Setting up electricity, gas, water and internet

Setting up utilities when you move into a rental property is one of the first practical steps you must take as a new renter in the United States. In most US rentals, you will open your own accounts for electricity, gas, and internet rather than having the landlord pay these bills. When you apply for service, utility companies often run a credit check to assess your payment reliability—and if you have no credit history as an immigrant or newcomer, you may be asked to pay a deposit or provide a letter of guarantee in advance. Understanding what utilities you are responsible for, what deposits might be required, and what assistance programs exist can save you money and prevent service disruptions.

Check Your Lease for Included Utilities

The first and most important step is to read your lease carefully. Not all utilities are your responsibility in every rental. Some landlords include certain utilities in the rent, while others require tenants to set up and pay for utilities themselves. This varies widely from property to property and even neighborhood to neighborhood, so you cannot assume what will be your cost.

Landlords commonly include basic utilities such as water, sewer, trash removal, and sometimes heating in the monthly rent. These are often building-wide services that the landlord manages. Electricity, natural gas for in-unit appliances, internet, and cable are almost always your responsibility as the tenant. You must set up accounts in your own name with the local utility companies and pay them directly. Some rentals may offer an all-bills-paid arrangement, meaning the landlord covers everything—but this is less common and will be clearly stated in your lease.

Before you sign a lease, speak directly with your landlord or property manager and ask them to list exactly which utilities are included and which you must arrange yourself. Look for a utilities clause in your written lease agreement. If the lease is unclear about what you owe, ask for written clarification and keep a copy of that email or note. This prevents misunderstandings and disputes about bills later.

Understanding Credit Checks and Deposits for Utilities

How Utility Companies Assess Your Credit

When you apply to open a utility account, the company will run what is called a soft credit check. This is a review of your credit report that does not affect your credit score the way a hard inquiry would. The utility company wants to know whether you have a history of paying utility bills on time at previous addresses. If you have no US credit history—which is common for new immigrants and international students—the company cannot predict whether you will pay reliably, so they may ask for a security deposit.

Deposits and Letters of Guarantee

A utility deposit is money you pay upfront to secure your service account. The deposit is refundable, meaning you get it back if you pay your bills on time. Most utility company deposits are roughly equivalent to one or two months of estimated bills. You should ask the utility company when your deposit will be returned. Generally, after about 12 months of on-time payments, the company will automatically refund your deposit plus accrued interest, either as a bill credit or a check sent to your address.

If you cannot pay a deposit, or if you want to avoid one, ask the utility company about a letter of guarantee. This is a written promise from another person—a relative, employer, or sponsor—who agrees to pay your bill if you do not. The utility company will contact this guarantor if you fall behind on payments. This option exists specifically for customers with no credit history and is commonly used by new arrivals to the United States.

Utility payments themselves are not usually reported to credit bureaus unless you miss payments or default. However, if you fail to pay a utility bill and it goes to a collection agency, that mark can stay on your credit report for up to seven years. Always pay your bills on time to protect your credit.

Setting Up Electricity and Gas

Electricity and natural gas are separate utilities that you must open in your own name. Contact the local electricity provider that serves your area—you typically do not have a choice of provider in most parts of the United States, as the company has a monopoly in that region. You can find your local provider by searching online or asking your landlord or neighbors.

To open an electricity account, you will need a government-issued ID, your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have an SSN, and proof of your lease or another document showing your address and move-in date. The application can usually be completed online or over the phone. Request service to start on or shortly after your move-in date. Electricity service can often be activated within one business day, sometimes on the same day.

Natural gas is used for heating, cooking, or hot water in many rentals. If your unit has a gas stove, furnace, or water heater, contact the local gas provider. Set up gas service at least one to two weeks before you move in, because a technician may need to inspect the gas lines and meters. Gas companies typically require several days to process your request.

Water and Internet

Water and sewer services are usually managed by your local municipality or a public utility. In many cases, the landlord keeps the account in their name and includes water costs in your rent. However, some landlords pass water costs to tenants. Check your lease. If you are responsible, contact your local water authority (often called a Water Department or Water Commission) to set up service. You will need your lease as proof of residence.

Internet and cable are your responsibility and you have a choice of provider in most areas. Shop around for the best rates and speeds you need. Popular providers vary by neighborhood and region. You can search online to see which companies serve your address. Many providers offer promotional rates for new customers. Some rentals have special arrangements where only one internet provider can be used, so check with your landlord before signing a contract. Internet installation may require a technician visit to your unit.

Documents You Will Need

• Government-issued photo ID (passport, visa, driver's license, or green card)
• Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN if you have no SSN
• Proof of residency (your lease, a utility bill, or a letter from your landlord with your address)
• Payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account for automatic payments)
• Move-in date and address confirmation

Managing Energy Costs and Finding Financial Assistance

If your energy bills are higher than expected, you are not alone. Heating in winter and cooling in summer can be expensive. If you are struggling to pay your electricity or gas bills, several assistance programs exist.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federal program run by states that provides grants to help low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. LIHEAP helps roughly 6.7 million households annually. The program is administered by each state, and eligibility rules vary. Generally, households earning up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level or 60 percent of your state's median income may qualify. Some states also use categorical eligibility, meaning if you receive SNAP (food assistance), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), or Medicaid, you automatically qualify.

LIHEAP provides a one-time grant, typically between 400 and 1,500 dollars per year, paid directly to your utility company to reduce your balance. The program also offers emergency assistance if you face a utility shutoff or heating crisis. Some states also provide weatherization services to improve your home's energy efficiency.

To apply for LIHEAP, contact your state's energy assistance office or a local Community Action Agency. The LIHEAP Clearinghouse has a search tool and map showing local agencies in your area. You will need to provide proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns) and proof of identity and residence. Application deadlines and processes vary by state, so start early in the heating or cooling season.

1. Visit the LIHEAP Clearinghouse website to find your state's program and local intake office
2. Gather recent proof of household income and identity documents
3. Schedule an appointment with your local LIHEAP provider—many states require in-person or phone applications
4. Submit your application before your state's deadline (usually before winter heating season)

Other State and Local Programs

Many states have additional energy assistance programs beyond LIHEAP. Arizona offers the Power AZ program, which extends assistance to households earning up to 100 percent of state median income. California has CalLIHEAP with an online application. Check your state government website or contact your utility company directly to ask about all programs available to you. Community action agencies and nonprofit organizations in your area may also offer utility bill assistance.

Key Takeaways

• Read your lease to learn which utilities you must set up and which the landlord covers
• Contact utility companies at least two weeks before you move in
• Be prepared for a credit check; if you have no US credit history, expect a deposit or letter of guarantee requirement
• Keep your utility deposit records and confirm when it will be refunded—typically after 12 months of on-time payment
• If energy bills are unaffordable, apply for LIHEAP or your state's energy assistance program; eligibility depends on income and varies by state
• Always pay your utility bills on time to protect your credit and avoid collection action
• Gather necessary documents early: government ID, SSN or ITIN, proof of residency, and payment method