Setting up utilities is likely to be one of the first things on your to-do list when moving in. In order to ensure that setting up is well anticipated and managed, you'll need to change the account or contract holder over, so that you'll be responsible for any future water, electricity, or gas bills.

Common household utilities

Utilities are the basic services your home or apartment needs to keep it comfortable and functioning properly. Get your utilities ready before moving into your new apartment so you won't struggle to settle in without heat, water, electricity, or Wi-Fi. Common utilities include:

Safe drinking water

Drinking water is a basic utility and without a drinking water installation, the property cannot obtain the occupancy certificate, and therefore cannot be rented. The water companies establish periodic payments, usually every one or two months, based on consumption.

Natural gas

Natural gas heats your apartment and fuels gas appliances like stovetops and ovens. Depending on your apartment, you might not have a gas bill at all — many buildings use electricity to heat and cool the apartments, as well as electric stoves and ovens. If your apartment uses natural gas, you’ll be billed based on how much you use.

Electricity

Electricity is also an essential utility. It keeps the lights on in your apartment and powers all of your chargers and appliances and runs your internet service. Your electric bill is based on your energy usage and changing the contract holder will be necessary. Electricity bills are the tenants' responsibility.

Landline

For many people the landline is a dead duck. Notwithstanding, if the utility is not canceled, the tenant must pay the provider for the privilege.

Broadband

We've all become so dependent on phones and the internet, that it's almost impossible to think about life without them. You'll only need to choose a provider and settled on the tariff that meets your needs to be ready to set up your internet connection.

Security systems

Security is a less common utility. Some homes may include a gated entry or a professionally monitored security system. This could require an additional charge and reaching an agreement with the owner on its cost.

Community fees

Expenses produced for daily use of the property, such as community fees, or real estate tax (IBI), must be paid by the landlord.

Other Utility fees

Even if the landlord may be held responsible for paying any of these expenses if there is a mutual agreement, any other supply or subscription associated with the residence also belongs to the tenant.

Community fees payments

Expenses incurred for daily property use, such as community fees or real estate tax, must be borne by the landlord.

Terms

Utility contracts are accepted under the following conditions:

Have a legal right to live in the home. Ie. having signed a valid lease contract.

Have an occupancy certificate.

In the event of gas setup, the installation bulletin will be required.

You may not have outstanding debts with other providers.

The contract must either be oral or written.

Zazume team working on our rental management software

Must know to rent out your property

It is the responsibility of the tenant to carry out the change of supplies. If these changes are not carried out, the payments fall on the owner and current holder of the contracts in force. Therefore, if you rent a home, it is recommended that you make sure that all the supplies are in the name of the tenants. The new occupants have two options, they can maintain the contracts with the current companies by taking advantage of a change of ownership, or they can select a new provider.

With Zazume, owners and tenants can switch supplies seamlessly

During the process, our team will carry out the contract holder of all the supplies. As part of our real estate services, we assist you in any situation relating to the rental contract. We not only help you change your supplies, we also help you move, find the best budget to paint your house, optimize your internet ads, process the certificate of occupancy, and the energy certificate, and manage your flat visits. We also estimate how profitable your house can be for rent. The Zazume team is always available to help you resolve any special rental procedures you may need.

Choosing Zazume is free. Stop worrying about the conditions and the hassle.

Frequently asked questions

How do I change the electricity contract holder?

As the new contract holder, you just need to call the electricity provider and have the following information to hand: Details of the new contract holder (name, surname, ID, and telephone), details of the former contract holder (name, surname, ID), CUPS (Universal Supply Point Code), the full address, the copy of the deed for the house or the rental agreement (where necessary) and the direct debit number. And finally, wait for the next invoice to verify that everything is in order.

How much does a change of holder cost?

This service is free for both tenants and landlords.

Are there any consequences?

Changes in ownership are merely bureaucratic processes that do not affect service delivery. The responsibility is simply transferred from one person to another.

Who should be the new contract owner?

At Zazume, we recommend the tenant to be the contract holder.

How to cancel a utility contract?

The decision of whether to register or cancel a previous supply of utilities in a rental apartment depends on the owner of the supply. The most common and recommended way to handle terminating a rental is to change the owner. This will not affect the supply.