Cambio de Titular: Putting Utility Bills in Your Name

Most flats in Spain already have electricity, water and often gas connected. What you need is a cambio de titular, a change of account holder, so the bills are in your name and paid from your account.

What you’ll need

Each company asks for your NIE or passport, your rental contract or deeds, and a Spanish or EU bank account for the direct debit. For electricity you also need the CUPS, the unique supply code printed on old bills. Ask the landlord who supplies the flat now, and photograph every meter on the day you move in.

Electricity: choose your tariff

You can ask the current retailer to change the holder, or switch to a new one. Compare the regulated tariff with fixed-price tariffs, and check that the contracted power in kW suits how you use electricity.

Water, gas and internet

Water is changed through the local water company using your contract. If the flat has natural gas, set up an account; if it uses butane bottles, arrange delivery. When you order internet, check coverage, installation time and whether there’s a 12-month tie-in. Keep copies of every contract, because you’ll need them to cancel when you move out.

Follow our setting up utilities checklist, and see our guide to internet and phone numbers.