TL;DR
How to set up utilities when renting in Europe. Country-by-country guide to electricity, gas, water, internet, and what is typically included in rent versus paid separately.
Setting up utilities is one of the first tasks after signing a rental contract, and one of the most confusing for newcomers. What is included in rent varies enormously across Europe: in some countries, everything is bundled; in others, you set up each utility separately. This guide covers what to expect country by country, typical costs, and how agencies can help streamline the process.
What Is Typically Included in Rent?
The answer depends on the country, the type of rental, and the specific contract. Furnished short and mid-term rentals more commonly include utilities. Long-term unfurnished rentals almost never do. Before signing, always confirm which costs are separate. The German "Warmmiete" (warm rent) includes heating and common building charges but not electricity or internet. The French "charges comprises" (charges included) typically covers building maintenance, water, and sometimes heating. In Spain and Italy, utilities are almost always separate from rent.
Country-by-Country Utility Guide
Germany
German rentals distinguish between Kaltmiete (cold rent: base rent only) and Warmmiete (warm rent: includes Nebenkosten/building charges). Nebenkosten covers heating, water, garbage collection, and building maintenance. Electricity and internet are always separate. To set up electricity, choose a provider (Vattenfall, E.ON, or local Stadtwerke) and register your meter number. Internet requires a contract with providers like Telekom, Vodafone, or O2; installation can take 2-4 weeks so order immediately.
Typical monthly utility costs (one-bedroom): EUR 80-150 electricity + heating supplement, EUR 30-50 internet.
France
French utilities require a "mise en service" (service activation) when you move in. Call EDF/Engie for electricity and gas with your meter numbers (found on the utility panel). Water is usually included in building charges. Internet options include Orange, SFR, Free, and Bouygues; installation takes 1-3 weeks. Many agencies provide a utility setup checklist and some will help arrange the initial activation.
Typical monthly costs: EUR 60-100 electricity/gas, EUR 20-35 internet.
Spain
Spanish utilities require changing the contract holder (titular) at your electricity provider (Endesa, Iberdrola, Naturgy) using your NIE and rental contract. Gas is separate if the building uses it; many Spanish apartments use electric heating or none at all. Water is often included in community fees but may be billed separately. Internet providers include Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and MasMovil; fibre coverage is excellent in most cities.
Typical monthly costs: EUR 50-90 electricity, EUR 15-30 gas (if applicable), EUR 30-40 internet.
Italy
Italian utility contracts (voltura) require your codice fiscale, ID, and rental contract. Electricity and gas are separate; major providers include Enel, Eni, and A2A. Italian utility billing can be confusing: bills arrive every two months and include both estimated (acconto) and actual (conguaglio) readings. Internet setup takes 1-3 weeks through TIM, Fastweb, Vodafone, or WindTre. Many agencies in Italy will walk you through the voltura process.
Typical monthly costs: EUR 50-80 electricity, EUR 30-60 gas, EUR 25-35 internet.
Netherlands
Dutch utility setup is straightforward. Choose an energy provider (Vattenfall, Eneco, Essent) and register online with your address and move-in date. Water is handled by regional companies (Waternet in Amsterdam). Internet is fast and widely available through KPN, Ziggo, T-Mobile, or Tele2. Most Dutch agencies send a utility setup guide after contract signing.
Typical monthly costs: EUR 100-180 energy (gas + electricity), EUR 30-40 internet, EUR 10-15 water.
Portugal
Portuguese utilities require your NIF (tax number) and rental contract. EDP handles most electricity; Galp and Goldenergy are alternatives. Gas is provided by Galp or via canisters in older buildings. Water is managed by municipal companies. Internet from MEO, NOS, or Vodafone is generally reliable with good fibre coverage in Lisbon and Porto.
Typical monthly costs: EUR 40-70 electricity, EUR 15-25 gas, EUR 25-35 internet.
Tips for Utility Setup
Take photos of all meter readings on move-in day and share them with your landlord or agency in writing. This prevents disputes about usage charges from the previous tenant. Ask your agency if they offer utility setup assistance; many relocation-focused agencies include this in their service. Compare energy providers using comparison sites (Check24 in Germany, Selectra in France and Spain, iSwitch in Italy). Set up direct debit (domiciliacion bancaria / prelevement automatique / Lastschrift) to avoid late payment charges. Budget EUR 150-250/month total for utilities in a one-bedroom apartment in most European cities.