The first thing when moving: activate services
When you sign a lease in the United States, one of the first things you need to do is put utilities in your name. Depending on your apartment, some services may be included in the rent and others you pay directly. This guide explains how to activate each one.
Step 0: Ask what is included in the rent
Before activating anything, confirm with your landlord:
| Question | Why it matters |
|----------|---------------|
| Does rent include water? | Many apartments include water in rent |
| Does it include trash/recycling? | Almost always included |
| Does it include gas? | Sometimes, especially with central heating |
| Does it include electricity? | Rare, but possible in some buildings |
| Who provides internet/cable? | Sometimes there are agreements with a specific provider |
Electricity
When to activate: 1-2 weeks before moving
How to do it:
Estimated monthly cost: $80-$200 (varies by size and climate)
Tip: Ask if they offer discount programs for low-income families (like LIHEAP).
Gas
When to activate: 1-2 weeks before moving
How to do it:
Estimated monthly cost: $30-$100 (higher in winter for heating)
Important: If you smell gas in your apartment, leave immediately and call 911 or the gas company. Do not turn on switches or use your cell phone inside.
Water
In most apartments water is included in the rent. If not:
Estimated monthly cost: $30-$70
Internet
When to activate: 1-2 weeks before (installation can take time)
How to choose a provider:
| Connection type | Speed | Monthly price | Best for |
|----------------|-------|---------------|----------|
| Cable (Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox) | 100-1000 Mbps | $40-$80 | General use, streaming |
| Fiber optic (AT&T, Verizon Fios, Google) | 300-5000 Mbps | $50-$90 | Gaming, remote work |
| DSL | 10-100 Mbps | $30-$50 | Basic use |
| 5G Internet (T-Mobile, Verizon) | 50-300 Mbps | $40-$60 | No installation, flexible |
Steps:
Tip: Avoid long contracts if you can. Look for month-to-month plans or with no cancellation penalty.
Documents you will need
To activate most services you need:
If you don't have SSN: options
Many utility companies accept ITIN instead of SSN. If you have neither:
Summary table: activation timeline
| Service | When to activate | Estimated monthly cost | Typical deposit |
|---------|-----------------|----------------------|-----------------|
| Electricity | 1-2 weeks before | $80-$200 | $100-$300 |
| Gas | 1-2 weeks before | $30-$100 | $50-$200 |
| Water | Ask landlord | $30-$70 (if not included) | $25-$75 |
| Internet | 1-2 weeks before | $40-$90 | $0-$100 |
| Trash/recycling | Included in rent | $0 | $0 |
How to save on utilities
When you move out: don't forget to cancel
When you move out of your current apartment:
Setting up utilities may seem complicated, but following these steps you will have everything ready before your first day in the new apartment.