Utilities
There are other payments to make on top of your rent or mortgage, known as utility bills.
They are essential services you need to pay every month to keep your home in a comfortable condition, such as electricity, water, and gas. If you are renting a home, your landlord may be responsible for these if the rent includes utility bills. Please check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord.
Several providers offer utility services, but it is important to find out who supplies your energy. Take a meter reading the day you move in and submit this to your supplier to avoid any charges for energy used by previous tenants. Visit the links below for a guide to dealing with energy suppliers for the first time.
- setting up gas and electric for the first time
- dealing with your energy supply
- energy advice for households
Phone, broadband and TV
Landline phones or home phones are becoming less common now that more people have mobile phones, however, are still used by many and are often included within a broadband package. Broadband is a way of connecting to the internet and is vital for keeping in touch with friends and family and if you work from home. The average broadband package is around £40 per month.
Find out more about phone, broadband and TV
By law, you need to apply for a TV licence if you are watching live TV or download any BBC programmes on iPlayer on a computer or other device. If you watch TV without a TV licence, you may be fined. You can spread the cost of the annual TV licence.
Find out more about TV licence
Council tax
All properties in the UK are liable for council tax. This is an annual tax on domestic properties collected by your local authority. The tax goes towards a number of council services roads and highways maintenance; supporting residents with health, social and family issues; ensuring waste and recycling is collected; introducing children to reading through libraries and providing high quality schools.
The cost of the council tax bill is based on your location, and size of the property. Some people may be exempt from paying council tax or may get this at a discounted rate, for example if you live alone or have a low income.
Find out more about council tax
Further information
If you have any queries about this guide please contact the School/Department in which you will be working, as they will support you. The HR Department can offer general advice, please email hrrecruitment@tees.ac.uk.
Please note: The inclusion of a link to another organisation's website from any pages on this website does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of that organisation or its website by the University. The University cannot be held responsible for the content of any external link from this site.
