Unless they are included in your rent, you will need to pay utility bills and rates. This page explains more.

• Household bills
• Rates
• TV Licence

Household bills

Unless bills are included as part of your rent, you will have to pay gas, electricity and telephone bills. These bills are usually sent out every quarter (every three months) but you can usually arrange to pay bills monthly. It may work out cheaper if you pay online or by direct debit.

If you share a flat or house, you will need to split the bills with your housemates. This can cause problems so try to work out an amicable agreement for splitting bills at the beginning of your tenancy.

If you are moving into a new property you may need to set aside money for final bills at your old address and/or connection charges in your new home. Your household bills may be more than you are used to paying if the property you buy is larger than your previous home, or is not well insulated.

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Rates

You will usually have to pay rates. You may not have to pay rates if you are renting from a private landlord. Check your tenancy agreement or get advice from Housing Rights Service if you are unsure whether you should be paying rates.

You will get a bill once a year, but can arrange to pay it monthly if you prefer. If you own your home you may be able to get housing benefit rate rebate to help pay it.

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TV Licence

If you watch broadcast television, whether via a TV or online, you'll need a licence. You will still need your own licence even if you live in a student hall of residence or bedsit. Find out more at the TV licensing website.

If you have an individual tenancy agreement for a room in a shared house, you will usually require a tenancy agreement to watch television in your own room.  However, if you have a joint tenancy agreement one licence may cover the whole house.  Check with TV licensing if you're unsure.