The utility transfer happens in two separate steps: the seller stops service in their name, and the buyer starts service in theirs

When you buy a home, the utilities do not automatically transfer to you. The seller must contact each utility company and request disconnection on their move-out date. You must separately contact those same companies and request connection on your move-in date. If neither of you does this, the utilities may stay in the seller's name, leaving them responsible for bills you are running up — or service may be interrupted entirely on move-in day.

The utilities you will need to transfer are typically electricity, natural gas, water and sewer, and trash collection. Some homes also have separate accounts for internet, phone, and propane. Each utility company handles transfers independently, so you cannot do them all in one phone call or online form.

The timing matters. The seller should schedule disconnection for the day they leave or the day after. You should schedule connection for the day you arrive or the day before. If there is a gap between move-out and move-in, one of you will be paying for utilities in an empty house.

Key Takeaways

  • The seller must contact each utility company separately to stop service in their name on the move-out date.
  • You must contact each utility company separately to start service in your name on the move-in date.
  • Utilities do not transfer automatically — if neither party acts, service may be interrupted or the seller stays liable for your bills.
  • You will need the property address, your name, and a move-in date when you call to start service.
  • Some utility companies allow you to set up service online or by phone; others require a visit to their office or a technician visit to your home.

What the seller needs to do before move-out

The seller should contact the utility company for each service at least two weeks before moving. For electricity and natural gas, this is usually a phone call to the company's customer service line or a request through their online account portal. The seller will need to provide the account number, the property address, and the intended disconnection date.

Most utility companies will ask whether the seller wants a final bill mailed or emailed. The seller should request that the final bill be sent to their new address so they can pay any remaining balance. Some companies charge a disconnection fee; the seller should ask about this when they call.

Water and sewer are often managed by the city or county rather than a private company. The seller should contact the local water department or public works office. Trash collection may be through the city or a private hauler; the seller should check their bill to see who to call.

The seller should also ask the utility company whether the property has a deposit on file. If it does, the company will typically refund it to the seller after the final bill is paid, though this can take several weeks.

What you need to do before move-in

Contact each utility company at least one week before you move in. You will need the property address, your name, and your intended move-in date. Have a phone number and mailing address ready so the company can send you bills.

When you call, ask whether the company requires a deposit. Many utilities charge a deposit if you have no prior account history with them or if your credit check comes back below a certain threshold. The deposit amount varies by company and region but is typically between $100 and $500 per utility. Ask when the deposit is due and whether you can pay it over the phone or online.

Ask also whether a technician visit is required to turn on service. For electricity and natural gas, the company may be able to turn on service remotely if the meter is accessible and the previous account has been closed. For water, the company usually turns it on at the meter outside your home without a technician visit. If a visit is required, the company will give you a time window, usually a few hours on a specific day.

Some utility companies allow you to set up service entirely online through their website. Others require a phone call. A few still require you to visit their office in person, though this is becoming less common.

Timing: what happens if there is a gap between move-out and move-in

If the seller moves out on a Friday and you move in the following Monday, someone will be paying for utilities over the weekend. Ideally, the seller disconnects on Friday and you connect on Monday, so the utility company straightforward transfers the account. In practice, this rarely happens cleanly.

More commonly, the seller disconnects on Friday, and you connect on Monday. The utility company will bill the seller through Friday and you from Monday onward. You may see a small overlap charge on your first bill if the company's meter reading happens between Friday and Monday, but this is usually just a few dollars.

If there is a longer gap — say, the seller moves out on Friday and you do not move in until the following Friday — ask the seller to delay disconnection until your move-in date, or ask the utility company whether they can hold the account open without service. Some companies will do this for a small fee; others will not. If neither is possible, the seller will be billed for the empty week, and you will need to pay a reconnection fee when you connect.

What to do if service is not on when you arrive

If you arrive at your new home and the electricity is off, check whether the main breaker is in the "on" position. If it is and the power is still off, the utility company may not have connected service yet. Call the utility company's customer service line and confirm that your account is active. If it is, ask them to send a technician to check the meter or the line coming into the house.

If your account is not yet active, ask the company for an emergency connection. Most utility companies can connect service the same day if you call before mid-afternoon, though you may be charged an after-hours fee. If the company cannot connect the same day, ask for the earliest available appointment.

For water, check whether the main shut-off valve inside or outside the house is in the "on" position. If it is and water is not running, call the water department and confirm your account is active. If the valve is off, turn it on yourself — it is usually a lever or a round knob near where the water line enters the house.

Transferring utilities with a property manager or landlord

If you are buying a rental property or a home with a property manager, the manager may handle some utility transfers. Ask the seller or the property manager in writing which utilities are in the seller's name and which are in the property manager's name. Some utilities, like water and trash, may be billed to the property manager and passed through to tenants, so you may not need to set up a separate account.

Get a list of all utility account numbers and the names of the companies before closing. This will make it much faster to contact them after you own the property. Ask the seller to provide the most recent bills for each utility so you can see the account numbers and the company contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up utilities before closing on the house?

Most utility companies will not set up service in your name until you own the property or can show proof of ownership, such as a purchase agreement or a closing statement. You can call ahead to ask about deposits and service options, but you will likely need to complete the actual setup after closing. Some companies allow you to schedule a connection appointment a few days before closing, with the understanding that service will not turn on until your ownership is official.

What if the seller does not disconnect their utilities?

If the seller does not disconnect, the utilities will remain in their name and they will continue to receive bills. You should contact the utility company and request that service be transferred to your name. The company will typically require proof of ownership, such as a deed or closing statement. Once you provide this, the company can transfer the account and the seller's liability ends.

Do I have to pay a deposit for each utility?

Not always. If you have an existing account with the utility company in another state or city, the company may waive the deposit. If you have good credit or a history of on-time payments with that company, they may also waive it. Ask when you call to set up service. Some companies offer to waive the deposit if you set up automatic bill payment.

What if I need to turn off utilities before closing?

You should not turn off utilities before closing because the seller and the home inspector may need them during the final walkthrough. If you need to turn off a specific utility for safety reasons — for example, if there is a gas leak — contact the utility company directly and explain the situation. They can turn it off at the meter without closing the account.

How long does it take to set up a new utility account?

For electricity and natural gas, service can usually be turned on within one to three business days if no technician visit is required. If a visit is needed, it may take five to ten business days depending on the company's schedule. Water service is usually available within one to two business days. Internet and phone service can take longer, sometimes one to two weeks, depending on whether new lines need to be run to the property.