Hookups: The Utility Kind
by Kari Lamanuzzi
When you move into a new apartment or house, there are things you need to consider beyond how you are going to get your
stuff there. For example, once you've moved in, are you going to want to take a hot shower? If so, you're going to want
to make sure the utilities are hooked up.
First and foremost, you shouldn't be expecting massive connection fees. However, there could be some that you need to
budget for. Internet and cable providers may charge an installation or activation fee (sometimes waived during a
promotion), and if you set up a landline — though most renters skip one entirely these days — there may be a
setup charge too. Make sure you're aware of which companies charge what, because you may need to budget for more than
just the first month's rent and a security deposit.
Usually, setting up utilities isn't something you can do last minute and expect prompt service. In most circumstances,
it can take the utility company up to a week to get out to see you. Even then, you're largely at their mercy. If you
are going to classes during the day and the company wants to come to your place at 3 p.m., you have to find a way to make it work.
If you are having gas hooked up, the person who hooks up your gas will also conduct an inspection of your hookups to
make sure that everything is okay. If the hookups are really old or if they leak at all, they'll need to be replaced
(it's your landlord's responsibility to buy the replacement parts or pay for the repair). This is why you should
always call ahead of time (read: before moving in) to schedule an appointment.
The most important utilities to take care of are the gas (if it's required) and electric (these are the ones that
you really don't want to have to live without). If these utilities are already in your name from your old place of
residence, all you have to do is call up the companies and tell them you'd like to have your account transferred
to a new residence. Otherwise, you'll have to call and let them know that you'll be setting up a new account.
For most people, internet falls into the "can't live without" category. Like the other utilities, it's easy to call
and have the account transferred. And like the gas, there is often some installation required, so you'll probably have to
arrange for someone to be at home when the technician comes. Installation windows are notoriously wide and appointments
sometimes slip, so it's a good idea to confirm your appointment the day before and plan to be flexible.
To save money, check around online and see if the internet and TV providers in your area are offering sign-up incentive deals.
At the very least, you should be able to get a promotional rate for the first several months. On the other end of
the spectrum, you may be able to roll your internet, TV and phone into one bundle and get a discount.
These bundles can be worth it if you'd actually use everything in them — but if you stream instead of watching cable,
or rely entirely on your cell phone, don't pay for services you won't touch. Only bundle what you'll really use.