Electricity, Water and Internet Setup When Renting in Oman

Moving into an existing apartment or villa in Oman usually involves updating accounts and billing details, not constructing new utility connections. This practical guide explains what a resident tenant should check with the landlord, building management and official provider. While a fixed connection is being arranged, compare SIM cards and mobile internet in Oman for a separate mobile-data option. Procedures vary by governorate, property and account arrangement, and this is general information rather than individual legal advice.

Utility checklist before signing the tenancy agreement

Record the exact building and flat or villa number. Obtain the electricity account number, electricity meter serial number, water account number and water meter serial number. Ask for the latest electricity, water and wastewater bills and evidence of the most recent payments. Photograph each meter and record the opening readings on the handover date.

• Check whether any unpaid balance appears and who must resolve it.
• State who pays routine utilities and account-change or installation charges.
• Test the water tank, pump, pressure, hot-water system and visible plumbing.
• Run the air conditioning and check electricity capacity and frequent breaker trips.
• Look for a fibre socket or optical network terminal and record any router or modem.
• Confirm who owns the telecom equipment and whether it must be returned.
• Ask whether drilling, cable installation or access to a communications room needs building permission.
• Check internet coverage in the exact unit, not only the neighbourhood.
• Confirm whether an earlier internet commitment remains active or has been cancelled.

Put important responsibilities in the tenancy agreement or a signed written handover document. Verbal assurances are difficult to verify when a first bill, repair or installation problem appears.

Is a new electricity or water connection normally required?

Most completed rental properties already have electricity and water meters. A tenant commonly needs a customer-data update, tenant registration or a clear billing arrangement. Creating a completely new physical connection is generally connected to the owner, building completion, municipal approvals and infrastructure readiness.

Do not pay for a new physical connection merely because someone calls an account update a “connection.” If a property advertised for immediate occupation has no active service, ask why, obtain the official application status and agree in writing who carries the cost and delay. Moving a physical meter is also different from changing the customer name or adding a tenant.

Who supplies and bills electricity in Oman?

The electricity arrangement depends on the governorate and the account already attached to the property. Nama electricity customer services provide account updating, billing, payment and tariff-related services in the areas they cover. Nama Dhofar Services provides electricity-related customer services in Dhofar. Use the supplier printed on the existing bill and do not assume every property uses the same portal, application or telephone number.

Updating the electricity account for a rented property

The currently listed supporting records include a Civil ID or Resident Card, property ownership document, property sketch or krooki and a municipality-approved tenancy agreement. A tenant may require the landlord’s cooperation to obtain ownership and property records. Online forms do not necessarily show the same list in every case, so follow the live portal. Never upload altered, incomplete or misleading documents.

Electricity account and residential tariff classification

Nama Services currently says a resident tenant whose electricity account is linked to the Civil ID may receive the Primary Account tariff classification. Its FAQ currently refers to a maximum of two primary residential accounts per customer. This is an account and tariff classification, not a promise of a separate cash subsidy. Eligibility and tariff rules can change, so confirm the classification on the first bill rather than relying on an old example or calculating future bills from an outdated tariff table.

Electricity setup steps for a tenant

1. Obtain the correct electricity account number from the landlord or latest bill.
2. Match the account to the physical meter and serial number.
3. Photograph the meter and opening reading.
4. Check whether an unpaid balance exists.
5. Confirm in writing who will resolve previous consumption.
6. Prepare the Resident Card and approved tenancy agreement.
7. Ask the landlord for required ownership or property documents.
8. Submit Customer Data Update through the official channel.
9. Save the request number and confirmation.
10. Confirm the registered mobile number and email.
11. Check the tariff classification.
12. Activate official electronic billing or payment tools.
13. Review the first bill carefully.

Nama’s current FAQ says processing may take up to one month and a bill issued during processing may initially show the earlier account treatment. Treat this as current published guidance, not a guaranteed timeline.

What to do about previous electricity debt

Compare the latest bill with the handover reading and ask the landlord for payment evidence. Contact the provider if the account status is unclear. Do not assume every historic amount legally belongs to the new tenant, and do not pay a previous tenant’s balance without a written settlement. Keep bills, receipts, messages and the handover record, and try to resolve the issue before it causes interruption. A specific dispute may require advice from the relevant authority; this guide does not decide who is legally liable.

Electricity billing and payment

Use electronic bills, the provider’s official website or application, approved bank channels, and direct-debit or fixed-payment services where available. Update the registered telephone and email, verify the account number before payment and save every receipt. Compare estimated and actual readings and report an unusually high bill through the official channel.

Nama Services currently lists 1011 for its contact centre. National Gov.om information lists 80070008 for electricity reports. Dhofar customers should use the current Nama Dhofar channel printed on their bill.

