How do you set up home utilities in the United States in 2026?

Electricity is almost always in the tenant’s name unless the lease says utilities included. The local utility (such as Con Edison in New York City, Austin Energy in Austin, or Florida Power and Light in much of South Florida) opens accounts online or by phone with service start date, SSN or deposit, and lease copy.

Natural gas follows the same pattern in cold-climate cities where furnaces run on gas. Water and sewer may stay with the landlord in large apartment buildings but transfer to the renter or owner in detached houses. Trash and recycling are sometimes municipal fees on the property tax bill and sometimes a private subscription.

Internet and cable are competitive retail products, not automatic with electricity. Check the FCC broadband map for providers at your exact address before you promise remote-work speeds to an employer. Many movers order fiber or cable online, then self-install a router.

Mobile phone service is separate from home broadband: Get a mobile phone. Budget impact sits in Utilities, internet and transport and Monthly budget.

Landlords may require renters insurance before keys handover. A thin US credit file can trigger utility deposits; Build credit history helps later moves.