Setting up your bills: energy, water, broadband and the TV licence

When you move into a home, set up your bills in the first week. Take photos of the gas and electricity meter readings on day one, find out who currently supplies the property and give them your readings, so you are not charged for the previous tenant's usage - you can switch to a cheaper supplier later. Water is supplied by one regional company you cannot switch, but you should still register. Arrange broadband early, as installation can take two weeks. Tell the council you have moved in for council tax. You need a TV licence if you watch or record live TV on any channel or use BBC iPlayer - it costs around 174 pounds a year and can be paid monthly; watching only Netflix or YouTube on demand does not require one, but unlicensed live viewing risks a fine. Paying bills by direct debit is usually cheapest.