How to Set Up Utilities When You Move Into a New Rental

In most Australian rentals, electricity and gas are the tenant's responsibility to connect and pay. The landlord is responsible for providing a property with functioning connections — but you set up your own account.

To connect electricity or gas:

Compare rates before signing up — iSelect, canstar, and the government Energy Made Easy website (energymadeeasy.gov.au) list current offers for your area.

1. Find out which retailer currently services the address (call your preferred retailer and give them the address — they can check)
2. Or use the address to check your state's energy distributor website to find available retailers
3. Set up a new account by your move-in date — allow 1–2 business days
4. Take a meter reading on move-in day and note the date — this is your starting point

Water billing in rentals varies by state and sometimes by the specific lease:

If you believe you are being charged for water in circumstances where the legislation does not allow it, contact your state tenancy authority.

• In most states, landlords pay for water supply and sewage infrastructure charges. Tenants pay for usage (the metered water they actually use) — but only if the property has a separate water meter AND the landlord passes on usage charges as specified in the lease.
• In some older properties or strata arrangements, water is included in rent.
• Check your lease: if water usage is to be charged to you, this must be stated.

Internet connection setup can take 5–10 business days or longer, especially if a new NBN service needs to be installed. Plan ahead:

NSW tenants note: from March 2026, landlords must ensure properties with NBN connections are accessible to tenants. A landlord who blocks internet access may be in breach.

1. Check the NBN status of the address at nbnco.com.au — what technology type is it? (FTTP, FTTN, HFC etc. affects speed options and setup complexity)
2. Choose a plan — most major providers (Aussie Broadband, Superloop, Telstra, Optus, Belong) cover most addresses
3. Book connection as soon as you have your move-in date
4. If NBN is not available, check for 4G/5G home wireless options

Council rates are the landlord's responsibility — you do not pay them. If you receive a council rates notice, pass it on to your landlord or agent immediately. Never pay a council rates notice addressed to the owner.

Some leases (particularly commercial-style residential leases in rural areas) may attempt to pass council rates on to tenants — but this is generally not enforceable for residential tenancies.

On move-in day:

Reporting a non-functioning appliance on day one protects you from being held responsible for it at the end of your tenancy.

• Read your electricity and gas meters and photograph them with the date visible
• Test all power points, light switches, and appliances provided with the property
• Test all taps and check for leaks under sinks
• Check the hot water system — is hot water available?
• Check the heating and cooling systems are functional
• Note any utilities-related issues in your condition report