SimpliSafe
• Frontpoint
• Ring Alarm
• Brinks Home Security

Security System Savings Tips

A security system can be pricey, but there are ways to save:

• Consider a DIY setup to avoid installation fees
• Opt for a self-monitoring plan to cut monthly costs
• Watch for seasonal promotions offering free or discounted equipment
• Bundle with your home insurance for a potential discount
• Consider a portable system you can easily move to your next rental

With a little research, you can secure your new home without breaking the bank.

When to Set Up Utilities

Ideally, you’ll want to get all your utilities arranged at least 2 weeks before your official move-in date. This buffer time accounts for any required installations or unexpected delays.

Remember, utility companies typically can’t guarantee a specific activation time (e.g. 9am on a Tuesday). So it’s best to get everything turned on at least one day before you actually need to start using the services.

If you’re transferring service, you can usually request the switchover for your exact move-in date. But if you’re starting new service, we recommend requesting activation at least 1-2 days early.

Utility Setup Checklist

Here’s a quick summary of the steps to take for each utility:

2-4 Weeks Before Move-In

• Electricity: Locate provider and set up account
• Gas: Locate provider and set up account
• Internet/Cable: Schedule installation appointment
• Water/Sewer/Trash: Determine if you or landlord is responsible; contact city if needed
• Security System: Research providers and request a consultation

1-2 Weeks Before Move-In

• Electricity: Confirm service activation date
• Gas: Confirm service activation date; schedule technician visit if needed
• Internet/Cable: Confirm installation date and time; arrange to pick up or receive equipment
• Water/Sewer/Trash: Confirm account and service start date
• Security System: Finalize equipment and monitoring choices; schedule installation

Move-In Day

• All Utilities: Verify all services are active and working properly. If you encounter any issues, contact the appropriate provider right away.

By breaking utility setup into manageable steps, you can ensure a smooth transition into your new apartment.

The Bottom Line

While setting up utilities requires some time and organization, it doesn’t have to be stressful. By being proactive, understanding your options, and following the steps outlined here, you can tackle the process with confidence.

Remember to communicate with your landlord, compare providers when possible, and give yourself plenty of buffer time to get everything arranged. With all your utilities humming along, you’ll be able to settle into and fully enjoy your new rental home.