Resources - How To Guide - Utilities - Luxembourg

Utilities Setting Up Utilities in Luxembourg

“Utilities” describe the services provided by electric, gas, water, heating, rubbish, telecom (TV, Internet, landline) and building management companies. Once you find a place to live and sign the lease, most of the utilities will be included and calculated as “charges” which must be paid monthly directly to the landlord or utilities’ providers. Monthly charges typically add 10 to 20 percent to the base rent. Utilities which require setting up an individual account directly with the provider are telecom and electricity (inside the apartment/house). Tips to Remember + If you rent an apartment, you do not have to set up utility service for gas, water, sewer, and rubbish removal before you move in. If you rent a house, above utilities must be set up through the commune of residence. + Plan ahead! Set up your telecom connection as soon as possible before the move-in date. It typically takes 2-4 weeks to have it set up. + Electricity account (inside the apartment/house) can be set up only after the move-in inspection, when electricity meters are read. + Electricity and telecom providers will bill you separately. Pay all your bills on time and keep records of your payments. Gathering Your Documents When you set up electricity account, you typically need to provide the following information: + Passport/ID + Address + Name of previous tenant/landlord + Meter number and reading When you set up telecom account, you typically need to provide the following information: + Passport/ID + Address + Means of payment (bank account information, standing payment order) Making a List of Telecom Providers There are several Telecom providers in Luxembourg: Post, Tango, Orange and Eltrona among others. Most of the providers will allow you to customize your telecom package, including options such as landline and mobile communications, TV and unlimited Internet access.

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It is important to be aware that the choice of your future telecom provider will depend on the technical eligibility of your house/apartment and must be confirmed in advance by calling provider’s helpline and naming the address or checking on their website. Provider will be able to confirm the technical eligibility of the property and propose all possible telecom options for you to choose from Contacting Telecom Providers Most of the providers have similar requirements for new clients. The best practice is to visit the office in person and provide the following documents: + Copy of passport (ID) of the person who is going to be the contract holder + Residence certificate (declaration of arrival) as official proof of residence + Three last salary slips or work contract as official proof of income + Bank account information to enable the provider to withdraw monthly charges + VISA card (some providers request a deposit which is released as soon as the first monthly payment has been made)

Types of Utility Services Natural Gas

What Is It?

While some houses don’t use gas, others utilize it as a source of heat. The furnace and water heater are most often gas systems.

Natural gas service is provided without requesting in advance. Only change of customer is needed following the move-in inspection and meter reading. Natural gas is odorless, but a distinct odor is added to the gas system as a way of alerting you that there may be a leak. If you smell a strong odor in the apartment/house or common areas, leave the area immediately. Go to a safe location and call the gas company right away. Do not re-enter your home until a gas company employee tells you it is safe.

When to Schedule

You Should Know…

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Electricity

Electricity provides the majority of power in your home. Appliances, and lighting account for a high percentage of the electricity used in your home. Electricity service is provided without requesting in advance. Only change of customer is needed following the move-in inspection and meter reading Outlets in Luxembourg may look different or use different voltage than in your home country. Some small electronics can be used with an adapter, but it’s probably safer overall to purchase new and compatible devices once you arrive in Luxembourg.

What Is It?

When to Schedule

You Should Know…

Water & Sewer

What Is It?

This bill accounts for the water flowing in and out of the home. Toilets, showers, faucets, and the washing machine use the most water.

If you rent an apartment, you do not have to set up service for water and sewer before you move in. If you rent a house, water and sewer must be set up through the commune of residence, which is possible only after the move-in inspection when the meters are read.

When to Schedule

You Should Know…

Luxembourg residents are served by publicly owned water and sewer companies which are regulated by laws that ensure safe drinking water.

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Cable TV/ Internet/Telephone

Access to these utilities is considered a must for most modern homes. Typically, tenants can bundle these services together to receive the best package. The service packages can be complicated since each provider creates their own programs. These services can take 1-4 weeks to set up and often require special equipment so try to schedule an appointment at least 2 weeks prior to moving.

What Is It?

When to Schedule

You Should Know…

If you’re interested in long distance telephone services on your mobile or home phone, make sure you consider which countries you wish to call while in Luxembourg, in order to secure the best priced packages

Trash Collection

What Is It?

Local communes charge fees to remove waste or recycling on a regular basis.

If you rent an apartment, you do not have to set up service for trash collection before you move in. If you rent a house, trash collection must be set up through the commune of residence.

When to Schedule

There is a custom to tip trash truck men once per year. Usually in the end of December they ring the doorbell to wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year while you are expected to give a tip in return (typically 5-20 euros).

You Should Know…

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