New Jersey Renters: Utilities Setup Guide & Checklist

As a new renter in New Jersey, getting your utilities set up properly is one of the first steps to making your rental feel like home. Managing utilities also ensures you’re in compliance with state law and your lease agreement. This utilities setup checklist will help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and required forms—so you can enjoy a smooth move-in experience in New Jersey.

Understanding Utilities in New Jersey Rentals

In New Jersey, utilities can include electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash collection, and sometimes internet or cable services. Who pays for which utility should be clearly stated in your lease. By law, landlords must disclose if tenants are responsible for utility accounts or if the landlord retains those in their name and charges you separately.^[1]

Key Utility Providers in New Jersey

• NJ Board of Public Utilities: List of Utility Providers
• PSE&G – Electricity and Gas: Start Service at PSE&G
• Aqua America or New Jersey American Water – Water: Move Water Service
• Suez Water: NJ Suez Water Start/Stop

What Should Be Disclosed?

• Utility Service Responsibility: Your lease must specify who pays each utility.
• Submetering/Ratio Utility Billing: If utilities are split, the method must be explained in writing as required by New Jersey law.^[2]
• Condition of Meters: Your landlord should ensure meters are properly working and accessible.

Utilities Setup Checklist for New Renters

Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help you move efficiently:

• Read your lease carefully to see which utilities are your responsibility.
• Locate and record existing meter readings (take photos for your records).
• Confirm who the current utility providers are for your address.
• Contact providers about moving service into your name, choosing move-in/activation dates that match your lease start.
• If you are activating gas or electricity: Prepare for potential security deposits or credit checks.
• Ask your landlord for any utility transfer instructions.
• Keep copies of all documents and payment confirmations.

Relevant Official Forms for New Jersey Renters

• Utility Company Application for Residential Service
  - Used to start/transfer each utility. For example, starting electricity with PSE&G requires submitting their online new service application.
  - Submit online or by phone—have your lease and personal ID ready. Useful for renters setting up utilities for the first time or transferring service from an old address.
• New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) Complaint Form
  - Use if you experience problems with disconnection, being charged for someone else’s usage, or utility shut-offs without proper notice.
  - Submit online at the BPU Customer Assistance Complaint Portal.
  - Example: Your gas was shut off, and you believe it is due to a billing error on your landlord's account.
• Truth in Renting Guide Acknowledgment
  - NJ law requires landlords to provide tenants a copy of the Truth in Renting Guide on request or whenever you sign a new lease.
  - Not a form to file, but a legal right you should use if you need clarification about move-in disclosures or utility responsibilities.

What to Do if You Have Utility Problems?

If a landlord controls the utilities and there is an interruption (like a shutoff), New Jersey law protects your right to essential services. You can:

• Call the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Housing Code Enforcement if services like heat or water are disrupted.
• File a complaint with the Board of Public Utilities if it concerns billing or provider issues.
• Withhold rent only after following the required legal steps—ask for help before choosing this route.^[3]

The official body for residential tenancy issues in New Jersey is often your local Special Civil Part, Landlord/Tenant Section of the New Jersey Courts.

Legislation Protecting Tenants’ Utility Rights

• New Jersey Truth-in-Renting Act — Basic disclosure requirements.
• New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law (NJSA 2A:18-61.1 et seq.) — Outlines basic tenant and landlord duties, including habitability.^[4]
• NJ Board of Public Utilities Regulations — Utility billing, disconnections, and rights.

1. Who pays for utilities in a rental in New Jersey?
   Responsibility for utilities depends on your lease. The lease must specify what you pay directly and what (if any) the landlord covers. Always review this section closely before signing.
2. How do I transfer or start utilities in my own name?
   Contact each local utility company listed by the NJ Board of Public Utilities. You may need identification and proof of occupancy, like your lease. Most allow online setup or phone registration.
3. What if my utilities are shut off by the landlord?
   Landlords must keep essential utilities (heat, water, electricity) active. If a landlord illegally disconnects utilities, you may file a complaint with the Department of Community Affairs and the BPU, and the court may order immediate restoration.
4. Is my landlord required to provide a move-in inspection form?
   While not required for utilities, a move-in inspection protects you and documents the property's condition. Always complete one and request written confirmation from your landlord.
5. Do I need to provide meter readings at move-in?
   Yes, taking meter readings at move-in, and sharing with your landlord and utility provider, helps prevent disputes about usage or billing later on.

Key Takeaways for New Jersey Renters

• Always check your lease for who pays and sets up each utility.
• Take meter readings with photos as soon as you move in.
• If you have trouble with utility connections or billing, seek help from the NJ Board of Public Utilities or your local court.

Understanding these basics makes move-in smoother and protects your rights as a New Jersey renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NJ Board of Public Utilities – Consumer Assistance: Utility billing, shutoff, and service issues
• NJ Truth in Renting Guide: Your basic rights and responsibilities
• NJ Courts – Landlord/Tenant Section: How to handle disputes or claim your rights
• NJ Department of Community Affairs – Housing Code Enforcement: Report property or essential services problems

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1. See Truth in Renting Guide – NJ DCA.
2. See NJ Board of Public Utilities instructions for tenants.
3. See New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law (NJSA 2A:18-61.1) re: habitability and essential services.
4. Full text: NJ Landlord-Tenant Law.

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