What this guide covers
- The tenancy's cost allocation and the supplier's registered account are related but separate.
- Record meter numbers, readings and move-in dates, then check the first bill.
- Water, electricity, gas and broadband each require their own opening and departure steps.
Establish the existing supply condition
Before moving in, ask the landlord, agent or management office to confirm the existing supplies: water, electricity and town gas or LPG, whether they are connected, whose accounts they use and whether anything has been stopped. Transferring a working supply may involve different documents and appointments from reconnection, installation or inspection. The electricity supplier depends on the location, and town gas is not available in every flat. Do not carry over assumptions about the provider or equipment from your previous home.
| Service | Confirm before opening |
|---|---|
| Water | Existing supply, takeover date and meter number |
| Electricity | Relevant supplier, supply status and inspection needs |
| Gas | Town gas or LPG, equipment safety and connection appointment |
| Broadband | Building coverage, installation consent, appointment and equipment ownership |
Establish the responsibility date with documents
- Prepare identification, the full address and tenancy or other occupancy evidence.
- Photograph readable meter numbers and readings with the handover date, preferably jointly confirmed.
- Record old-account and closure arrangements while protecting the previous user's personal information.
- Check deposits, payment channels, receipts and the new account's effective-date confirmation.
Read the particular supplier's requirements before completing an application. A stamped lease, authority to act or company documents may be needed depending on the circumstances. Compare the name, floor and unit carefully with the tenancy so the account is opened for the right property. Where a relative or another party advances the deposit, agree who pays it and who will receive the eventual refund; a receipt alone may not explain the household's arrangement later.
Pay special attention to water takeover dates
The Water Supplies Department offers an account-taking service for moving in. Qualifying individual residential customers can apply through its official electronic channels where water is already supplied. If the previous customer owes charges, the Department may ask for a tenancy or other evidence showing when your responsibility began. Keep handover readings and the signed documents, and do not accept unexplained old bills merely to speed up the application. Ask the Department directly about interrupted supplies or more complicated circumstances.
- Confirm whether supply already exists or must be restored.
- Submit accurate information officially and keep the reference.
- Check the effective date and first bill against deposit and account confirmation.
Do not reconnect electricity or gas yourself
Apply to the electricity supplier serving the new address for connection or transfer. Any required installation inspection should be arranged with the supplier and qualified personnel. Gas applications may need identification and evidence of occupancy; for an existing supply, a recent meter photograph may establish the starting reading. Book the company for connection, disconnection or equipment work requiring a visit. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, stop use and follow official emergency instructions, rather than dismantling pipes or trying repeatedly to ignite an appliance.
- Locate the electrical panel, water valve and gas emergency contact without operating unfamiliar facilities.
- Before buying appliances, check the supply and gas type rather than judging only by plug or appearance.
Review the billing period as well as the amount
When the first bill arrives, check its meter number, opening reading, billing period, deposit and other charges. After arranging autopay, still verify that money was collected successfully, particularly when moving or changing banks. Keep electronic bills with payment records for address checks, budgeting and the final tenancy settlement. Even an urgent-looking reminder should be checked by opening the supplier's website or app yourself. Do not enter card details or banking codes through an unfamiliar message link.
Close and settle each service when leaving
Before leaving, check the lead time for closure, relocation, visits and equipment returns. Photograph the final meter numbers and readings, retain the handover and closure confirmations and provide usable contact and refund details. The named customer may remain liable until the account is formally closed, so returning the keys is not the last step. Deposits are normally settled after outstanding charges; follow up the final bill and refund, and return broadband equipment separately under its contract.
Frequently asked questions
If supply is working, can I skip account opening?
Existing supply does not prove costs or registered liability have transferred. Arrange the appropriate account or transfer under the tenancy and supplier process.
Must a new tenant pay the old user's arrears?
Provide the lease and handover record and ask the supplier to establish responsibility and the takeover date. Do not accept unclear historic charges without checking.
Does returning keys automatically refund deposits?
No. Complete each supplier's termination or transfer, final settlement and refund procedure separately.
Official sources and further reading
This guide draws on the sources below, last checked on 2026-11-13. Before acting, recheck the relevant authority’s current eligibility, fees and annual arrangements.
Water Supplies DepartmentMoving in: taking up a water accountChecked 2026-11-13 · Open official sourceCLP Power Hong Kong LimitedOpening a residential electricity accountChecked 2026-11-13 · Open official sourceThe Hong Kong and China Gas Company LimitedOpening and closing a gas accountChecked 2026-11-13 · Open official sourceThe Hongkong Electric Company LimitedHK Electric supply applications and account proceduresChecked 2026-11-13 · Open official sourceCheck whether each item is an official requirement, case-specific evidence or an editorial suggestion. Other people’s experiences may help, but decisions on your case remain with Immigration or the relevant authority.
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