Lana Oconnell
Whether you have to pay utilities in student accommodation depends on the type of accommodation and your landlord. University-run accommodation, or student halls, often includes utility bills (gas, electricity, water, and internet) in the rent. However, some student halls may charge extra for excessive usage. On the other hand, when renting a private student house or flat, utility bills may not be included in the rent, and you may have to set up and pay for them separately. In this case, it is common to split the utility bills equally among the housemates. It is important to read your contract carefully to understand what is and is not included in the rent. Additionally, as a student, you are usually exempt from paying council tax.
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What You'll Learn
Bills included in rent
Whether bills are included in the rent for student accommodation depends on the university and the specific accommodation provider. Some student accommodation providers offer an all-inclusive package, where bills are included in the rent. This can be beneficial as it simplifies the payment process, eliminates potential conflicts about splitting bills, and makes budgeting easier.
In most purpose-built student accommodation and university halls, utility bills (gas, electricity, water, and internet) are typically included in the rent. However, some providers may charge extra for excessive usage. It is important to carefully read the contract to understand what is and is not included in the rent.
If bills are not included in the rent, students may need to set up their own utility contracts and split the costs with their housemates. This can be done by assigning a utility or bill to each housemate for setup and then dividing the costs equally when bills are due. Student bill-splitting companies can assist with this process, although they may be more expensive.
Additionally, if not everyone in the household is a student, Council Tax may be payable. Full-time students are usually exempt from paying Council Tax, but it is important to register for this exemption.
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Student bill-splitting services
Whether you have to pay utilities in student accommodation depends on the university and the type of accommodation. In most purpose-built student accommodation, utility bills are included in the rent. However, in private rentals, they usually are not included.
If you are responsible for paying utilities, student bill-splitting services can help you manage payments. These services, such as The Student Energy Group (TSEG), combine all household bills into one monthly statement, which can be split equally among housemates. Each housemate can log in to their individual account to see and pay their share. This ensures transparency and fairness, as no one is punished if someone else doesn't pay. TSEG also offers green electricity and gas, and can bundle your TV licence and broadband into your package.
Another bill-splitting service is Bunch, which also offers a single monthly bill for all utilities.
While bill-splitting services can save time and reduce conflict, they are more expensive and may restrict you to certain suppliers. An alternative is to share responsibility for overall household bills, with each tenant managing certain utilities. This can be done by assigning each housemate a utility for setup and then dividing the costs equally when bills are due. It is recommended to keep a record of who has paid what and to set up a Shared Living Agreement to avoid disputes.
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Utility account setup
Setting up utility accounts for your student accommodation can be a daunting task, but it is important to ensure you have access to essential services like electricity, gas, water, and the internet. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Understanding Your Rental Agreement
Before setting up any utility accounts, it is crucial to understand what is included in your rent. In some cases, your rent may already cover some or all of your utility expenses. This is more common in university-run accommodations or purpose-built student housing. Carefully review your rental contract to identify which utilities, if any, are included in your rent. If you are unsure, don't hesitate to ask your landlord or the student accommodation office for clarification.
Identify the Utilities You Need to Set Up
Once you know what is included in your rent, make a list of the utilities you need to set up. The most common utilities are electricity, gas, water, and the internet. You may also need to consider other services such as a TV license or subscription if you plan to watch TV or use streaming services.
Choose Your Utility Providers
For each utility, you will need to choose a provider. In some cases, your landlord may have a preferred or existing provider, but you are not obligated to stick with them. You have the option to shop around for the best deals and choose providers that suit your budget and needs. Websites that compare utility providers can be a helpful resource for finding the best tariffs.
Set Up Your Accounts
Contact each utility provider to set up your accounts. Provide them with your personal information, including your name, student status, and accommodation address. They may also require you to set up a payment method, such as a direct debit. It is recommended to take meter readings on the day you move in and provide these to your utility providers to ensure accurate billing from the start of your tenancy.
Split Bills with Housemates
If you are living with other students, you will need to decide how to split the utility bills. It is essential to have open and honest conversations about bill payments to avoid disputes. You can assign specific utilities to each housemate for setting up and then divide the costs equally when bills are due. Alternatively, consider using a bill-splitting service or creating a Shared Living Agreement to ensure fairness and transparency in bill payments.
Regularly Submit Meter Readings
Remember to regularly submit meter readings to your utility providers. This ensures that your bills accurately reflect your usage and helps you avoid unexpected costs. Most providers will allow you to submit readings online or through their mobile apps. By staying on top of your meter readings, you can also keep a closer eye on your utility consumption and make any necessary adjustments to reduce costs.
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Council tax exemption
Students often live in shared houses or purpose-built student accommodation, and it can be unclear whether they need to pay utility bills and council tax.
If you are a full-time student, you are exempt from paying council tax. This applies even during the summer holidays, as long as your university has you registered as a student. However, if there is one or more non-students in the household, the non-student will be liable to pay the council tax, with a 25% discount. Council tax is typically invoiced annually, but you may request monthly bills if you prefer.
To apply for council tax exemption, you need to contact your local council to request a council tax exemption form. You will need to provide proof of your student status, such as a student loan statement or a bank statement, and any other relevant documentation requested by your local council. It is important to keep your landlord and rental agent informed of your exemption status to avoid any confusion about who is responsible for the council tax.
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TV licence requirements
In the UK, a TV licence is generally required for those living away from home, including students in university accommodation or shared housing. Students need a TV licence to watch or record TV programmes as they are being broadcast and to watch on-demand BBC programmes on iPlayer. A single TV licence covers all devices within a single property.
If you live in halls of residence and watch TV in your room, you will need your own TV licence. If you have a shared tenancy agreement, you will typically need just one licence to cover everyone in the house. However, if you have separate tenancy agreements and watch TV in your room, you will each need your own licence.
The cost of a TV licence is £174.50 for colour TV sets and £58.50 for black and white TV sets. Concessions are available for those who are registered blind or in residential care, offering a 50% discount on the licence fee. Students returning home for the summer holidays may be eligible for a refund on the remaining months of their licence.
Regarding utility bills in student accommodation, it varies depending on the university and the type of accommodation. In most cases, utility bills such as heating, lighting, water, and hot water are included in the cost of halls of residence. However, some universities may charge extra for excessive use or for internet usage. In private accommodation, utility bills are usually not included in the rent, and students are responsible for setting up and paying the bills. It is important to read the contract carefully to understand what is included in the rent.
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