Electricity account details in Muscat tenancy contracts

This announcement is specifically from Muscat Municipality. It should not be generalised as proof that every governorate already uses the identical form. Tenancy registration procedures and required documents can differ by municipality.

Who provides water services?

Nama Water Services provides water and wastewater services in most governorates, while Nama Dhofar Services provides electricity, water and wastewater services in Dhofar. Identify the provider from the existing bill, meter or landlord. Some buildings use shared tanks or internal meters, and some leases include water in rent, so not every apartment has an individual public meter.

Should the water account be in the tenant’s name?

Public Nama Water guidance for wastewater billing says the occupier or tenant is responsible for the bill and that the account should be registered in the occupier’s name; when a property is empty, the guidance places responsibility on the owner. The exact update procedure depends on the provider, governorate, building and meter arrangement. State responsibility for water and wastewater charges in the tenancy agreement. This public guidance is not an individual legal ruling.

Water setup checklist

1. Obtain the account and meter numbers.
2. Confirm whether the meter is private or shared.
3. Photograph the meter and opening reading.
4. Review the latest bill and outstanding balance.
5. Identify who updates the account.
6. Test water pressure and the building pump.
7. Inspect the roof or ground-level tank where safe and authorised.
8. Test hot water in every bathroom.
9. Check taps and toilets for leaks.
10. Confirm how interruptions are reported.
11. Save the official customer-service contact.

Water tanks, pumps and internal plumbing

A valid public account does not guarantee good pressure inside the property. Tanks, pumps, valves, heaters and internal pipes may be maintained by the landlord or building management. Ask who cleans and maintains the tank. Check pump noise, leaking pipes, weak pressure and slow refilling. Photograph existing leaks, report them in writing and never interfere with shared equipment without authorisation.

Water leaks and unusually high bills

Close taps and observe whether the meter continues moving. Check toilets, heaters, tanks and outside pipes, and compare use with earlier bills. Report suspected network or meter faults to the provider; an internal leak may require landlord or building maintenance. Do not delay a major leak report. Nama Water currently uses 1442 for customer service and water reports, while Nama Dhofar currently lists 80077700 for its service area.

New water connection versus an existing rental account

A new building connection commonly requires owner documents, approved drawings and municipal approval. It is not the normal starting point for a tenant moving into an occupied apartment. If no connection exists, obtain a written explanation of responsibility, cost and expected timing before signing.

Choose between fibre, 5G, 4G and other home internet options

No technology is best for every household. Decide according to coverage, contract terms and the way the household uses the connection.

Which internet providers operate in Oman?

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority maintains the authoritative list of licensed and authorised providers. Fixed and home services may include Omantel, Ooredoo and Awasr. Vodafone offers fixed-wireless home products in supported areas, while satellite or other authorised options may serve particular locations. Availability depends on the exact address. This guide does not rank or endorse a provider and does not describe every mobile operator as a fibre provider.

Check coverage before signing the lease

Check the building coordinates, exact flat, floor and unit. Ask whether fibre reaches only the building or the individual apartment. Look for an optical terminal, socket or earlier connection and ask management whether cabling or drilling is allowed. Test 5G and 4G inside bedrooms and the work area. Do not rely only on “internet is available.” A coverage map is an indication, not a guaranteed installation; port capacity, internal wiring and technician access matter. Use the TRA service coverage platform and official provider checkers.

Fibre-ready building does not always mean fibre-ready apartment

A building may contain fibre infrastructure but have no available port. A cable may stop in a shared communications room, the apartment may need internal cabling, or a previous tenant may still have an active account. Management may need to open a secure room. Ask the provider to confirm installation feasibility before accepting a long commitment.

Documents commonly requested for home internet

Providers may request a valid Resident Card, Oman mobile number, email, location pin, building and apartment number, tenancy agreement and payment method. Landlord or building approval may be required for physical installation. Requirements vary; not every provider asks for every item.

Internet contract terms to review

• Monthly charge and VAT
• Installation and router or modem charges
• Equipment ownership and return
• Contract duration and minimum commitment
• Early termination and relocation charges
• Data allowance or fair-use policy
• Advertised “up to” and upload speeds
• Temporary suspension and cancellation notice
• Technical-support channel
• Promotion expiry and price afterwards

Package prices and promotions change rapidly, so this guide does not reproduce them. Read the live contract before subscribing.

Starting a new internet subscription

1. Check every available technology at the exact address.
2. Compare official provider information and TRA tools.
3. Review contract duration and total installation and equipment cost.
4. Confirm whether landlord approval is required.
5. Submit identity and tenancy documents.
6. Save the order number and arrange technician access.
7. Inspect installed equipment.
8. Test download, upload, latency and Wi-Fi coverage.
9. Save the contract and receipts.

