How to Set Up Utilities in a New Apartment (Complete Guide)

The short answer

Setting up utilities in a new apartment involves more steps than most renters expect. Here is the complete checklist — what to set up, in what order, and what to watch out for.

How to Set Up Utilities in a New Apartment

Setting up utilities seems simple — until you are sitting in an apartment with no internet on move-in day. Here is the complete process, in the right order.

Step 1: Find Out What Is Included in Rent

Before setting up anything, clarify with your landlord what utilities are included in rent:

• Water and sewer (often included by landlords)
• Trash collection (often included)
• Heat (sometimes included, especially in older buildings)
• Gas (almost never included)
• Electricity (almost never included)
• Internet (sometimes included in newer buildings)

Get this in writing — in your lease or a separate addendum.

Step 2: Get the Account Numbers from the Outgoing Tenant or Landlord

For utilities already connected to the unit (gas, electric, water), ask your landlord:

• Which utility companies service the unit
• The account numbers (for transferring service)
• Any required meter readings

This speeds up setup significantly.

Step 3: Set Up Utilities Before Move-In Day

Aim for 1-2 weeks before move-in. Utility setup can take several days. Setting up on move-in day often means going without service on your first night.

Electricity

• Call the local electric utility or set up service online
• Most areas have only one electric utility (monopoly)
• Provide: your new address, move-in date, your SSN (for credit check), preferred payment method
• Deposit: Some utilities require a deposit ($100-300) for new customers without credit history

Gas

• Call the local gas utility if the unit uses gas appliances or heating
• Same process as electricity
• Deposit: May be required

Water/Sewer

• Often managed by the city or included in rent
• Confirm with landlord whether you need to set up separately

Internet

• Research available providers using your address first (search [Provider] + "service checker" or use InMyArea.com)
• Common providers: Comcast/Xfinity, AT&T, Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Google Fiber (where available)
• Schedule installation 1-2 weeks in advance — installation appointments fill up
• Plan for installation to take 1-3 hours on the day

Renter's Insurance

• Purchase before your move-in date if your lease requires it
• Best providers: Lemonade (fast, cheap, fully digital), State Farm, Allstate, USAA (if eligible)
• Average cost: $10-20/month for $30,000 personal property + $100,000 liability

Step 4: Update Your Address

Update your address with:

• [ ] USPS mail forwarding (usps.com, $1.05 fee, takes 7-10 days to activate)
• [ ] Employer (payroll, tax documents)
• [ ] Bank and investment accounts
• [ ] Credit cards
• [ ] Driver's license (required within 30-90 days in most states)
• [ ] Vehicle registration
• [ ] Subscriptions (Amazon, streaming services)
• [ ] Voter registration
• [ ] Insurance policies (car, health, life)
• [ ] Doctor, dentist, pharmacy

Step 5: Connect Extras

• Smart home devices: Amazon Echo, Google Home, smart locks, thermostats — set up after internet is confirmed
• TV service: Streaming apps need internet first; cable requires scheduling an installer if applicable
• Washer/dryer: If you have hookups, confirm connection type (electric or gas dryer) before buying

Utility Cost Reality Check

Budget for these typical monthly costs:

• Electricity: $50-150+ (higher if electric heat or A/C; dramatically higher in summer for Phoenix, Miami)
• Gas: $30-100+ (higher in winter for heated climates)
• Internet: $40-80/month (often higher year 2 when promotional rate expires)
• Renter's insurance: $10-20/month

Ask the landlord for utility bills from the prior tenant — most will provide them.

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