When to Transfer Utilities When Buying a House

Transferring your utilities might not be the first thing that comes to mind during the excitement of homeownership, but it’s key to creating a smooth transition. 

Without proper planning, you could easily face unnecessary disruptions in important services like electricity, water, or internet. But if you start early, you can avoid these issues and see to it that your new home is fully functional when you step through the door. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps for transferring utilities when buying a house, how to research your utility providers, and when you should be getting all this done. 

What is a utility transfer? 

A utility transfer is the process of switching essential services like electricity, water, and gas from the seller’s name to yours as the new homeowner. The seller handles these services until the closing date, and after the transaction, you'll take over and start paying for usage. You’ll want to make sure they’re transferred correctly to avoid any service interruptions once you move in. 

Be sure to check for any setup fees or deposits that might be required by the service providers. These costs may seem small, but they can add up quickly, so you’ll want to factor them into your moving budget. Planning for these fees in advance will help you avoid surprises and ensure your budget stays on track as you settle into your new home.

When should you start transferring utilities? 

In the best-case scenario, you should start the process of transferring utilities when buying a house at least 2 to 3 weeks before your closing date. This timeline is recommended to make sure that the transfer process goes smoothly and you aren’t left in the dark or without water. 

Keep in mind that each utility company has its own process when it comes to transferring accounts, and some may take longer to process than others. By starting this early, you’ll have plenty of time to deal with any hiccups and get everything in place before your move-in date. 

You should also reach out to your current utility providers at least 1-2 weeks before closing to give yourself time to confirm the transfer date and make sure that there’s no overlap in services. The goal is to have utilities activated in your new home a day before you move in at the same time your old utilities are cut off. 

How to research utility providers

Before transferring your utilities, you’ll need to determine which providers service your new address. In some cases, you may have a choice between different providers, especially for services like internet or phone. However, for utilities like water and electricity, there’s often just one provider in the area. Doing your research will help you identify your options and make the right choices for services that offer multiple providers.

Start by asking the seller, your real estate agent, or even neighbors about the current utility providers. This will give you a good starting point for who might service your area, or even who you’ll want to try to avoid. You may also want to visit your local government website or utility-specific directories to see which companies are available in your area.

A real estate agent is a great resource for helping you find local utility providers, as they are familiar with the area and can point you in the right direction. If you don’t have an agent yet, you can connect with a Zillow partner agent who can assist you with all aspects of your home-buying journey.

What utilities do you need to transfer? 

This checklist should cover the major utilities found in most homes: 

• Electricity – This service provider powers your home’s lighting, appliances, heating, and cooking systems. Some areas are serviced by one provider for both, while others may have separate companies for electricity and gas. Keep in mind that some homes may not even have gas service at all, so it’s important to check your specific needs.

• Water – This covers the fresh water supply for your faucets, shower, and toilets. Keep in mind that waste water (sewer) and storm water are typically handled by separate providers, which may involve additional bills.
• Internet and phone – These services are key to staying connected and entertained. Depending on your location, internet and phone services may be provided by the same company or by separate providers.
• Trash collection – Don’t forget to transfer trash collection services so you’re set for waste disposal.
• Sewage – If your home is connected to the city’s sewer system, you’ll need to arrange for sewage services. However, if your new home has a septic tank, you’ll need to handle that separately, so be sure to check what’s in place.
• Home security systems – If you have a security system, make sure it's set up and ready for use.

Alongside these basic utilities, you may have subscription-based services like cable TV or streaming accounts that require updating your address. Make sure to include those in your list of changes so they’re active when you move in.

A step-by-step guide to transferring utilities 

Now that you have your utility providers in mind, here’s a simple walkthrough to guide you through the transfer itself and avoid adding to your moving stress: 

Contact your current providers

Start 2 to 3 weeks early by informing your current utility companies that you’ll be moving. Provide them with the date you’ll be leaving your old address so they can arrange for a disconnection of services. Be sure to ask for and pay any final bills or account statements to avoid issues down the line. Keep in mind that you may need to provide a forwarding address for any remaining correspondence.

Contact new providers

At the same time, reach out to the utility companies that will be serving your new home. You can usually do this online or over the phone. Provide them with your move-in date and set up service for the day before. For any services that need installations, such as internet or cable, make sure to schedule an appointment well in advance. In those instances, you will also want to let the sellers know when installers might be coming by. 

Confirm dates

Double-check that all services are scheduled to be transferred at the appropriate time. You’ll want utilities at your new home to be activated before your move and for services at your old address to stop once you’ve moved out. 

Factor in any fees

Some providers charge setup fees or require deposits when setting up services for a new account. Be prepared for these costs, and try to account for them in your moving budget. 

Follow up

It may seem redundant, but a week or so before your move-in date, you will want to follow up with the utility companies and confirm that everything is in order. A quick call or email can help avoid any last-minute problems. 

Enjoy your new home

Once all utilities are transferred and working properly, you’re free to enjoy your new home with running electricity, water, and more. You’ll feel much more comfortable knowing that everything is working the way it should be from the moment you step inside.