How do I arrange my utility bills for my student property?

1. What utilities and services do I need to set up when moving into a student property?

Typically, you’ll need to arrange the following:

• Gas & electricity
• Water
• Broadband (Wi-Fi)
• Contents insurance
• TV licence (if required)
• Council Tax

If you’ve chosen a Bills Inclusive tenancy package, most of these will already be covered (see Q8). If you’re on a Bills Exclusive package, you are responsible for setting up and paying for them yourself.

2. How do I set up gas and electricity?

1. Locate your meter readings – These are usually included in your check-in report. Take your own readings too for accuracy.
2. Choose a supplier – You can either stay with your current supplier or switch to a new one. To check who your supplier is, use websites like Find My Supplier, or look through any correspondence you’ve received. Once you know, use comparison sites such as Uswitch or Compare the Market to find the best deal.
3. Provide your details – You’ll need to provide the supplier with your meter readings, move-in date, and preferred payment method (Direct Debit is usually the cheapest option). This can often be done online via their website or app, or over the phone. Clear instructions will be available on their website.
4. Confirm the switch – Your new supplier will notify your old one on your behalf, but it’s best to also contact your old supplier directly with your meter readings. This ensures your final bill is accurate and can be settled without leaving any arrears. We recommend doing this straight away, or responding promptly to any correspondence, to avoid potential issues.

Switching suppliers usually takes around 2–3 weeks, but you’ll still have power during the process.

3. Do I need to set up water bills?

Yes. Unlike gas and electric, you can’t usually choose your water supplier.

• Register with Yorkshire Water on their website or app.
• Provide your move-in date.
• Arrange your payment plan (monthly or quarterly).

4. Do I need contents insurance as a student?

While not legally required, contents insurance is strongly recommended. It covers your belongings (laptop, phone, clothes, etc.) against theft, fire, or damage.

Steps to arrange:

1. Estimate the value of your belongings.
2. Compare policies online.
3. Choose the right policy and pay (annual payments are usually cheaper).
4. Decide if you want extra cover (e.g. accidental damage, cover outside the home).

To determine if you need additional cover you should consider:

Personal Needs – Consider the total value of your belongings. If you own valuable items (like laptops, bikes, or instruments) or simply have a lot of possessions, you may need a higher level of cover.

Living Situation – If you live alone, your risk may be lower, but if you share with housemates or regularly have visitors, you might want extra protection.

Items Outside the Home – Standard policies don’t always cover things you take with you, such as phones, laptops, or jewellery. You may need to add this as extra cover.

5. Keep it updated when you move or buy expensive new items.

Your landlord will usually hold a range of insurance policies that protect different aspects of their rental property. The main types of landlord insurance include:

• Building Insurance – Covers the structure of the property against risks such as fire, flooding, storm damage, or vandalism.
• Contents Insurance – Protects the landlord’s belongings within the property, such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances.
• Liability Insurance – Provides financial protection if a tenant or visitor is injured on the property and the landlord is held responsible.

5. Do I need a TV Licence?

You need a licence if you:

• Watch or record live TV on any channel
• Use BBC iPlayer

You don’t need one for:

• Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, All 4 (on-demand), YouTube, or DVDs.

A TV licence costs £174.50 per household per year. You can pay monthly, quarterly, or annually.

You can purchase a TV Licence on the TV Licensing website.

6. How do I arrange broadband (Wi-Fi)?

1. Check coverage – Not all providers cover every postcode. Using comparison sites, such as Compare the Market, you can quickly see which providers are available in your area by simply entering your postcode. Once you’ve searched, you’ll be shown all the broadband providers that cover your property, along with the packages they offer.
2. Compare packages – Think about speed, price, and contract.
3. Book an installation – If the property isn’t already connected, an engineer may need to install a new line. We recommend seeking your landlord’s approval beforehand, as installation can sometimes involve drilling, particularly when installing fibre optic (FTTP).
4. Set up your router – Once it arrives, follow the instructions to get your Wi-Fi up and running.

Broadband can take up to 2 weeks to install, so book it early to avoid being stuck without internet.

7. When do I need to start paying for utilities?

You are responsible for utility bills from the first day of your tenancy until the agreed end date, even if you haven’t yet moved into the property. For this reason, it’s important to register and set up your accounts as soon as possible.

If you’re unable to set up your utilities before moving in, most providers will allow you to backdate your account to your tenancy start date. In this case, the charges will simply be included in your first bill.

8. What if I’ve chosen a Bills Inclusive tenancy?

If your tenancy is Bills Inclusive, we will arrange gas, electricity, water, broadband, and contents insurance for you. The only thing you need to do is:

• Register with Leeds City Council (or your local council) to apply for your council tax exemption.

We recommend reviewing our Fair Usage Policy before signing up for a bills-inclusive package. This policy explains what counts as excessive usage, which may result in additional charges. It also outlines the rules and regulations that apply when you are part of a bills-inclusive agreement.