Taking over a supply from the previous occupant (cambio de titular)

Key rules

• Electricity: A change of holder on an existing electricity supply does not cut the power and normally takes a few days.
• Debt: Electricity and gas debts stay with the previous holder, so you do not inherit them with a new contract, but water rules vary by town.
• Water: Your town's water operator sets its own deposit, fee and debt rules, so ask it before you apply.
• Gas: Piped gas needs a valid periodic inspection, normally every five years.

The short version

A cambio de titular is a paperwork change, not a new connection. For electricity, the power stays on and the change normally takes a few days. Debt is handled separately from the supply: electricity and gas debts stay with the previous holder, so you do not inherit them with a new contract, but water rules vary by town.

Do it in the first days after you get the keys. Until the name changes, the bills keep going to the previous holder, and any problem is harder to sort out.

Electricity

You apply to the supplier you choose, by phone, online or in person. The supplier then asks the network distributor to register the change. A technician visit is not usually needed. The previous holder does not have to agree, as long as you can prove you live there. The step-by-step process and the documents list below cover the details.

A change of holder that keeps the same power and tariff carries no regulated distributor charge, and suppliers may not charge you for it. Fees apply when you change the power or set up a new connection. Ask the supplier to confirm there is no charge before you agree. If you change the power or tariff and the installation certificate is old, you may need a new one. Requirements differ a little by supplier.

Gas

You sign with a gas supplier, who asks the distributor to register the change. A change of holder alone is usually free. The supplier can pass on regulated charges for inspections or reconnection.

Piped gas needs a valid periodic inspection of the installation, normally every five years, carried out by the distributor. If the supply was closed, expect a technician visit and a reactivation fee. Inspection and fee details vary by distributor, so ask yours.

Water

Water is run by the local operator, so the rules depend on your town. You usually go to its office or website with your ID, your lease or deed, the last bill or contract number, and your bank details. A meter reading is taken. The previous holder may need to cancel or authorise the change.

Ask the operator three things: whether a deposit (fianza) applies, whether there is an administrative fee, and whether the supply stays on. The supply is normally kept.

Avoiding inherited debt

• Electricity and gas: debt belongs to the person who signed the contract. A supplier cannot refuse you a new contract because of a former occupant's debt.
• Water: in some towns the owner is liable for unpaid water bills, and the operator may ask for old debts to be settled before it changes the holder. If you rent, ask the landlord for the latest water bills before you sign.
• Taking over the same contract: if you take over the previous contract itself, rather than opening your own, you can end up responsible for what is owed on it. Ask for a new contract in your name.
• Your own unpaid bills: a supplier can refuse you if you have unpaid bills of your own.

An owner who is out of pocket can claim the money back from the previous tenant. That is not your problem unless you took over the same contract.

On move-in day

Take meter photos and readings the day you arrive. The checklist below lists what to record so you only pay for what you use.

Changing the name on an electricity contract step by step

Changing the name on an electricity contract

• Find the CUPS of the supply on a bill or in the retailer's app, and choose your supplier: before you start

• Gather your ID (DNI, NIE or passport), the CUPS, the address and your bank details, plus your lease or deed if the supplier asks for proof you live there: before you apply

• Apply to the supplier by phone, online or in person; the previous holder's consent is not needed once you prove you live there: on or soon after move-in day

• The supplier asks the network operator to register the change; no technician visit is usually needed: after you apply

• Your supply stays on and the change normally takes a few days: a few days after applying

• If you change the power or tariff and the installation certificate (CIE) is old, you may need a new one: only if you change power or tariff

• The service itself has no cost in the answers; ask the supplier whether any fee applies before you agree: when you apply

Documents you need

• Your ID: DNI, NIE or passport, for electricity, gas and water.

• The CUPS, the unique code of the electricity or gas supply point, found on a bill, plus the supply address.

• Your bank details for direct debit of the bills.

• Proof you live there, such as your lease or the deed. Some suppliers ask for it for electricity and gas, and water operators usually do.

• For water: the last bill or the contract number, from the previous occupant or landlord.

• The installation certificate (CIE or boletín), issued by an installer. You need it for a new connection or if the installation has changed. For electricity you may also need it if you change power or tariff and the existing one is old.

• For gas: proof of a valid periodic inspection of the installation, normally every five years, done by the distributor.

Move-in day utilities checklist

• Photograph every meter display (electricity, gas and water) with the date and time visible, showing both the reading and the meter number.

• Note the CUPS, the unique code of your supply point, from the latest bill or the meter label. Electricity and gas have one; it starts with ES and runs to 20 or 22 characters.

• Write down the water meter number, the water contract number and the supply address from the water bill, because water has no CUPS.

• Photograph the inside of the fuse box and any existing damage or faults.

• Ask the landlord for the latest bills, the contract and a signed written inventory with photos.

• Email or message your readings to the landlord and the utility company so there is a dated record.

• Keep the confirmation of your change of holder and your first bill, and repeat the readings when you move out.

What to watch out for

• Water debt may block your change of holder: In some towns the owner is liable for unpaid water bills, and the operator may ask for debts to be settled before it changes the holder. Electricity and gas debts stay with the previous holder. Before you sign, ask the landlord for the latest paid water bill. Ask the water operator whether any debt is attached to the address.

• Taking over the same contract can pass debt to you: You only inherit debts if you take over the same contract through a subrogation or transfer, instead of signing a new one. Sign a new contract in your own name and ask for written confirmation that no debt comes with it.

• A supplier can refuse you for your own unpaid bills: A supplier cannot refuse a new contract because of a former occupant's debt. It can refuse you if you have unpaid bills of your own. Clear any old bills in your name first. If a supplier refuses you, ask for the reason in writing and try another supplier.

Frequently asked questions

Can the supplier charge me for a change of holder on electricity?

No, a change of holder on electricity without changing power or tariff is free of regulated distributor charges, and suppliers may not charge for it. Access and connection fees only apply to new connections or power changes. The deposit (fianza) is usually already held for an existing supply.

Will I pay a deposit or fee to put the water in my name?

Possibly, because water rules are set by each local operator. Some ask for a deposit (fianza) and some charge an administrative fee. Ask your local water operator for the amounts before you go.

Can a landlord recover unpaid bills from the previous tenant?

Yes, an owner can recover unpaid bills from the previous tenant who signed the contract.