Setting up utilities in Chicago is straightforward once you know which providers serve your building and what to set up before move-in day. For a full overview of every stage of renting in Chicago, see the Chicago Renter's Guide.
Most new renters need to activate electricity, gas, and internet — and some buildings handle a portion of those for you. Here's exactly what to do, in order.
What Your Building Likely Covers
Most professionally managed buildings in Chicago include water, sewer, trash, and pest control in the base rent — you typically don't set those up yourself. What you're responsible for depends on the building, so request a written utility breakdown from your leasing agent before signing. If you're still in the search phase, a Dibze locator can walk you through what each building covers before you commit.
The utilities you'll almost always set up independently are electricity (ComEd), gas (Peoples Gas), and internet. Some newer buildings include one or more of these in rent, so confirm before creating accounts you won't need.
Setting Up Electricity with ComEd
ComEd is the sole electricity provider for Chicago — there's no alternative. Set up service at least 3–5 business days before your move-in date to avoid being without power on day one.
Go to comed.com, select "Start Service," and enter your new address. You'll need your move-in date, Social Security number or ITIN for identity verification, and a valid email address. ComEd may require a deposit of $0–$200 depending on your credit history.
Average monthly ComEd bills run $40–$120 depending on unit size, season, and whether your building uses electric heat.
Setting Up Gas with Peoples Gas
Peoples Gas is the sole natural gas provider in Chicago. Not every unit requires a personal gas account — if your building provides heat and hot water centrally, gas may already be covered in your rent. If your unit has its own furnace, water heater, or gas stove, you'll need your own account.
Set up service at peoplesgasdelivery.com at least 3 business days before move-in. Average monthly bills range from $20–$40 in summer and can climb to $80–$150 in winter depending on insulation, thermostat habits, and building age.
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Choosing an Internet Provider
Chicago has two dominant residential internet providers: Xfinity (Comcast) and AT&T Fiber. Availability depends on your building — some high-rises have bulk agreements with one provider and offer discounted rates to residents, so ask your leasing agent before signing up independently.
Xfinity is available across most of Chicago and offers plans from $30–$80/month. Installation typically takes 3–7 business days. AT&T Fiber offers faster symmetrical speeds at $55–$80/month where available, with no data caps. Check att.com to confirm fiber availability at your specific address before committing.
A third option worth checking is RCN, which serves parts of Chicago and is sometimes cheaper than Xfinity where both are available. Monthly internet costs average $60–$100 for reliable service.
Renter's Insurance Setup
Most Chicago buildings require proof of renter's insurance before or at move-in. Renter's insurance covers your personal property against theft, fire, and water damage, and provides liability coverage if someone is injured in your unit.
Lemonade is the fastest option — policies start at around $7/month and can be activated in under five minutes at lemonade.com. Traditional providers like State Farm, Allstate, and Travelers typically run $10–$20/month. Most buildings accept digital proof of insurance.
Building-Specific Services to Confirm
Before move-in, get written confirmation from your building on which of the following are included in rent versus billed separately.
| Service | Typically Included | Sometimes Separate |
|---|---|---|
| Water and sewer | ✓ Most buildings | Older walk-ups |
| Trash and recycling | ✓ Most buildings | Single-family rentals |
| Heat | Older high-rises | ✓ Most newer buildings |
| Electricity | Rare | ✓ Almost always separate |
| Internet | Some newer buildings | ✓ Usually separate |
| Pest control | ✓ Professionally managed | Private landlords |
Your Utility Setup Timeline
| When | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks before | Schedule internet installation | Xfinity and AT&T book up fast |
| 1 week before | Start ComEd service | Set start date = move-in date |
| 1 week before | Start Peoples Gas if needed | Confirm with building first |
| Before move-in | Purchase renter's insurance | Send PDF proof to leasing office |
| Move-in day | Confirm all services are active | Check lights, hot water, heat |
One Thing Most Renters Overlook
Update your address with USPS, your bank, your employer, and the Illinois DMV within 30 days of moving — Illinois law requires a license address update within that window. The USPS change-of-address form takes less than five minutes at usps.com and forwards your mail for up to 12 months while your contacts catch up.
While you're getting settled, two other guides worth reading: Chicago Renter Rights Every Tenant Should Know covers what your landlord is legally required to provide from day one. And if you haven't confirmed your move-in fees and deposit situation yet, Chicago Move-In Fees vs Security Deposits breaks down exactly what you're paying and what's refundable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides electricity in Chicago apartments
ComEd is the sole electricity provider for Chicago — there is no alternative. Set up service at comed.com at least 3–5 business days before move-in.
Who provides gas in Chicago apartments
Peoples Gas is the sole natural gas provider in Chicago. Not all units require a personal account — confirm with your building whether gas is included in rent before creating an account.
What internet providers are available in Chicago apartments
Xfinity (Comcast) and AT&T Fiber are the two primary options. Some buildings have bulk agreements — ask your leasing agent before signing up independently. RCN is available in parts of Chicago and worth checking.
What utilities are included in Chicago apartment rent
Water, sewer, trash, and pest control are included at most professionally managed buildings. Electricity is almost always separate. Heat and internet vary by building.
How much are monthly utilities for a Chicago apartment
Expect $120–$370/month total — $40–$120 for electricity, $20–$150 for gas (much higher in winter), and $60–$100 for internet.
Does Chicago require renter's insurance
Most professionally managed buildings require proof at or before move-in. Policies start around $7/month through Lemonade and can be activated in under five minutes.
When should I set up utilities for a Chicago apartment
Schedule internet 2 weeks out, ComEd and Peoples Gas 1 week out. Internet providers book up fast — that's the one to schedule first.
Do I need to update my driver's license address after moving in Chicago
Yes — Illinois law requires updating your license address within 30 days of moving. Also update your address with USPS, your bank, and your employer in the same window.
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