How do I arrange the utility bills for my property?
You will usually need to arrange:
• Gas & electricity
• Water
• Broadband (Wi-Fi)
• Contents insurance
• TV Licence (if required)
• Council Tax (students must apply for exemption)
How do I set up gas and electricity?
Locate your meter readings
- Your check-in report usually includes these.
- We recommend taking your own readings on the day you move in.
Choose a supplier
You can stay with the existing supplier or switch to a new one.
- To find out who currently supplies your property, use Find My Supplier or check letters at the property.
- Compare prices using sites such as Uswitch or Compare the Market .
Register with the supplier
You will need:
- Meter readings
- Move-in date
- Your contact and payment details (Direct Debit is usually cheapest)
You can register online, via their app, or by phone.
Confirm the switch
If you switch suppliers, your new provider handles the transfer automatically. We still recommend contacting your old supplier with your meter readings to avoid incorrect final bills.
Note: You will not lose power during the switch. The process typically takes 2–3 weeks.
Do I need to set up water bills?
Yes. Water suppliers cannot usually be changed.
For Leeds, you should register with Yorkshire Water.
You will need to
- Create an account (website or app)
- Enter your move-in date
- Choose a payment plan
Do I need contents insurance?
Contents insurance is strongly recommended. It can protect your personal belongings (such as laptops, phones, clothing, and other valuables). Some policies also include tenant liability cover, which can protect you if you accidentally cause damage to the property.
How to arrange it
- Estimate the value of your belongings.
- Compare policies online.
- Choose the best cover and pay (annual payments are usually cheaper).
- Add extras if needed (e.g., accidental damage, protection away from home).
- Update your policy if you move or buy valuable items.
Do I need extra cover?
- The value and number of items you own
- Whether you live alone, with family or housemates, or regularly have visitors
- Whether you want protection away from home (e.g., phones)
Landlord insurance (for awareness only)
- Buildings insurance
- Their own contents insurance (for furniture they provide)
- Liability insurance
Note: This does not cover your personal belongings.
Do I need a TV Licence?
You need a Licence if you
- Watch or record live TV
- Use BBC iPlayer
You do not need one for:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime
- Disney+
- YouTube
- All 4 (on-demand)
A TV Licence costs £174.50 per year per household.
You can purchase a TV Licence on the TV Licensing website.
How do I arrange broadband (Wi-Fi)?
Check availability
Enter your postcode into comparison websites, such as Compare the Market.
Compare packages
Consider speed, contract length, and price.
Book installation
If the property isn’t already connected, an engineer may need to visit.
- Landlord approval may be required if the installation involves drilling (which is common for fibre connections).
- In some cases, access may also need to be arranged with our Maintenance team.
Set up your router
Follow the instructions once it arrives.
Tip: Broadband can take up to 2 weeks to install — book early.
Council Tax
Responsibility for council tax depends on the type of tenancy.
Non–bills inclusive / student tenancies
Tenants are responsible for registering with Leeds City Council for council tax at the property. Students may be eligible for a full exemption, so it’s important to contact the council directly to confirm your status and submit any required evidence. Registration can be completed online via the Leeds City Council website or by phone.
Professional house-shares (bills inclusive)
Council tax is paid by the landlord, so tenants do not need to register or make payments to the council.
When do I need to start paying for utilities?
You are responsible from the first day of your tenancy, even if you haven’t physically moved in. For this reason, it’s important to register and set up your accounts as soon as possible.
If you register late, most providers allow you to backdate the account to your tenancy start date.
What if I’ve chosen a Bills Inclusive tenancy?
If your tenancy includes bills, we will arrange:
• Gas
• Electricity
• Water
• Broadband
• Contents insurance
• TV Licence
You only need to:
• Students: Register with Leeds City Council for Council Tax or Council Tax exemption.
• Professional house-shares: Council Tax is already covered by the landlord, so no action is needed.
Review our Fair Usage Policy, which sets out what counts as excessive usage and when additional charges may apply.
Note: Please also refer to your Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement, which confirms exactly which bills are included in your tenancy.
