Moving into your council home

Before you settle in, there are a few important things to take care of - like setting up your gas and electricity, and checking if you’re eligible for help with decorating. This guide walks you through everything step by step, with simple checklists to make the process easy.

Moving in: what you need to do

Set up gas and electricity

  • find your gas and electricity meters
  • note the readings and check if they’re prepayment or standard.

Call the current suppliers:

  • gas: 0870 608 1524
  • electricity: 0845 601 5467.

Tell them:

  • your meter readings
  • your new address
  • ask about any existing debt (you don’t pay it, but it must be cleared)
  • set up the account in your name
  • request a new meter if needed

Reconnect your gas:

  • call Gasway: 01603 258617
  • you must contact gas supplier first or you’ll be charged £40

You can switch to a different energy provider if you want to once your supply is active.

Claim your decoration allowance

If you’ve signed an introductory or secure tenancy, you may get:

  • £30 per room for DIY materials
  • £80 per room if you can’t decorate due to a disability

You’ll be told the total allowance when you accept the property.  Choose a supplier and you will receive a voucher or card to spend with them. 

What you can buy:

  • paint, wallpaper, varnish
  • fillers, sealants, sandpaper
  • basic (non-powered) tools

Where to spend your voucher (in Norwich):

What we do before you move in

  • secure the home and change locks
  • test electrics and gas pipework
  • clear rubbish and check for asbestos
  • do essential repairs

What you’re responsible for

  • setting up utilities
  • decorating
  • minor repairs
  • installing a gas cooker (Gas Safe engineer required)
  • providing a TV aerial (if needed).

Minimum standards you can expect

  • secure doors/windows
  • clean, working bathroom and kitchen
  • safe flooring and stairs
  • working heating
  • smoke alarms (you must test and maintain)
  • garden cleared and fenced
  • loft cleared and insulated

Non-standard fittings (e.g. coloured bathrooms, conservatories) may stay if safe, but won’t be repaired or replaced.

Important: there may be other things you need to do when you move it, such as registering for council tax,  applying for a parking permit and updating your information for benefits - you can find information about lots of these things in the 'related links' section.

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