If renting a property for the first time or a new owner of an apartment, here is some useful information on how to connect utilities in Hong Kong.

Water

To open a Water account please contact the Hong Kong Water Supplies Department on 2824 5000, you can apply both domestic and flushing supplies by phone, internet, or in person, although, if there are no current water supplies to the property you are required to apply in-person.

After filling in the relevant forms available at their website or offices, a deposit of HKD $400 is payable and a HKD $240 re-connection fee if there are no water supplies to the property or has been previously disconnected. If renting a property with Home Net Property Services we can liaise with the landlord to make sure a smooth change of consumer-ship will be made, and no re-connection fee necessary.

New applicants may be required to produce supporting documents such as a Tenancy Agreement, Purchase Agreement or a Solicitor’s letter, to prove that they are not responsible for the outstanding bills, if any. To close a water account you should submit the relevant form at least 14 days before you cease to be the tenant or owner, the deposit will be credited to the final bill and the balance will be returned.

For more information on how to connect water supplies in Hong Kong please go to the Water Supplies Department website.

Gas

To open a gas account in Hong Kong you can call Town Gas on 2880 6988, visit them online or at one of their customer centres with a proof of address. If a gas meter is already installed (usually found in the kitchen of your new property) opening a new account will require a copy of your tenancy agreement or purchase agreement.

If the property already has been connected with gas supply, you can just report the reading of the meter at the time when you have moved in. A deposit of HKD $600 is payable (or $300 if in a public housing estate), once registered, if needed, one of their technicians will visit you to connect the gas supply.

When ceasing to rent a Hong Kong property, inorder to close an account you have to notify Hong Kong Town Gas no less than 2 working days in advance for sufficient time to schedule a technician and get a final gas reading. The deposit will be credited to the last outstanding bill and the balance refunded by cheque, the deposit can also be transferable to a new address, but refunds in cash can only be made 2 hours after gas is disconnected at a customer service centre.

For more information on how to connect Gas in Hong Kong please go to the Town Gas website.

Electric

For people in Hong Kong and Lamma Island, apply for an Electricity connection through Hong Kong Electric Holdings (HEH), customer hotline 2887 3411. You can also apply online, by fax or in-person at the customer service centre located in North Point. To apply, a HK ID card or passport along with a deposit equivalent to 60 days estimated consumption is required; the estimated deposit is based on the loading of appliances and the main switch rating for the property.

Your account may be transferable to a new address and terminated at any time, but do apply at least two working days in advance. The receipt for the deposit is needed for the refund and will be returned with interest via cheque or transferred to a nominated bank account once the account is terminated. To get the deposit refunded in cash, present the receipt at the customer service centre.

For more information on how to connect Electricity in Hong Kong and Lamma Island, please go to the Hong Kong Electric Holdings website.

For people in Kowloon, New Territories and the Outlying Islands, apply an electricity connection through China Light and Power (CLP Power), customer hotline 2678 2678. The procedures for applications and termination are similar (HEH), please refer to the above. For more information on how to connect Electricity in Kowloon, New Territories or the Outlying Islands please go to the CLP Group website.


Note: Make sure to settle and terminate all utility accounts, there are cases of outstanding accounts accumulating to tens of thousands of dollars from the usage of the next tenant or consumer.