California Renters: Utilities Setup Checklist

Setting up utilities in your new California rental can be a bit overwhelming, especially with the state’s unique disclosure laws and requirements for landlords. This guide walks you through the essential steps every new renter should take to ensure power, water, and other vital services are functioning from day one. Knowing your responsibilities, understanding what your landlord must disclose, and having the right forms at your fingertips will help you move in with confidence.

Understanding Utilities in Your California Rental

In California, utilities such as electricity, gas, water, sewage, and trash collection are considered essential services. Your lease or rental agreement should clearly state which utilities you are responsible for, and which are managed or paid for by the landlord. Under California Civil Code Sections 1940–1954, landlords are required to provide habitable premises, which includes maintaining basic utilities unless otherwise agreed in writing.^[1]

Utilities Setup Checklist for New Renters

1. Review Your Lease or Rental Agreement

• Check which utilities you must set up yourself (electricity, water, gas, internet, etc.).
• Note any shared meters or utility billing arrangements. California landlords must fully disclose shared utility meters and provide a breakdown of charges if you’re billed indirectly.^[2]

2. Identify and Contact Utility Providers

• Electricity: Providers vary by region. Most renters in Southern California use Southern California Edison, while Northern California uses PG&E.
• Gas: SoCalGas (Southern CA) or PG&E (Northern CA).
• Water/Sewer: Usually managed by your local city or county. Check your city’s public works or utilities page.
• Trash Collection: Often included in rent or managed by the city. Ask your landlord.
• Internet/Phone: Contact licensed private providers in your area.

3. Complete Required Utility Setup Forms

• PG&E Start/Stop/Transfer Service (PG&E Official Form): Use this to start or transfer your electric and gas service. Example: Submit online before moving in to avoid service interruptions.
• Utility Service Application – City or County: Each local water/sewer provider may require an official application form, often found on their website (e.g., Los Angeles Department of Water and Power). Example: Complete and upload a lease or ID to verify residency.
• Shared Utility Meter Disclosure (California Civil Code § 1940.9): Landlords must provide this written disclosure if meters are shared. As a renter, request a copy if not automatically provided. See Civil Code § 1940.9.

4. Inspect Utility Function Before Signing

• Test lights, faucets, heating/cooling, and appliances. Report any issues on your Move-In Checklist (see below).
• Document readings for electric/gas meters and keep photos.

5. Keep Records & Understand Your Rights

• Save all utility connection confirmations and payment receipts.
• Landlords cannot shut off utilities to force you out—doing so violates California Civil Code § 789.3.
• If you encounter an issue, you can file a complaint with the county Department of Consumer and Business Affairs or open a case in the California Superior Court – Housing Division.

If you only remember three things: Ask about utilities early, document your setup, and keep written records from your landlord.

Common Disclosures and Official Forms for California Renters

• Move-In/Move-Out Checklist (UD-100): Not required by law, but highly recommended to prevent later disputes. Use it to note utility and appliance condition at move-in. Submit a copy to your landlord and keep one for your records.
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (required for pre-1978 housing): Landlords must provide this for health and safety reasons. See EPA’s official guidelines.

What Do I Do If There’s a Utility Problem?

If your landlord fails to provide basic utilities or if you receive a shut-off notice for shared or landlord-controlled utilities, take the following steps:

• Inform your landlord in writing about the service problem.
• If unresolved, contact your local city or county code enforcement or housing authority.
• For unresolved habitability issues, you may have rights to withhold rent or pursue repairs under California Civil Code § 1942.^[3]
• File a complaint with the county Department of Consumer and Business Affairs or your local Superior Court’s Housing Division.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which utilities am I responsible for in my California rental? Usually, you’re responsible for electricity, gas, internet, and sometimes water or trash—your lease must clearly state which ones.
2. What if my landlord controls utility billing? Your landlord must provide an itemized written disclosure for shared meters, as required by law. Request this if you are billed indirectly.
3. Do I need to submit any official forms to set up utilities? Yes, you’ll generally need to use the utility provider’s official start/stop service form. Bring your lease and ID when applying. For shared meters, ask for the required disclosure in writing.
4. Can my landlord turn off my utilities? No. It is illegal for your landlord to shut off utilities to force you out. This is a violation of California law; you can file a complaint if this happens.
5. Where can I get help if my utilities aren’t working? Contact your local housing authority, legal aid service, or the California Department of Consumer Affairs for official support.

Key Takeaways for California Renters

• Read your lease to confirm your utility responsibilities and ensure all disclosures are provided.
• Submit required setup forms for utilities before you move in; keep all documentation.
• If utilities are shut off or never started, contact local housing authorities for help with your rights under California law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (Tenant Protections) – Support and complaint resolution for renters.
• California Superior Court – Housing Division – Handles rental disputes and habitability issues; official tribunal for landlord-tenant matters.
• California Department of Consumer Affairs – Landlord/Tenant Information
• Official legislation: California Civil Code Section 1940–1954: Tenant Protections
• Utility provider contacts: Southern California Edison, PG&E, SoCalGas

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1. See: California Civil Code Section 1941–1942: Landlord Obligations
2. See: California Civil Code § 1940.9: Shared Utility Meter Disclosure
3. See: California Civil Code § 1942: Tenant Remedies

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