Your Responsibilities

As a contract holder (tenant), you are generally responsible for setting up and paying for the following services from the start date of your occupation contract until the end date:

• Council Tax: A local government tax based on the value of your property.
• Electricity: For lighting, appliances, and electric heating.
• Gas: For gas heating, hot water, and gas cooking hobs (if applicable).
• Water: For your water supply and wastewater services.

FlatHomes will notify the relevant utility providers and the local council of your move-in date. However, it is your responsibility to contact them directly to set up your accounts in your name and arrange payment.

Setting Up Council Tax

On Moving In:

Council Tax is paid to your local council. For properties in Cardiff, this is Cardiff Council.

1. Register Your Details: As soon as you move in, contact Cardiff Council to register for Council Tax. You will need your new address, your move-in date, and potentially details of previous occupants if known.
2. Check for Discounts/Exemptions: You might be eligible for discounts (e.g., if you are the only adult living in the property, or if you are a student). Check the Cardiff Council website for eligibility criteria.

On Moving Out:

When you prepare to move out, you must inform Cardiff Council of your departure date to ensure you are not charged for Council Tax beyond your contract end date.

Setting Up Electricity & Gas

On Moving In:

1. Take Meter Readings: On the day you move in, take clear photos of your electricity and gas meters, noting the date and time. This is crucial for ensuring you are only charged for your usage.
2. Identify Your Supplier: Your landlord or FlatHomes will usually provide details of the current energy supplier. If not, you can find out who supplies your property by using the Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN) for electricity and Meter Point Reference Number (MPRN) for gas, usually found on a previous bill or by calling the national helplines (see Useful Links).
3. Contact the Supplier: Contact the current supplier to set up an account in your name, providing your move-in date and initial meter readings.
4. Compare Tariffs: Once your account is set up, you are free to switch to a different energy supplier or tariff that best suits your needs, unless your contract states otherwise (e.g., in some HMOs where utilities might be included).

On Moving Out:

1. Take Final Meter Readings: On your last day, take final meter readings for both electricity and gas, again noting the date and time. Take photos for your records.
2. Inform Your Supplier: Contact your energy supplier(s) to inform them of your move-out date and provide the final readings. Ensure your account is closed and a final bill is issued to your forwarding address.

Setting Up Water

On Moving In:

For properties in Wales, your water and wastewater services are typically supplied by Welsh Water (Dŵr Cymru).

1. Contact Welsh Water: Contact Welsh Water to inform them you are moving into a property. Provide your new address and move-in date.
2. Metered or Unmetered: Find out if your property has a water meter. If it does, take an initial meter reading on your move-in day.

On Moving Out:

Inform Welsh Water of your move-out date and provide a final meter reading if your property is metered. Ensure your account is closed and a final bill is sent to your forwarding address.

Other Utilities & Services

Remember to also consider setting up or transferring accounts for:

• Broadband/Internet: Research providers in your area and choose a package that suits your needs.
• Telephone Landline: If required.
• TV Licence: You need a TV Licence if you watch or record live TV, or use BBC iPlayer.

Useful Links & Contacts

• Cardiff Council (Council Tax): www.cardiff.gov.uk/counciltax
• National Power Cut Helpline: Call 105
• National Gas Emergency Service: Call 0800 111999
• Welsh Water (Dŵr Cymru): www.dwrcymru.com
• Ofgem (Energy Regulator - for advice on switching): www.ofgem.gov.uk
• TV Licensing: www.tvlicensing.co.uk

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact FlatHomes.