Utilities Setup Checklist for New Renters in New York

Starting a new lease in New York means more than signing a rental agreement—it also means making sure your essential utilities (like electricity, water, and gas) are up and running on move-in day. Understanding your responsibilities and rights as a renter helps you avoid surprises, ensures a smooth transition, and fosters a positive relationship with your landlord. Use this comprehensive checklist to manage your utilities setup confidently and in compliance with New York State law.

Understanding Utility Responsibilities in New York

In New York, renters and landlords share responsibilities for utilities, which should be specified in your lease agreement. To avoid confusion, check:

• Which utilities are included in your rent (e.g., heat, hot water, gas, electricity)
• Who pays for additional services (internet, cable, trash removal)
• Required disclosures from the landlord about utility arrangements

Landlords are generally required to provide heat, hot water, and, in some cases, water/sewer. Read more in the New York State Tenant Rights Guide and your warranty of habitability under state law.^[1]

Checklist: Setting Up Utilities

Review these important steps before and after you move in:

• Confirm included utilities: Ask your landlord which utilities are covered by rent. Make sure these details are in your signed lease.
• Transfer or start new accounts: For utilities not included, contact service providers (such as Con Edison for electricity/gas or NYC Water Board for water) to transfer accounts into your name.
• Learn about deposits: Some companies require a refundable deposit for new customers. Ask about options for returning deposits at move-out.
• Document meter readings: Take photos of all meters (electric, gas, water) on move-in day. Send copies to your landlord and keep them for your records.
• Review your lease for legal forms: In rent-regulated or multi-unit buildings, landlords may need to provide a "DHCR Notice to Tenant of Utility Charges" (Form RA-23) if you are billed separately for utilities.

Required Disclosures and Forms in New York

• DHCR Notice to Tenant of Utility Charges (Form RA-23): Provided by the landlord when a tenant must pay separately for utilities that are otherwise customarily included in rent. For example, if your lease requires you to pay electricity directly, the landlord should give you this form before you sign. View official DHCR RA-23 form.
• Heat and Hot Water Disclosure: In New York City, the lease or a rider must state who provides and pays for heat and hot water. NYC law sets minimum heat requirements from October 1–May 31. Learn about NYC Heat Requirements.

Action Steps: How to Set Up Utilities

• Review your signed lease for utility responsibilities and required forms or disclosures.
• Contact each utility company at least two weeks before your move-in date. Some major providers:
• Con Edison – Start Electric/Gas Service (NYC/Westchester)
• NYSEG (Upstate NY Electricity/Gas)
• NYC Water Board
• Take meter photos on move-in. Send copies to the landlord and utility provider to ensure accurate billing.
• Keep all communications and receipts, especially for deposits and meter readings.

FAQ: Utilities for New York Renters

1. Are landlords required to supply heat and hot water in New York? In most cases, yes. Landlords must provide heat and hot water, especially in multifamily buildings. This is regulated by New York State Multiple Dwelling Law and local codes.
2. What if my utilities are turned off after I move in? Notify your landlord in writing. If the issue is unresolved, contact local authorities or the New York State Office of Rent Administration for help.
3. Can a landlord charge separately for utilities that are usually included? Only if properly disclosed and documented. For rent-regulated apartments, use of special disclosure forms (like the DHCR RA-23) is required.
4. How do I prove my responsibility for utility bills? Your signed lease and any provided disclosures determine responsibility. Also, keep records of all communication about utility setup, meter readings, and payments.
5. Where can I file a complaint if utilities are not provided as required? You can contact the New York State Office of Rent Administration or your local housing agency.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for New York Renters

• Always clarify utility responsibilities in your lease and get required disclosures/forms when appropriate.
• Set up utilities at least two weeks before move-in and keep documentation of meter readings.
• Know your rights under New York State law; seek help if you experience a utility shutoff or billing issue.

Following this checklist ensures you have a safe, comfortable, and legally compliant move-in experience.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New York State Office of Rent Administration (ORA) – Handles tenant complaints and enforces rent regulations.
• NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) – Tenant Rights
• NYS HCR Tenant Rights Guide
• To file utility complaints or get legal support, use NY Public Service Commission Utility Complaint Form
• For immediate issues in NYC, call 311

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1. See New York Real Property Law §235-b—warranty of habitability
2. Related forms: DHCR RA-23 Utility Disclosure
3. NYC housing regulations: NYC Heat & Hot Water Requirements
4. The residential tenancy tribunal: New York State Office of Rent Administration (ORA)

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