Electricity, Water, Gas and Internet When Moving: Meter Readings and Handing Over the Old Apartment

Moving day ends and the small problems start: a meter that was not read, a late bill, or a new apartment with no water. A little organization before the move avoids all of that.

A week or more before the move

Ask the utility providers (electricity, water, gas and internet) about the procedures for transferring or stopping the service and registering it in your name at the new address, as procedures differ from area to area.
Ask about any documents you need to provide and how long each procedure takes.
Pay any overdue bills in the old apartment so no claims remain in your name.
If you are a tenant, agree with the landlord on the handover date and on who pays the last bill.

On moving day: the meters

Photograph the electricity, water and gas meters in the old apartment with today’s date before you leave.
Photograph the meters of the new apartment on arrival to record the first reading.
Keep the photos with their dates; they are evidence in any dispute over bills.

Handing over the old apartment

Inspect the apartment after the furniture is out and photograph its condition (floors, walls, doors, fixed appliances).
Return all keys to the landlord or management and ask for proof of handover where possible.
Turn off the gas and water and switch off the electricity after making sure the apartment is empty.
Check that every personal item is out of the drawers, storage rooms and balcony.

Check the new apartment before the furniture arrives

Test the electricity, hot and cold water, and the drainage of the bathrooms and kitchen.
Check the gas or water heaters and the safety of connections, and do not switch on anything doubtful before it is inspected.
Test the keys and locks and make spare copies.
Record any defect you find in photos and tell the landlord or developer the same day.

Your new address

After the move, update your address with the bank, work, school, subscriptions and delivery companies. Keep a photo of the new apartment contract and the utility receipts. For tenants, read moving rented furniture: how to avoid disputes with the landlord, and for general organization preparing the new apartment before the furniture arrives.

Frequently asked questions

When should I transfer the subscriptions?

Well before the move wherever possible, especially the internet. Ask each provider how long it needs, as that varies.

Why photograph the meters?

To record the reading when you leave and when you enter, which protects you from being charged consumption that is not yours if there is a dispute.

Should we check the new apartment before the team arrives?

Yes, it saves time and prevents unloading from being delayed by a problem with electricity, water or the elevator.

Request a fixed quote

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