Setting up utilities on move-in day

The first day in a new home sets up months of bills. A few photos and phone calls on move-in day can save you from paying for someone else's electricity or arguing over a wrong bill later.

Before you move: find out who supplies what

• Ask the landlord or agent in writing: who supplies energy and water, where the meters are, and whether there is internet already installed.
• In the UK, Citizens Advice links to a tool to find out who your gas or electricity supplier is if nobody knows.
• In Dubai, check that your Ejari is being registered, because DEWA uses it to create your account automatically and send a welcome email and SMS.
• Book your internet installation early; in busy student areas, appointments can take time, so arrange it as soon as you have a move-in date.

Move-in day: read and photograph the meters

• Citizens Advice says to read your meters on the day you move in and give the readings to the current supplier, so your first bill is accurate.
• Take a clear, dated photo of each meter showing the full reading and the meter serial number.
• Write the readings, date and time in your notes app and email them to yourself and your flatmates, so there is a shared record.
• If there is a prepayment meter (UK), Citizens Advice says to contact the supplier straight away and avoid topping up until you have; ask them to clear any previous occupant's debt from the meter.

Your tariff: deemed contracts and switching (UK)

• Once you contact the supplier at a new home, Citizens Advice says you are placed on a 'deemed contract', usually their standard variable tariff.
• You can then switch tariff with the same supplier or move to a new supplier, but only from the day you become responsible for the property.
• Switching is not instant: Citizens Advice says you will pay at least one bill with the current supplier, and the new supplier should switch you within 5 working days.
• Check your tenancy first in case it says anything about changing supplier; if in doubt, ask the landlord in writing.
• Compare tariffs on the unit rate and the daily standing charge, not just the monthly estimate.

Move-in in Dubai: DEWA step by step

• Get your Ejari through the property management company or a Dubai Land Department authorised typing centre.
• Look for DEWA's welcome email and SMS, which include your contract account number and a link to pay the security deposit.
• If no email arrives (for example because the wrong email address was entered), DEWA says you can apply online through its website or Smart App.
• DEWA says supply is connected within 15 working hours of paying the deposit; if not, call DEWA Customer Care on 04 601 9999.
• Keep the deposit receipt safe, because the deposit is offset against your final bill when you move out.

Common move-in mistakes

• Not taking meter readings, then paying for energy the previous tenant used.
• Leaving the account in one person's name without agreeing how others will pay (see the next lesson on splitting bills).
• Forgetting to register for council tax exemption or to sort the TV licence in the UK.
• Assuming internet is included when the contract says it is not.