Managed Properties - Notifying Your Utility Providers

It's important when you move into a property to notify utility providers that you're now occupying the property. This may sound like a lot of work, but it is super quick and easy! Here are the following companies you need to notify.

Please note, unless your tenancy agreement states otherwise, you are responsible for notifying these companies of your occupancy. If you’re unsure whether bills are included in the price of your rent, please check your tenancy agreement.

Water
As your managing agent, we have notified Welsh Water that you have moved into the property. You will receive a letter from Welsh Water with a bill until the end of the financial year - if you turn the letter over, you should be able to set up payment via monthly or quarterly payments. Payment needs to be set up within 14 days of receiving your letter – if this isn’t completed, you may be liable to pay in full from the start date of your tenancy up until the end of the financial year.

If you aren't living in the property and haven't received this letter, then simply go to https://contact.dwrcymru.com/en/customer-moves , and follow the steps to set up your payment details. You will need to put in bank details of 1 tenant who will be paying for the bill – as tenants you are responsible for arranging payments between all housemates (so that one person doesn't end up paying for everyone!) When you fill in this form, it may ask for your water meter readings - if you're not sure what these are then simply choose the option 'I don't know' when prompted.

Welsh Water also has some helpful information on their website here: https://www.dwrcymru.com/en/help-advice/student-advice

Please note that if you have any tenant changes since you originally signed your contract, the letter that is sent by Welsh Water may be in the incorrect name. When you go on to the Welsh Water website to set up payment details, you can alter the name on the account.


Gas & Electricity
As per your tenancy agreement, it is your responsibility to set up, and pay for your gas and electricity from the start date of your tenancy (unless your tenancy agreements specifies that gas & electricity are included in the price of your rent). You are responsible for your bills from the start date of your tenancy. To find out who your current supplier is for gas and electricity, visit https://findmysupplier.energy/webapp/index.html and enter your address. (Please note that your gas and electricity suppliers may be different). You will then need to contact your suppliers to let them know your tenancy has started, set up your account and your payments. Your supplier may ask you to supply meter readings – these are usually found in your inventory/check-in report. If you are unsure where your meter readings are then please ask your supplier and they will help you out.


Council Tax
You are also responsible for notifying the council of who lives at the property (unless your tenancy agreement specifies that council tax is included in the price of your rent), and whether you are students or professionals. Simply fill in the following form: https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Council-tax/Changes-to-your-account/council-tax-change-of-address/Pages/default.aspx to let the council know you have moved in. Once you receive a letter, you should be provided with exemption information and how to apply for council tax exemptions. Should you fail to notify the council within 14 days of the start of your tenancy, you may be liable for the council tax in 1 lump sum up until the end of the financial year.

If you are moving within Cardiff, you will need to supply information on your previous address (it will ask you for the address and when your previous tenancy ended), as well as information on your new address. When you state your previous address, it may ask you for a Council Tax number - don't fret when you see this! This field isn't mandatory so can be left blank.

Internet/Broadband
As with your other utilities, it is your responsibility to set up internet for your property (unless your tenancy agreement specifies that this is included in the price of your rent). If you’d like to use Virgin Media then let us know – we can pass your details on to our Virgin Media representative who can call you back with some deals.

TV Licence
Please also remember that if you watch any live TV, or any TV on-demand, you also need to acquire a TV Licence. Unless your tenancy agreement specifies that a TV licence is included in the price of your rent, it is your responsibility to purchase this. To pay for your TV Licence, visit https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/cs/pay-for-your-tv-licence/index.app 

Let us know if you have any questions at all regarding any of this - it may seem like a lot of information, but I hope this has made it as simple as possible for you!