Illinois Utility Setup Checklist: Guide for New Renters

Moving into a new rental home in Illinois comes with several important tasks, including setting up your utilities. Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and the correct process helps ensure a smooth transition and avoids unexpected costs or service issues. This guide covers everything new renters need to know about starting utilities in Illinois, with practical checklists, legal tips, and official government resources for every step.

Essential Steps for Setting Up Utilities in Illinois Rentals

Before you move in, clarify which utilities are included in your rent and which ones you need to set up. In Illinois, landlords must disclose in your lease which utilities you are responsible for, according to the Illinois Residential Tenants' Right to Repair Act and the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act.^[1]

1. Review Your Lease for Utility Responsibilities

• Check which utilities (electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, etc.) are included in your rent payments.
• Confirm your responsibilities for transferring or activating utility accounts.

2. Gather Information for Setting Up Utilities

• Your new address and unit number
• Move-in date (as stated on the lease agreement)
• Your Social Security Number and photo ID
• Landlord's full contact information

3. Contact Local Utility Providers

• Electricity: Contact ComEd (Northern Illinois) or Ameren Illinois (Central/Southern Illinois).
• Natural Gas: Check if Peoples Gas, Nicor Gas, or North Shore Gas serves your area.
• Water and Sewer: Typically provided by your city or town’s public works department. Search on your municipality’s official website.
• Trash Collection: Can be city-managed or handled by private companies—ask your landlord for details.
• Internet/Cable: Choose a provider that serves your neighborhood for internet and TV services.

Schedule service connections for the day you move in or shortly before, to avoid delays or interruptions.

4. Official Forms and Utility Disclosure Requirements

• Illinois Rental Utility Billing Disclosure Form (No official number): This form, often part of your lease, explains how utilities are billed when services are shared among units.
  When to use: If your building has a master-meter or sub-meter for utilities like water or gas, your landlord must disclose how costs are split. For example, if a 3-flat apartment shares water and you pay a portion, this must be clear in the lease or as a separate form.
  Get the form and info: See the City of Chicago Landlord-Tenant Forms page (applies statewide for disclosure best practices).
• Security Deposit Return (Form available for Chicago): If the landlord charges for unpaid utility bills, they must provide receipts and use the Security Deposit Disclosure Form.
  When to use: If utilities aren't paid directly to the provider, you might see deductions from your deposit for unpaid utility costs. Landlords must disclose this with documentation when returning your deposit.

For statewide landlord-tenant forms and guidance, refer to the Illinois Attorney General – Landlord & Tenant Rights resource.

5. Inspect Utility Meters and Document Readings

• Take date-stamped photos of utility meters at move-in for your records.
• Share documented readings with your landlord and utility providers to prevent billing disputes.
• Ask your provider how to verify current meter readings during account setup.

6. Know Your Rights and How to Get Help

• Your landlord cannot disconnect utilities as a form of eviction. This is prohibited under the Illinois Security Deposit Return Act.^[2]
• If you face unauthorized shutoff or issues, contact your utility provider, the Illinois Commerce Commission (state utility regulator), or your local government’s housing department.

FAQ: Utilities Setup for Illinois Renters

1. Who is responsible for setting up utilities in an Illinois rental?
   This depends on your lease. Typically, tenants set up and pay for utilities not included in the rent. Your landlord must clearly state in the lease which utilities you handle and which they do.
   
2. What forms do I need to request utility billing information?
   Check your lease for a Rental Utility Billing Disclosure or similar document. In shared-utility properties, this form explains cost allocation and should be provided before you move in.
   
3. What should I do if a landlord tries to disconnect my utilities?
   Landlords cannot lawfully disconnect utility services to force you out. If this happens, contact your utility company and the Illinois Commerce Commission to file a complaint. Document all communication in writing.
   
4. How do I document utility meter readings on move-in?
   Take a date-stamped photo of each utility meter, record the readings, and share this information with both your landlord and the utility company. This protects you from being charged for previous usage.
   
5. Where can I find official information on Illinois tenant utility rights?
   Visit the Illinois Attorney General Landlord-Tenant Rights page or read the Illinois Residential Tenants' Right to Repair Act for details.
   

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Setting Up Utilities

• Always review your lease for clear utility responsibilities and ask for written disclosures if needed.
• Set up or transfer your utility services as soon as you have your new address and lease agreement.
• Document all meter readings at move-in to prevent billing disputes down the road.

Staying organized and informed protects your rights as a new renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC): State utility regulator, handles complaints and utility disputes for renters. File a utility complaint here.
• Illinois Attorney General – Landlord & Tenant Rights: Comprehensive resource on leases, deposits, and tenant protections.
• For Chicago renters: City of Chicago Landlord-Tenant Information
• For mediation or tribunal disputes: Illinois Attorney General Tenant Rights Board

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1. See the Illinois Residential Tenants' Right to Repair Act and Illinois Security Deposit Return Act.
2. Illinois Security Deposit Return Act, Section 1 (765 ILCS 710/1).

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