Bills and council tax when you move in

Moving in is busy, so here's a short checklist to get your bills set up smoothly. A few minutes in your first week can save a lot of hassle later.

Council tax

• Who pays. If you're 18 or over and rent the home you live in, the council tax is usually yours to pay. Couples living together share responsibility for the bill. In some shared houses the owner pays instead, so if you're sharing, just ask us.
• Let the council know. Tell your local council the date you moved in, so you pay the right amount. You can find your council on GOV.UK by postcode.
• Paying. Council tax is usually split into 10 monthly payments. If you're finding it hard to pay, contact the council straight away. It can help, for example by spreading payments over 12 months instead of 10.
• Discounts. You get 25% off if you live on your own. Full-time students are not counted, but still need to apply. If you're on a low income or get benefits, ask about Council Tax Reduction.

Gas and electricity

• Read your meters on the day you move in and give the readings to the current supplier, so your first bill is accurate.
• Not sure who supplies the home? Citizens Advice explains how to find out using your postcode.
• Prepayment meter? Contact the supplier straight away, and try not to use the key or card, or top up, until you have.
• Your choice of supplier. You'll start on the current supplier's standard tariff. If you pay the energy bills, you can switch supplier or tariff at any time.

Water

You can't choose your water company as a household, because it depends on where you live. The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) explains how to find yours by postcode, and has information on help with water bills. Let your water company know the date you moved in.

TV licence, broadband and voting

• TV licence. You need one to watch or record live TV on any channel or service, on any device, or to use BBC iPlayer. You don't need one just for streaming services such as Netflix. If you already have a licence, update your address.
• Broadband. Ofcom's checker shows which broadband services are available at your postcode.
• Register to vote at your new address. It usually takes about five minutes online.

Find out more

• Council Tax: who has to pay (GOV.UK)
• Find your local council (GOV.UK)
• Apply for Council Tax Reduction (GOV.UK)
• Moving home: your energy supply (Citizens Advice)
• Find out who your gas or electricity supplier is (Citizens Advice)
• Switch energy supplier (Ofgem)
• Find your water company (CCW)
• TV Licence (GOV.UK)
• Broadband and mobile checker (Ofcom)
• Register to vote (GOV.UK)