Moving an existing internet connection

Check coverage at the new address before asking for relocation. The old service may not be technically available there, and commitment or relocation charges may continue. Ooredoo and Awasr publish change-location guidance, but eligibility and fees vary. Confirm whether equipment should be moved, returned or replaced and keep written proof that the old address was closed or relocated.

5G modem placement and Wi-Fi coverage

Place a 5G modem where indoor signal is strongest. A window may help, but direct heat can harm equipment. Fast service at the modem does not guarantee strong Wi-Fi in every room; large villas may need mesh Wi-Fi or access points. Avoid closed metal cabinets, change default Wi-Fi and administrator passwords, and never publish them in a shared building group.

Internet included in the rent

Confirm whether the service is private or shared, its provider, speed and data policy, and who reports faults. Ask whether the landlord controls the router. Shared internet may be unsuitable for confidential work. Do not enter another tenant’s account or equipment without permission, and record the arrangement in writing.

Common reasons utility setup is delayed

• Unapproved tenancy agreement or wrong building number
• Account and physical meter do not match
• Previous customer or internet subscription remains active
• Historic unpaid bills or missing landlord documents
• Expired Resident Card, wrong mobile number or OTP sent to the old holder
• No fibre port or inaccessible communications room
• Drilling approval or technician access is missing
• No stable 5G signal inside the unit
• A shared water meter was not explained
• Tank, pump or plumbing failure
• The wrong meter was photographed

What to record on moving-in day

Photograph electricity and water meters and readings, latest paid bills, leaks, hot water and air-conditioning condition. Record routers, modems, optical terminals and serial numbers, keys and access cards, written utility responsibilities and landlord and management contacts. Send the record to the landlord in writing.

For broader preparation, see our Moving to Oman Checklist, Cost of Living in Muscat, Best Areas to Live in Muscat, guide to opening a personal bank account and Resident Card renewal.

Closing or transferring services when leaving the property

1. Check lease notice requirements.
2. Photograph final meter readings.
3. Pay current personal consumption and request a final bill.
4. Update or remove tenant details.
5. Confirm whether electricity and water remain active for the landlord.
6. Cancel or relocate internet service.
7. Return provider-owned equipment.
8. Obtain cancellation, relocation and return receipts.
9. Remove saved payment methods where appropriate.
10. Keep documents until after the deposit is returned.

Never disconnect a shared building service without landlord or management approval.

Disputes and complaints

Contact the provider first and obtain a reference number. Keep bills, readings, photographs and correspondence. Electricity and water complaints should follow the provider and regulatory route. Telecom users should first complain to the company; unresolved matters can use the TRA subscriber complaint platform. No particular decision or refund can be promised.

Frequently asked questions

Does the tenant need electricity in their own name?

Often an account update or tenant registration is appropriate, but follow the provider’s live process and the lease.

What documents are needed?

Nama currently lists identity, approved tenancy, ownership and property records, although the live form may vary.

Can an earlier unpaid bill stop service?

It may complicate the account. Record readings and contact the provider and landlord before accepting responsibility.

How can I confirm the meter belongs to my apartment?

Compare the serial number with the bill and ask management to isolate or identify the meter if necessary.

Is water normally included in rent?

It depends on the lease and whether the building has private, shared or public metering.

Who pays for a leaking tank or pump?

The lease and responsibility for internal building equipment matter. Report it promptly in writing.

Do I need a new electricity connection?

Usually not in an occupied rental; an account update is more common.

Which internet provider is best?

There is no universal best provider. Check coverage, performance, price and contract at the exact unit.

Is fibre available everywhere in Muscat?

No. Building coverage, ports and internal cabling vary.

Is 5G suitable for remote work?

It can be, but test indoor stability, latency, congestion and data terms first.

Can I move my internet contract?

Possibly, subject to coverage, eligibility, charges and contract terms.

Can shared internet be included in rent?

Yes, if clearly agreed, but privacy, performance and fault responsibility should be considered.

What happens to the router when I leave?

Check ownership and whether it must be returned, moved or left with the property.

Where can I complain about telecom service?

Complain to the provider first, then use TRA’s platform if unresolved.

Should I keep meter photographs?

Yes. Opening and final photographs help distinguish periods of consumption.

What if the first bill includes earlier consumption?

Compare dates and readings and raise the issue with the landlord and provider using written evidence.

Sources and references

• Nama Services FAQ
• Nama Water Services
• Nama Dhofar
• Authority for Public Services Regulation
• TRA licensed providers and open data
• TRA service coverage
• TRA complaints