There is a long list of to-dos when moving into a rental property or preparing your investment for new tenants. One of the most important tasks you’ll need to tackle is connecting electricity to a rental property.
Whether you’re a tenant settling into your new home or a property investor preparing your investment for renters, this guide will walk you through the steps required to ensure your rental property is powered up, and the lights switched on!
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Who Pays the Electricity Bill in Rental Properties?
For Tenants
As a tenant, it’s typically your responsibility to arrange for an electricity connection in your name. This ensures that you have control over your energy usage and receive the electricity bills directly. It’s important to start this process once you’ve signed your tenancy agreement to avoid delays in moving in.
For Property Investors
If you’re a property investor, your primary role is ensuring the property is ready for an electricity connection. This means checking that all necessary wiring and infrastructure are in place and up to current safety standards.
While tenants usually manage their own connections, being informed about the process can help you better support your tenants and is handy to know if you choose to move into your investment property in the future.
Steps to Connect Electricity
1. Determine the Current Energy Provider
The first step is to identify the property’s current energy provider. This information can usually be obtained from your property manager or the previous tenants. In New South Wales, the energy market is deregulated, which means you can choose your preferred energy retailer.
2. Compare Energy Providers
Take the time to compare different energy providers and their offerings. Look at factors such as:
- Rates per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
- Supply charges
- Contract terms and conditions
- Any available discounts or promotions
- Customer service ratings
Websites like Energy Made Easy (operated by the Australian Energy Regulator) can help you compare energy connection offers from different retailers.
3. Choose Your Plan
Once you’ve compared providers, select a plan that best suits your needs. Consider your energy usage habits, budget, and whether you prefer a fixed-rate or variable plan. Some providers also offer green energy options if environmental sustainability is important to you.
4. Contact the Chosen Provider
After deciding on a provider and plan, get in touch with the company to initiate the connection process. Most providers offer online applications, but you can also call them directly if you prefer.
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5. Provide Necessary Information
You’ll need to provide the energy company with several details, including:
- Your full name and contact information
- Your new address
- Your move-in date
- Identification (usually a driver’s license or passport)
- Your concession card details, if applicable
- The reading on the electricity and gas meters
6. Schedule the Connection
Work with your chosen provider to schedule the electricity connection. In most cases, if the property has been recently occupied and there’s an existing meter, the connection can be done remotely without anyone needing to visit the property.
However, if a technician needs to attend, you’ll need to ensure a member of the household or a representative for your investment property is present at the agreed time.
Important Considerations
Connection Fees
Be aware that some providers charge a connection fee. This fee can vary, so it’s worth asking about it when you’re comparing providers. Some companies may waive this fee for a promotion or if you’re setting up multiple services with them, like energy and gas connections.
Notice Period
Most major energy providers require at least three business days’ notice to connect your electricity. However, starting the process as early as possible is best to avoid any potential delays or complications.
When signing a new lease, we recommend scheduling your electricity connection within the first week of moving into the property to ensure all of your items and services are catered to in a streamlined approach.
Smart Meters
If your rental property doesn’t have a smart meter, you might want to consider having one installed. Smart meters provide more accurate readings and can help you better understand and manage your energy usage. Discuss this option with your chosen energy provider, and if you’re a tenant in a rental, speak to your Property Manager about what options might be available for you.
Energy-Saving Tips for Rental Properties
For Tenants
- Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
- Use natural light when possible and turn off lights when leaving a room.
- Adjust your thermostat and/or air conditioner settings – even a small change can make a big difference.
- Use cold water for laundry when possible and only run full loads.
For Property Investors
- Install insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings to improve energy efficiency.
- Provide energy-efficient appliances on the property.
- Consider installing solar panels to reduce long-term energy costs.
- Ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed.
- Regular maintenance of heating and cooling systems can improve their efficiency.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might encounter issues with your electricity connection. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
- Delayed connection: Contact your chosen provider immediately if your electricity isn’t connected on the agreed date. They should be able to explain the delay and provide a new connection date.
- Unexpected fees: If you receive a bill with unexpected charges, don’t hesitate to question them. Contact your provider and ask for a detailed explanation of all charges.
- Meter access issues: If there are problems accessing the meter, work with your property manager directly to ensure clear access to meter readings.
- Power outages: For unexpected power outages, first check if it’s affecting your neighbours. If it’s a localised issue, contact your energy provider. For widespread outages, check with your local distribution network.
Key Takeaways
- Tenants are typically responsible for arranging electricity connections in their name, while property investors ensure the property is ready for connection with necessary wiring and infrastructure up to current safety standards.
- The process of connecting electricity involves determining the current energy provider, comparing providers and plans, choosing a suitable plan, contacting the chosen provider, providing necessary information, and scheduling the connection, with important considerations such as connection fees, notice periods, and smart meters.
- Tenants can save energy by using efficient appliances and light bulbs, utilizing natural light, adjusting thermostat settings, using cold water for laundry, and running full loads, while property investors can improve energy efficiency through insulation, providing efficient appliances, installing solar panels, ensuring proper sealing, and maintaining heating and cooling systems.
- Common issues like delayed connections, unexpected fees, meter access problems, and power outages can be addressed by contacting the energy provider, questioning charges, working with the property manager, checking with neighbors and local distribution networks, and taking appropriate steps to resolve the issue.
How Leah Jay Works with Connect Now
At Leah Jay, we understand that moving into a new rental property can be stressful, which is why we’ve partnered with Connect Now to simplify the process of connecting utilities for our tenants. Connect Now is a free service that helps you set up all your essential services, including electricity, gas, water, internet, and pay TV.
When you lease a property through Leah Jay, you’ll be offered the opportunity to use Connect Now’s services. If you choose to do so, Connect Now will contact you directly to discuss your connectivity needs and preferences. They’ll then use their extensive knowledge of the market to find the best deals available and arrange the connections on your behalf. This service not only saves you time but also ensures you’re getting competitive rates for your utilities.
It’s important to note that while we offer this service for your convenience, you’re under no obligation to use Connect Now. You’re always free to arrange your utilities independently if you prefer. Our partnership with Connect Now is just one of the ways Leah Jay strives to make your renting experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
