Alongside packing and updating your address, moving home means arranging water, electricity and gas accounts. Confirm the supply and account start dates at your new home, and settle final bills and deposit refunds at your old home to avoid charges remaining in your name after you leave.
This guide covers ordinary residential moves and the steps to take before and after handover.
1. What information should you prepare?
Have the following ready:
- Identification documents and contact details.
- Complete addresses for both homes, plus your tenancy agreement or other proof of occupancy.
- Existing utility account numbers and meter numbers.
- The date you take over the new home and return the old home.
- Meter readings and photos taken on handover day.
Transferring an account and changing a correspondence address are separate arrangements. When moving into a new property, apply to take over or open an account for that address. Changing the postal address on your old account does not complete this process.
2. How do you take over a water account?
If your new home already has a water supply, individual residential applicants can apply through eWater or the Water Supplies Department's online service. Applications are generally completed within seven working days, so allow time before moving.
If you can contact the previous account holder, you can jointly apply using form WWO 1145 and check the address, meter number, transfer date and reading. If the meter has been removed, you need a water supply application rather than an ordinary account transfer. WSD account takeover guidance
When moving out, apply to close the account within the 30 days before your consumership ends. You may remain responsible for water charges while still registered as the account holder, even after leaving. WSD account closure guidance
3. How do you open or transfer an electricity account?
First check whether CLP or HK Electric supplies your new home, then apply to the relevant company.
CLP: Residential supply and account transfers can be requested through its website or mobile app. Specify whether the property already has electricity, needs reconnection or requires a first-time supply. Some cases may require an electrical installation inspection. CLP account opening and transfer guidance
HK Electric: Account applications are available through its online service. Ordinary transfers require at least one working day's advance notice; account termination requires two working days. If the meter is inside the property, access may need to be arranged for a reading. HK Electric transfer guidance, termination guidance
4. How do you open or transfer a Towngas account?
You can open a Towngas account through its online customer centre or in person at a customer centre. Provide identification and the required documents, including the complete tenancy agreement.
If the property already has a gas connection, provide a photo of the latest gas meter reading for the new account's opening reading.
When moving out, confirm whether the account will be transferred between the outgoing and incoming users or the supply terminated. Termination requires at least two working days' notice and a technician's visit to read the meter and disconnect the supply. If appliances need removal, mention this when arranging the visit; additional charges may apply. Towngas account opening and closure guidance
5. How much should you budget for utility deposits?
ServiceGeneral deposit arrangementWaterHK$400 for residential usersCLPGenerally based on the highest expected electricity charges over 60 days, subject to a minimum calculated by home size or typeHK ElectricApproximately 60 days of estimated electricity consumption; the amount depends on the accountTowngasHK$600 for private housing; HK$300 for public housing
See the guidance from WSD, CLP, HK Electric and Towngas.
Outstanding charges are usually deducted from the old account's deposit before the remaining balance is handled. Do not assume the deposit transfers automatically to your new home. For example, a Towngas deposit transfer must be requested when closing the old account and opening the new one, and requires the old account to have no outstanding charges, among other conditions.
6. Complete this checklist on handover day
- Photograph water, electricity and gas meter numbers and readings, and keep the photo dates.
- Confirm the charge handover date with the landlord or incoming occupant.
- Save confirmations for account openings, transfers and closures.
- Check final bills and deposit refunds for the old home.
- Update correspondence details for bills and refunds.
- Check payment arrangements for the new accounts and confirm the old accounts have been settled.
Track new-home account openings and old-home settlement separately, then confirm each task is complete to reduce missed applications or duplicate payments.
Earn rewards on upfront rental expenses when moving
Alongside utility deposits, moving home also means preparing a rental deposit and advance rent. You can pay the rental deposit and advance rent by credit card through RentSmart, giving you the opportunity to earn credit card cashback or miles on your rental expenses when moving.
