What are the essential utility details and documents that you’ll need to open your accounts when you move home?
Setting up a new home is a complicated and time-consuming process. There’s nothing more frustrating than spending hours in a phone queue or working through a chatbot, only to discover that you’re missing a key piece of information or paperwork.
We’ve put together this guide to the essential details and documents you’ll need to get your utilities up and running.
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The easiest way to get proof of address
The most essential utility document of all is your proof of address. A document showing proof of address is required for everything from registering with a local school to signing up with a new dentist to applying for a resident’s parking pass.
However, getting proof of address can feel like a catch-22. Many of the documents that can be used as proof of address require proof of address in the first place, so where can you start? Here are some of the quickest ways to get proof of address and set the utilities ball rolling.
- Register for Council Tax either online, in person or by phone. You’ll need to provide some essential utility details (see below), but you’ll then be able to download and print your opening bill to use as proof of address
- Use your rental agreement once it’s been signed as proof of address. If you’re a renter, your signed contract counts as adequate proof of residency.
- Get a letter from your employer – if you’re struggling to open any accounts, a formal letter from your employer confirming your new address will usually be accepted.
What are the essential utility details I need for my new home?
Your proof of address is considered the most essential document, and is the one you’ll be asked to show a physical copy of during certain registrations. However, there are several other essential utility details you should have to hand when setting up accounts.
Some will be required by your new suppliers when you sign up, and some may be needed to ensure your bills are accurate and everything is registered correctly.
Confirm the following details as soon as you can and keep them in one easy-to-access place to help your utility setup go smoothly.
Your complete address (and all variations)
It might seem obvious, but make sure you have the full version of your new address, including any variations. This includes the postcode (find that here), street name, property number or name and positional information.
For example, if you live in a house that has been converted into a flat on the top floor, some records might list your property address as ‘Upper Flat’ while others might have it as ‘Top Floor Flat’, ‘Flat C’ or another variation. Make sure you know all the names your home might be referred to by.
Your move-in dates
There are actually two essential dates you’ll need when registering for utilities. One is your date of responsibility – the date on which you became legally responsible for the property. The other is your date of residency, or the day you physically moved into the property for the first time.
Some utility suppliers bill from the day you become responsible for a property, while others don’t start billing you until the day you arrive. Make sure you know which is which and provide the correct date so that you don’t pay more than you have to.
Your meter serial numbers
Your electricity, gas and water consumption is measured by meters installed in or near your home. However, sometimes meters for several properties are located in the same place. In this case, you can compare meter serial numbers to check that you are referring to the right meter.
These serial numbers will be included in your move-in inventory report – another key document to make the set up process run smoothly.
Your opening meter readings
The other piece of information you’ll need from your meters is the opening meter readings from the day you arrive at the property.
These should be included in your inventory report, but may have been taken earlier – such as when the previous occupants moved out. Taking new readings yourself – and taking time and date stamped photos of the meters when you do – ensures you won’t have to pay for any energy usage while the property was unoccupied.
