Moving into a new rental house often leaves renters juggling a multitude of things to do in the run-up to move-in day. However, one thing that shouldn’t be forgotten about is setting up the utilities at the new house.
Forgetting to set up utilities can result in renters arriving at their new home only to find there’s no water or electricity. To avoid this inconvenience, it’s well worth setting up utilities early on and ensuring they’ll all be installed and good to go at least a day before moving in.
Choosing the right utility provider can be tricky, however, especially for those who have never had to do it before. At first glance, most providers seem to offer more or less the same thing. So, how can renters choose the best providers?
Let’s find out.
3 Steps To Choosing the Best Utility Providers
While it may seem like a daunting task, choosing a good utility provider doesn’t have to be difficult. There’s a lot of information online, with comparison websites making it even easier to see what each option has to offer.
1. Check Which Utilities Are Needed
Before researching each and every utility provider in the local area, it’s worth checking if any utilities are included with the rent. With some rentals, the utilities may all be included in the rent, meaning the renter doesn’t have to worry about setting anything up at all. In these cases, the landlord would’ve taken care of them.
Be sure to check through the lease agreement to see which, if any, utilities are included. If in doubt, be sure to double-check with the landlord directly. Unlike apartments, rental houses don’t usually have any utilities included, but it never hurts to check.
Generally speaking, the following utilities will be required:
- Electricity,
- Water and sewage,
- Trash and recycling,
- Internet,
- Cable or other TV subscriptions.
In some houses, it may also be necessary to set up gas and telephone services.
2. Research Local Utility Providers
With an idea of which utilities are needed, the research can begin. Utility providers differ from location to location, so it’s important to see what’s available locally. A quick search online will typically reveal which providers operate in the area. Alternatively, renters can contact local government offices for advice.
In most cases, the landlord or property management company will be happy to advise when it comes to choosing decent utility providers. However, searching local forums online can offer alternative perspectives from current and past customers.
3. Compare Rates and Plans
Each provider will offer varying plans and rates, with most offering welcome bundles and promotions for new customers. By comparing the various plans and rates, renters can choose one that aligns with their budget and usage needs.
If available, online comparison sites can simplify the process and cut down the amount of work required. It’s also worth looking at reviews for each provider. In some cases, the cheapest isn’t always the best choice if their service is poor.
Key Considerations for Each Type of Utility Provider
While the above steps offer a guideline for finding utility providers in general, it helps to take a closer look at each type of utility.
Electricity
Most electricity providers make it easy to create an account online, where bill payments and energy usage can be tracked with ease. The majority of electricity providers are investor-owned, though some municipal utilities can be found, typically in more rural areas.
Either way, electricity plans tend to come in various forms, such as fixed-rate plans and pay-as-you-go programs. In some cases, variable rate models can adjust to take advantage of peak hours and green energy saving tips, which may be worth checking out if the house is fitted with solar panels, for example. Renters can also research how each company generates power, for example sustainable sources or coal, and choose accordingly.
To set up an account, renters typically need to either call or do it online. Then it’s just a case of choosing a plan and providing the following information:
- Name,
- New address,
- Move-in/hook-up date,
- Social security number.
Most electricity companies will require a few days or so to make the switch fully, so it’s worth contacting them a couple of weeks before moving. Ideally, renters should arrange for the service to begin the day before moving in.
Gas providers work in much the same way as electricity providers. However, gas isn’t particularly common, with many homes relying on electricity alone. Before moving in, both gas and electricity meters should be checked to ensure they’re working properly.
Water, Sewage, and Trash
Water, sewage, and trash are the most likely utilities to be included with the rent, and are typically provided by the local government. However, if they’re not included in the rent, they’re normally easy enough to set up.
This can be done online in most places, though there are some exceptions, and a visit or call to the city office may be required. Depending on the location, renters may be required to pay a small activation fee.
Internet
Internet packages vary widely by location, so it’s important to research them thoroughly. Renters typically look out for packages that offer high speeds and generous data limits, and it’s worth comparing what’s on offer. It’s also a good idea to check online forums or ask around locally to find out about coverage and which providers offer the best service in the specific location of the rental house.
In many places, providers offer bundles that include internet, phone, and TV subscriptions in one package. These can provide great discounts and are worth researching.
Installation can take a bit longer than other utilities, since a technician will often be required to visit the property and install the necessary hardware. As such, it’s best to arrange internet installation well in advance to ensure constant coverage.
Choosing the best utility providers for a new rental house is often a balancing act of selecting the best service at an affordable price. Overstretching the budget is never a good idea, so at times, compromises may be required for things like TV subscriptions and higher internet speeds.
Image credit: Andrii Yalanskyi / Shutterstock.com
