🏡 Setting Up Bills in Your New Home
When you move into a new home, it’s important to organise your household bills. Some landlords include bills in the rent, but often you need to set them up yourself.
This guide will help you with:
- 🔌 Gas & Electricity
- 💧 Water
- 📺 TV Licence
- 📞 Phone & Internet
- 🆘 Help if you’re struggling to pay
🔌 Gas & Electricity
🔍 How to find out who your supplier is: Your new home probably already has a gas and electricity company. To find out which one:
✅ Ask your landlord or letting agent
✅ Look for letters from the energy company when you move in
✅ Or visit: uSwitch – Who Supplies My Gas & Electricity
🔄 Can I change supplier?
Yes! You don’t have to stay with the same company. You can look for a cheaper or better supplier. These websites can help you compare prices:
💬 Money Buddies is a free service which can also help you switch energy suppliers, as well as any other money problems you may be experiencing. They have several Money Buddy centres across the Leeds area:
📞 Call: 0113 235 0276
💻 Website: Leeds Money Buddies (Live chat available)
👉 You can find more here: Compare gas and electricity tariffs: Ofgem-accredited price comparison sites
💸 How do I pay for gas & electricity?
You can usually pay:
- 🗓️ Every month or every 3 months
- 💰 Cheaper rates if you pay by Direct Debit
Some homes use a prepayment meter. You top up with a card or key before using energy (like pay-as-you-go phones). It helps control costs but can be more expensive.
🆘 If you’re struggling to pay
❗ Don’t ignore the bill — if you don’t pay, the company could cut off your energy.
⚠️ Energy debt is a priority – more important than other debts (like credit cards).
Here’s where to get help:
📍 Citizens Advice Leeds
Address: Oxford House, Oxford Row, Leeds, LS1 3BE
🕘 Open:
- Mon, Wed, Fri: 9am–1pm (drop-in), afternoons by appointment
- Tues & Thurs: Appointments only
📞 Call: 0808 278 7878
🌐 Citizens Advice Leeds Website
Also visit:
💧 Water
In Leeds, water is supplied by Yorkshire Water.
🚫 You can’t change water suppliers.
✅ But you still need to set up your account when you move in.
📞 Call: 0345 1 24 24 24
🌐 Yorkshire Water Website
🧾 If your home has a water meter, take a meter reading and tell Yorkshire Water as soon as possible. This makes sure you only pay for what you use.
💡 Save money tips: How to Save on Water Bills
📺 TV Licence
📺 If you have a TV or use BBC iPlayer (on a TV, computer, tablet or phone), you must have a TV licence. You can pay:
- Weekly
- Monthly
- Or yearly
🌐 Learn more or pay here: Ways to Pay for a TV Licence
📞 Phone & Internet
If you want broadband internet, and to make phone calls using a landline, you’ll need an active phone line. If your accommodation is not set up with one already, there are several suppliers you can choose from. It is a good idea to look around to find one offering the best deal for you. You will need to pay for the line to be installed and you will also need to pay for a package that offers you broadband and/or phone calls. These are usually paid for monthly.
💡 Compare deals to get the best price.
🌍 BT Home Essentials – Low Cost Internet
If you receive benefits like:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
…you may qualify for BT Home Essentials – a cheaper broadband and phone package (£15/month).
