Arranging your own bills can sometimes be cheaper than choosing a bills-inclusive package. Before you start, make sure you understand which bills you will be responsible for.
The main ones to consider are:
- Gas, if your property uses it
- Electricity
- Water
- Internet
- Contents insurance
Your water bill will usually be paid to the water company that supplies your area. You can find your supplier using the Water UK postcode checker.
For gas, electricity, internet and contents insurance, you can use comparison websites to look at different providers and deals. One example is Compare the Market.
Gas and electricity can often be arranged with the same supplier, but they do not have to be.
Contents insurance is also worth considering, as your landlord's insurance will not normally cover your personal possessions.
When comparing different deals, remember to:
- Check the contract length and whether there are any early exit fees.
- Check whether the price is fixed or variable.
- For internet packages, check the estimated speed at your property, not just the advertised maximum speed.
- Check whether the contract lasts longer than your tenancy.
- Read the terms and conditions before signing up.
What should we do when we first move in?
When you move into the property, take meter readings for your gas and electricity where applicable and keep a record of them. Contact the existing suppliers to let them know that you have moved in, and make sure you understand who is responsible for paying each bill from the start of your tenancy.
Even if you plan to change supplier, don't ignore correspondence from the existing supplier, as you may be responsible for charges from the date your tenancy begins.
How do I pay these bills in a joint tenancy?
Utility companies will not normally divide each monthly payment between you and your housemates automatically. You will therefore need to agree between yourselves how you are going to manage payments.
For example, one tenant could make the payment to the supplier and the other tenants could transfer their share to them.
Where the supplier allows it, it can be a good idea to have everyone's names recorded on the account rather than leaving everything in one tenant's name. Make sure everyone understands who is named on each account and who is responsible for making payments.
What about a TV Licence?
You do not need a TV Licence simply because you own or bring a TV with you.
You need a TV Licence if you watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or if you use BBC iPlayer. This applies whether you are watching on a television, laptop, tablet, phone or another device.
If you have a joint tenancy, one TV Licence can cover the household in certain circumstances. Students with separate tenancy agreements may need individual licences depending on where they watch TV.
You can find out more on the GOV.UK TV Licence page.
Do I need to pay for council tax as a student?
If everyone in your household is a full-time student, you will normally be exempt from paying Council Tax. You should apply for the relevant student exemption through your local council.
Full-time students are generally disregarded when the council calculates how many adults live in a property. If you live with someone who is not a full-time student, there may still be Council Tax to pay, although a discount may apply depending on who lives in the property.
Part-time students are not generally disregarded in the same way as full-time students, so they may be liable for Council Tax.
Check with your local council if you're unsure, as your individual circumstances will determine whether you need to pay.
What happens if I leave my tenancy early?
If you have bills contracts for a fixed term, you may have to pay an early cancellation fee if you end them before the agreed date.
Contact your providers as soon as possible to find out what your options are. If you and your housemates are all leaving early, you should also agree between yourselves how any outstanding bills or cancellation fees will be dealt with.
Remember that ending your tenancy does not automatically end your contracts with your utility or internet providers, so make sure you contact them separately.
What if I leave my tenancy early, but the rest of the tenants are staying?
If you move out while your housemates stay, contact each relevant provider and tell them that you have left the property.
If your name is on an account, ask the provider what you need to do to have it removed or transferred. Don't assume that moving out automatically removes your responsibility for the account.
If you were responsible for making payments, make sure your housemates arrange a new payment method with the provider. You should also check that any Direct Debits or other payments connected to you have been dealt with correctly.
Take final meter readings for gas and electricity when you leave where applicable, and keep a record of them in case there are any disagreements about usage later.