Moving & Living
Power, water, internet: ask about utilities before you sign
The running costs and reliability of utilities change how a home feels to live in. Here are the questions to ask and what iLIVV listings can tell you.
iLIVV Guides · 13 August 2026 · 4 min read
Two homes with the same rent can cost very different amounts to live in. Utilities are the reason.
- Power: is there a prepaid meter, who pays for it, how many hours of supply on a normal day, and is there a generator or inverter and who runs it?
- Water: mains, borehole or tanker; who pays and how reliable it is.
- Internet: which providers reach the building and whether the landlord allows installation.
- Waste and security: is there a levy, and what does it cover?
Many iLIVV listings show utility badges provided by the landlord or agent. Treat them as a starting point and confirm during the viewing: ask to see the meter, turn on the taps and look at the water pressure. Visit at the time of day you would normally be home.