Are you preparing to move into your new apartment and thinking about all the things that need to be set up? Although setting up utilities, including electricity, in an apartment might seem complicated, it doesn’t have to be stressful. After all, moving into a new home means starting a thrilling new chapter in your life — and knowing how to set up electricity in your apartment beforehand can make your move much smoother.
When should you start planning your electricity setup?
Knowing what you need to do as early as possible will help ensure you have your power running from day one.
Since setting up electricity in your apartment is an important step, it requires your attention before your move-in date. In fact, you should start the process as soon as your rental application is approved. Waiting too long could lead to delays, unexpected fees, or even moving into an apartment without electricity.
How to set up electricity in your apartment
We’ve put together a quick guide on how to get your lights on without too much hassle. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Find your electricity provider
The first thing you need to do is find an electricity provider that serves your area. In some places, you only have one option, while in other locations, you’ll have several companies to choose from. Check with your landlord or look online for utility providers in your area.
Follow these tips to find an electric company that fits your preferences and budget:
– Use online platforms to compare rates and plans. Different providers offer different pricing, such as fixed-rate, variable-rate, or prepaid plans.
– Check customer reviews to learn about service quality, billing, customer support, and reliability.
– If sustainability is a priority for you, look for providers that offer renewable energy.
Tip: With fixed-rate plans and the ability to manage your power bill alongside your rent, ResidentShield Power is a convenient and budget-friendly option for renters. Plus, it’s a 100% green energy solution. You can sign up online through your RentCafe resident portal as soon as your application is approved. Plans are currently available to renters in Texas, with more states coming soon.
2. Make sure you have a good credit score
The next step in knowing how to set up electricity in your apartment is focusing on your credit. Like with many other services, your credit history might come into play. Some electricity providers will run a credit check to determine if you need to pay a deposit — this acts as a guarantee that you’ll pay your bills.
If you have good credit, you may not have to pay a deposit at all. If your credit is less than stellar, don’t panic — you’ll likely just need to pay the deposit, and you’ll usually get it back after you’ve paid your bills on time for a while.
Tip: Have your Social Security number on hand, as the company will probably ask for it. Also, have your new address and move-in date ready.
3. Get your documents ready
What else should you have on hand before contacting a power provider? Other than your contact information (full name, phone number, and email address), preparing these documents in advance will help you stay on top of things:
– Your apartment’s full address, including the unit number.
– The date when you plan to move and start service.
– Any details from your earlier utility accounts, if applicable.
If your apartment already has electricity from the previous renter, you’ll still need to transfer it into your name.
Tip: All this information will be auto-populated when you sign up for ResidentShield Power via RentCafe, the fastest way to power in your apartment. Plus, when you get your electricity from ResidentShield Power and join the Rewards by RentCafe loyalty program in your resident portal, you’ll earn points and get free rent payment reporting which can help you boost your credit score — talk about an easy win!
4. Prepare your place
An essential part of knowing how to set up electricity is ensuring the service is properly installed. Once you’ve got your plan and installation date, make sure your apartment is accessible for the technician’s visit. In some cases, a visit to your apartment is not necessary.
If an electrician does come to your apartment, ensure clear access to the electrical panel or any other areas they may need. If you have pets, it’s best to keep them in a separate room during the visit.
Tip: With ResidentShield Power, the service is already connected to your building, and the installation process is handled by your property, with no effort on your part. If you’d rather spend your time doing things you love, this is the way to go.
When it’s time to move out
You might move again someday, so knowing how to cancel your service is just as important as knowing how to set up electricity in your apartment. Here’s what you need to do:
- Notify the electricity company and give them your move-out date so they know when to disconnect the service.
- Provide your new address in case they need it for your last bill.
- Read the meter and provide the company with the numbers so they can calculate your last electricity bill accurately.
- Get written confirmation that your service is canceled to avoid unexpected charges.
Tip: With ResidentShield Power, your contract ends automatically when you move out, so you don’t have to worry about canceling your electricity account.
How long does it take to set up electricity in an apartment?
In most cases, setting up electricity usually takes between one and five business days. If the apartment already has service, it can be done faster — sometimes even the same day! You can check which electricity providers have express services and can get your power turned on within a few hours. However, if a technician needs to visit, it’s better to schedule the appointment at least one week in advance to avoid any surprises when you’re moving in.
Following these steps on how to set up electricity in your apartment will not only take a major task off your to-do list but also make adulting feel a little easier. Plus, you’ll be able to turn on all your lamps and get those hygge-inspired feels as soon as you step into your new place.
