Short answer: Record meters and existing bills at handover; obtain installation identifiers for energy and water; check broadband availability by address. Documents and timing vary by provider and municipality.
Recommended order
- Before signing: check broadband availability and whether the property uses mains gas.
- At handover: photograph meter serial numbers and readings; request the CPE, CUI and recent bills.
- First days: contact the water entity and chosen energy suppliers.
- Then arrange broadband installation and mobile service.
Common document checklist
- Passport or accepted identity document
- NIF
- Tenancy agreement or proof of ownership
- Address and contact details
- CPE, CUI, meter serial numbers and opening readings
- IBAN when direct debit is selected
Identity and residency evidence varies. Ask the chosen provider to confirm in writing what it accepts before applying.
Tenant, landlord and earlier debt
State clearly whether bills are included in rent and who holds each contract. Record readings in the handover report. If an earlier customer’s debt causes a refusal, provide proof of your new occupancy and dispute it in writing.
Payments and foreign IBANs
Rejecting an EU SEPA account solely because of its country code may be IBAN discrimination. Accounts outside SEPA do not receive the same protection. Check Multibanco and other payment channels.
Moving-out checklist
- Photograph final readings
- Submit cancellation or holder change in writing
- Keep the closing bill
- Return rented equipment against a receipt
- Do not treat cancelling direct debit as cancelling the service