Before Moving In: What to Check
Before signing a lease for an apartment in Malta, clarify utility arrangements with your landlord. This prevents surprises and ensures a smooth move-in process.
Questions to Ask Your Landlord
- Are utilities included in the rent, or paid separately?
- Are utility accounts in your name or the landlord's?
- What are the current meter readings for electricity and water?
- Is internet/TV service already installed?
- How is gas supplied (bottled or no gas)?
- Are there any outstanding utility bills?
Important: Document Meter Readings
Always photograph electricity and water meter readings on the day you move in. Have both you and the landlord sign a document confirming these readings. This protects you from being charged for previous tenant's consumption.
Electricity (ARMS Ltd)
ARMS Ltd (Automated Revenue Management Services) is the sole provider of electricity billing in Malta. All residential properties are connected to the national grid, and you'll need to register your account when moving in.
ARMS Contact Information
Website: www.arms.com.mt
Customer Care: 8007 2200
Service Centres: Marsa, Qormi (check website for hours)
E-services: Online account management, bill payments, meter readings
How to Register Your Account
Gather Required Documents
ID card/passport, rental contract, landlord's ID, and property address
Visit ARMS Service Centre or Apply Online
Complete the change of tenancy form with your details
Submit Meter Readings
Provide current meter readings to establish your starting point
Set Up Payment Method
Direct debit, online payment, or pay at authorized outlets
Electricity Tariffs (2025)
Malta uses a tiered tariff system where the rate increases with consumption:
| Consumption Band | Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 0-2,000 kWh/year (Eco-reduction) | €0.1047/kWh |
| 2,001-6,000 kWh/year | €0.1278/kWh |
| 6,001-10,000 kWh/year | €0.2627/kWh |
| Above 10,000 kWh/year | €0.3011/kWh |
*Rates are indicative and subject to government subsidies and adjustments
Water Services
The Water Services Corporation (WSC) provides potable water throughout Malta. Water billing is typically combined with electricity through ARMS, making it convenient to manage both utilities together.
Water Services Corporation
Water Quality in Malta
Malta's tap water is safe to drink but has a high mineral content due to desalination. Many residents prefer to:
- Use water filters (jugs or under-sink systems)
- Purchase bottled water for drinking
- Install reverse osmosis systems
Water-Saving Tip
Water in Malta is precious and relatively expensive. Simple habits like shorter showers, fixing leaky taps, and using washing machines with full loads can significantly reduce your water bill.
Internet & TV Providers
Malta has excellent broadband coverage with several providers offering high-speed internet. Most providers offer bundled packages combining internet, TV, and mobile services.
GO (formerly GO Malta)
Malta's largest telecom provider with extensive fiber coverage.
- • Speeds: Up to 1Gbps fiber
- • Bundles: Internet, TV, mobile, landline
- • Website: go.com.mt
- • Prices from: ~€35/month
Melita
Major competitor offering cable and fiber services across Malta and Gozo.
- • Speeds: Up to 1Gbps
- • Bundles: Internet, TV, mobile
- • Website: melita.com
- • Prices from: ~€30/month
Epic (formerly Vodafone Malta)
Mobile-focused provider with fixed broadband options.
- • Speeds: Up to 500Mbps
- • Bundles: Internet, mobile
- • Website: epic.com.mt
- • Prices from: ~€25/month
Installation Process
Check Availability First
Not all providers have coverage in every area, especially in older buildings or rural locations. Check coverage on provider websites before signing a lease if fast internet is essential for your work.
Mobile Phone Services
Malta has three main mobile network operators, all offering 4G/5G coverage across the islands. You can choose between prepaid and postpaid plans.
Mobile Providers Comparison
| Provider | Prepaid From | Postpaid From | 5G |
|---|---|---|---|
| GO Mobile | €10/month | €15/month | |
| Melita Mobile | €8/month | €12/month | |
| Epic | €10/month | €15/month |
Getting a SIM Card
- What you need: Valid ID or passport for registration
- Where to buy: Provider stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores
- eSIM: Available from most providers for compatible phones
Gas (LPG)
Malta does not have a natural gas network. Properties that use gas rely on bottled LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), typically for cooking. Many modern apartments use electric cooktops instead.
How Gas Delivery Works
Gas cylinders are delivered to your home and exchanged for empty ones. Most providers offer regular delivery schedules or on-demand ordering via phone or app.
- Standard cylinder (12kg) costs approximately €25-30
- Typically lasts 4-8 weeks depending on usage
- First-time customers pay a refundable cylinder deposit
- Keep a spare cylinder to avoid running out
Understanding Your Bills
Utility bills in Malta can seem complex at first. Here's what you need to know about reading and managing your bills when renting property in Malta.
ARMS Bill Components
Electricity Charges
Based on kWh consumed, calculated using tiered rates
Water Charges
Based on cubic meters (m³) consumed
Service Charge
Fixed quarterly fee for meter maintenance and billing
Eco-Contribution
Environmental levy applied to electricity consumption
Billing Frequency
- ARMS (Electricity/Water): Billed every 2 months
- Internet/TV: Monthly billing
- Mobile: Monthly (postpaid) or as needed (prepaid)
Set Up Direct Debit
Most providers offer discounts or avoid late fees when you set up direct debit payments. Register for online accounts to monitor usage, submit meter readings, and manage payments conveniently.
Average Monthly Costs
Understanding typical utility costs helps you budget for your apartment rent in Malta. Costs vary based on apartment size, usage habits, and season.
Estimated Monthly Utility Costs (2025)
| Utility | 1-Bed Apt | 2-Bed Apt | 3-Bed Apt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €40-80 | €60-120 | €80-180 |
| Water | €15-25 | €20-35 | €25-45 |
| Internet | €25-45 | €25-45 | €25-45 |
| Gas (if used) | €5-10 | €8-15 | €10-20 |
| Total | €85-160 | €113-215 | €140-290 |
*Summer months (June-September) typically see higher electricity costs due to air conditioning
Air Conditioning Costs
Running air conditioning in summer can double or triple your electricity bill. A/C units typically consume 1-3 kWh per hour. Using them wisely (setting to 24-25°C, using timers, maintaining filters) can significantly reduce costs.
Money-Saving Tips
Smart habits can significantly reduce your utility costs when renting in Malta. Here are practical tips for keeping bills manageable.
Electricity Savings
- • Use LED bulbs (use 75% less energy than incandescent)
- • Set A/C to 24-25°C instead of lower temperatures
- • Use fans instead of A/C when possible
- • Unplug devices when not in use (standby power adds up)
- • Run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads
- • Choose apartments with good natural ventilation
Water Savings
- • Take shorter showers (5 mins vs 10 mins saves significant water)
- • Fix dripping taps immediately
- • Use the half-flush option on toilets
- • Report any leaks to your landlord promptly
- • Don't leave water running while brushing teeth
Internet Savings
- • Compare providers and plans before committing
- • Bundle services for discounts (internet + TV + mobile)
- • Check for student/expat promotions
- • Don't pay for speeds you don't need
- • Negotiate when your contract is up for renewal
Move-In Utilities Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure all utilities are properly set up when moving into your new rental.