Setting Up Utilities: Electricity, Water, and Gas

Moving to Turkiye brings many exciting opportunities, but setting up basic utilities proves stressful for many expats. You face language differences, local rules that change by city, and different payment systems. This post gives clear, practical steps to get electricity, water, and gas working in your new home. Use the guidance to save time, avoid extra fees, and enjoy a comfortable move-in.

1. Prepare before you move in

Start with a short checklist before you sign the lease or collect keys. That step reduces surprises and speeds up the activation process.

• Confirm whether the apartment already has active utility accounts.
• Ask the landlord for the latest bills to see average monthly costs.
• Gather documents: passport, residence permit or proof of address, rental contract, and sometimes a Turkish tax number.
• Check whether the building uses central natural gas, bottled LPG, or electric heating.

Example: When Sara rented an apartment in Izmir, the landlord handed her the last two electricity and water bills. She used those amounts to budget for the first month and avoided unexpected deposits.

2. Electricity: quick setup and smart payments

Electricity companies operate through local distribution firms and retail suppliers. You usually contact the supplier either online or at a customer service center.

Follow these steps:

• Confirm the meter number on the property and request a transfer or new contract.
• Bring your passport, rental contract, and landlord’s contact information.
• Pay any connection fees and a refundable deposit if required.
• Choose between postpaid billing or a prepaid meter where available.

Benefit-driven tip: Choose an online billing option. You save time and track usage easily with mobile apps from suppliers or your bank. Example: A family in Antalya switched to direct debit and cut late-fee risks and paperwork.

3. Water: municipal systems and straightforward registration

Municipal water systems serve most urban areas. Each city manages its own water utility office, and many offer online portals for registration and payment.

• Find the local water authority for your city (for example, İSKİ in Istanbul or ASKİ in Ankara).
• Register using your rental contract, passport, and proof of address.
• Ask whether the bill follows the meter in the apartment or a shared building account.
• Set up direct payment to avoid missed bills and penalties.

Practical example: Yusuf moved to a building with a communal meter. He asked the landlord for the latest bill breakdown and agreed on a fair monthly share with neighbors. That approach prevented disputes later.

4. Gas: safety first and practical connections

Gas connections require extra care because safety rules apply. If the building already has a piped natural gas connection, you usually only need to transfer the account. If the building lacks a connection, expect longer lead times and safety inspections.

• Verify whether your building uses natural gas (city network) or bottled LPG.
• Contact the local gas distribution company and schedule a safety check if required.
• Provide identification, rental contract, and the landlord’s permission if necessary.
• Keep copies of safety inspection reports and installation certificates.

Benefit-driven tip: Ask for an inspection report and keep a digital copy. You protect yourself from later liability and speed up any resale or subletting process. Example: Leyla scheduled a safety check before moving in. Technicians found a loose connection and fixed it, preventing a dangerous leak and saving money on emergency repair costs.

5. Save money and solve problems fast

Manage utilities proactively to lower costs and reduce stress. Small steps deliver measurable benefits.

• Compare tariff options and choose the plan that matches your usage pattern.
• Use smart meters and apps to monitor consumption and spot waste.
• Keep contact numbers and local office addresses saved on your phone.
• Ask your landlord to provide the previous three months of bills when possible.

Practical troubleshooting:

If a meter still shows the previous tenant’s name, visit the supplier office with your rental contract and ID to request a name change. If the gas doesn’t work after contract transfer, call the emergency number for your local distributor and request a mandatory safety inspection.

Saving example: A couple in Bursa reviewed their electricity usage through the supplier app and found their old electric heater consumed most power. They switched to a programmable heater and reduced monthly bills by nearly 20 percent.

Final checklist before you move in:

• Confirm active meters and account names
• Collect and upload required documents
• Set up electronic payments where possible
• Keep safety inspection copies for gas
• Note emergency and customer service numbers

Setting up utilities in Turkiye requires a bit of preparation, clear communication with landlords, and knowledge of local offices. Follow these steps, use the examples as guidance, and you will remove most hassles quickly. You will enjoy a safe, comfortable, and cost-efficient home from day one.