Who pays for what
| Cost | Usually paid by |
|---|---|
| Usage and supply charges | The tenant, where the home is separately metered |
| Move-in or connection fee | The tenant, through their retailer |
| Installing or replacing meters and wiring | The landlord |
| Repairs to fixed electrical items | The landlord |
| Shared common area power | The landlord or owners corporation |
If a home is not separately metered, your lease and your state's tenancy law decide whether the landlord can charge you for electricity, and how much. Your state tenancy authority can tell you the rules that apply.
Setting up power in a rental
Pick your own plan
You are not bound to the previous tenant's retailer or any provider suggested by the agent. Connection services offered by agents are optional. See our comparison guide.
Arrange connection from move-in day
Give your new retailer the address, your move-in date and the NMI if you have it. Our moving house checklist covers the timing.
Record the meter reading
Take a dated photo of the meter when you move in and when you move out.
Register concessions and life support
Give your retailer your concession card details and register any life support equipment.
Connection services from agents
Some property managers pass your details to a connection company. These services may receive commissions from retailers. You are not required to use them, and you should compare plans yourself before agreeing.
Solar, batteries and efficiency in rentals
If the property has solar panels, you get the benefit while you hold the account: cheaper daytime power and feed-in credits on your bill. Use appliances during the day to get the most from it. See our feed-in tariff guide.
Tenants cannot install solar without the landlord's agreement. Some state programs, such as Solar Victoria's Solar for Rentals, help landlords fit solar. Lower-cost changes, such as LED lighting, draught stoppers and using a reverse cycle air conditioner rather than a fan heater, need no permission and cut bills straight away.
Apartments with an embedded network
If your power is billed by the building, you are in an embedded network. Prices are limited by AER exemption conditions, or the Victorian Default Offer in Victoria, and you can take complaints to the seller and then the ombudsman.
Questions about electricity in rentals
Usually yes, where the home has its own meter. The tenant opens an account with a retailer of their choice and pays usage and supply charges. Landlords usually pay for meters, wiring and repairs to fixed electrical items.
No. Connection services are optional and may be paid commissions by retailers. You can choose any retailer that sells in your area and set up the account yourself.
Whoever holds the electricity account, which is usually the tenant. The credits appear on your bill at the feed-in rate on your plan.
Yes, if the account is in your name and you meet your state's eligibility rules. If the building bills you through an embedded network, ask the seller or your state concessions office how to claim.
Only where your lease and state tenancy law allow it, which mainly arises in homes that are not separately metered. If the building operates an embedded network, AER or Victorian rules limit the price. Your state tenancy authority can confirm the rules.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.