Settling into your new home and paying your bills
Now you've moved in
From the moment you move in until you move out, it's important to ensure that your names are on all utility bills and that they are paid on time. Be sure to contact each supplier to set up new accounts in your name, and keep a record of your meter readings, which are included in your Move-In Inventory Report. Regularly submitting your meter readings will help ensure your bills are accurate.
Please note that you are responsible for all utilities from the start date of your tenancy, which may differ from your actual move-in date.
Additionally, while you may think insurance isn’t necessary, it’s worth considering! Protecting your belongings and liability is just as important as everyone else’s. Tenant insurance can provide peace of mind, so it’s a smart choice for any tenant!
Utility Bills
You will need to set up accounts for electricity, water, council tax, broadband, and gas (if applicable) once you've moved into your new home with the initial meter readings and the Meter Serial Number (also known as MSN) sent to you.
Your Move-In Report is sent via InventoryHive.co.uk so do check your junk inbox if you have not received it, if you cannot find the link let us know and we can resend the invitation!
To find out who the current suppliers are, please visit the following websites:
- Electricity: https://www.enwl.co.uk/forms/who-is-my-supplier/
- Gas: https://www.findmysupplier.energy/
- Water: Your water supply is provided by United Utilities.
TIP: We suggest performing an energy comparison search to find the best rates/deals for your electricity, gas and/or internet – this has the potential to save you a lot of money!
Set up an online account with all of your suppliers, this will allow you to access your account when you’re away or after you’ve left the property!
If you are a Middlewood Locks resident: You must set up an account for gas. Middlewood Locks is on a central gas boiler system designed to be cost-effective for all residents and offers live meter readings (large black box in utility room above washing machine) to a company called Ista.
Tenants of Middlewood Locks will be sent bills automatically
Council Tax
If you are a full-time student, you do not need to pay council tax, however, you must register your status as a student with the local council, otherwise, they are still liable to charge you. If you are a single tenant, or your household has a mixture of students and working professionals, you may be eligible for a Council Tax Discount or exemption
Register with Manchester City Council or Salford City Council here.
We will inform your local council of the names of all tenants and the start dates of your tenancy, so we strongly recommend that you contact them as soon as you move in as we cannot apply for any exemptions on your behalf.
Internet
You'll need to arrange with an internet service provider to supply your property with internet.
Any broadband provider that is able to supply your flat should already have the required sockets/access points installed, but please check with us first if they say that they need to drill any holes in the building!
Make sure you get the best deal possible, we recommend you have a look at the guides here from Money Saving Expert to find out more about what you might need, and where to get a fair price for it.
TV Licence
Paying for a TV Licence is optional and only required if you plan on watching TV live or anything on iPlayer, but if you would like to do this, you can find more information on the TV Licensing website.
The law says you need to be covered by a TV Licence to:
- watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel
- watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service (such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, etc.)
- download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer.
TIP: Don't forget to ask family or friends for referrals as you may find some great discounts or cashback offers!