Q&A for How to Put Utilities in Your Name

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  • Question
    What's the biggest mistake people make when transferring their electric bill?
    Nathan Miller
    Nathan Miller
    Property Management Specialist
    Nathan Miller is an entrepreneur, landlord, and real estate investor. In 2009, he founded Rentec Direct, a cloud-based property management company. Today, Rentec Direct works with over 16,000 landlords and property managers across the United States, helping them manage their rentals efficiently.
    Nathan Miller
    Property Management Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Probably the most common mistake would be doing it too late, or forgetting to do it and then trying to do it a month or two later. It causes a big headache for everyone to be able to reconcile the difference, so I would say transferring the bill by the day that the responsibility changes is the best.
  • Question
    How do I transfer a utility bill to another name?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can't. The person you are trying to transfer it to has to call or visit the utility provider and request a bill transfer, providing proof of identity.
  • Question
    What if a bill is put into my name without permission?
    NATHANIEL WHORTON
    NATHANIEL WHORTON
    Community Answer
    The person be sued for fraud for using someone else's name, likeness, or other personal attributes without permission for an exploitative purpose.
  • Question
    How do I change the PG&E account to my name after my roommate moved out and the account reverted to the landlord?
    CageyCat
    Top Answerer
    Call PG&E and explain your situation to have the bills put into your name. You might need your landlord to call the company as well.
  • Question
    Do I need to pay an old utility bill before transferring the utilities into my name?
    Snakey006550
    Snakey006550
    Top Answerer
    Yes, you'll likely need to settle any past-due bills first. Utility companies typically require accounts to be current before transferring them. However, some may offer a payment plan if you can't pay the full amount. Contact your utility provider for specific details.
  • Question
    I inherited a property from my mother. How do I get the utilities in my name?
    Kehinde Talabi
    Kehinde Talabi
    Community Answer
    Transferring utilities into your name after inheriting a property is generally straightforward once you gather the proper documents.
  • Question
    What steps should I take if the person named on a utility bill has passed away?
    Kehinde Talabi
    Kehinde Talabi
    Community Answer
    You should notify the utility company and provide them with a copy of the death certificate. The bill should be paid by the estate unless family members are legally responsible or have co-signed the account.
  • Question
    Can I create a utilities account online?
    Kehinde Talabi
    Kehinde Talabi
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can typically create a utilities account online by visiting the utility company's website. You'll need to provide personal information, your address, and sometimes an ID or a lease agreement. Most providers offer online sign-up for services such as electricity, water, or gas.
  • Question
    How can I check if I can get utilities in my name?
    Kehinde Talabi
    Kehinde Talabi
    Community Answer
    Contact the utility company with your information and address. They will check for past balances and may require a deposit. They'll let you know if you can start service in your name.
  • Question
    How do I transfer utility bills to my name after my father's passing?
    Kehinde Talabi
    Kehinde Talabi
    Community Answer
    Contact each utility company, inform them of your father's passing, and request to transfer the bills. You may need to provide a death certificate and proof of residency.
  • Question
    Can I change the utilities to my name if the person has just passed away and I live at the address, and I have a death certificate?
    Kehinde Talabi
    Kehinde Talabi
    Community Answer
    Yes, most utility companies will let you transfer the account to your name under those circumstances.
  • Question
    How do I correct a misspelled first name on my utility account?
    Kehinde Talabi
    Kehinde Talabi
    Community Answer
    Call the utility company's customer service and request a name correction. Be ready to provide ID to verify the correct spelling.
  • Question
    How can I correct the name on my established account?
    Kehinde Talabi
    Kehinde Talabi
    Community Answer
    Contact the company’s customer service and request a name correction. You may need to provide identification or legal documents, such as a marriage certificate or court order, to verify the change.
  • Question
    Who provides utility services when I buy a home in Pennsylvania?
    Kehinde Talabi
    Kehinde Talabi
    Community Answer
    In Pennsylvania you are responsible for setting up your utility accounts when buying a home. This involves contacting providers for services such as electricity, gas, water, and trash collection, which may vary by location. You can compare electricity suppliers and rates through the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's PAPowerSwitch website and natural gas suppliers through PAGasSwitch.
  • Question
    How do I stop my water and trash pick-up when I move?
    Kehinde Talabi
    Kehinde Talabi
    Community Answer
    Contact your local utility or city services department directly and request a service stop. You’ll likely need to provide your name, account number, move-out date, and new address for the final bill. Try to give at least 1 or 2 weeks’ notice.
  • Question
    Can a new landlord transfer a utility bill into the name of another tenant who lives on the property?
    Kehinde Talabi
    Kehinde Talabi
    Community Answer
    No, a new landlord cannot legally transfer a utility bill into another tenant's name without their consent. Utility accounts are personal agreements between the utility company and the account holder. The tenant needs to set up the account in their own name directly with the utility provider. If a landlord attempts to transfer it without the tenant's permission, the utility company may reject it, and it could be considered fraud.
  • Question
    How do I put the power in my name after the previous resident moved out, and what happens to their old bill?
    Kehinde Talabi
    Kehinde Talabi
    Community Answer
    Contact the power company to establish a new account in your name. Provide proof of residency. The previous resident's unpaid bill will not transfer to you unless you were a co-signer or joint account holder.
  • Question
    What is the typical utility deposit I can expect?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    You will need to contact the specific utility company directly. Deposit requirements vary significantly by provider, and some may not require a deposit at all.
  • Question
    Can I add my sister and her husband's names to my utility bill?
    George Lates
    George Lates
    Community Answer
    Yes, provided they live at the address and all parties agree to share responsibility for the account. Adding others to a utility bill means joint financial responsibility, allowing everyone on the account to make changes, pay bills, and be contacted for emergencies.
  • Question
    How do I register for a water connection?
    George Lates
    George Lates
    Community Answer
    To register for a water connection, you will need to contact your local city's Department of Public Utilities. The process is generally straightforward. First, visit your local city's Water Service page to find details for starting service. Next, prepare the necessary information, which typically includes proof of ownership (such as a deed or closing documents), a valid photo ID, your contact details, and your desired move-in date.
  • Question
    What is the fee to change the name on my IESCO bill?
    George Lates
    George Lates
    Community Answer
    There may be a processing fee. The exact amount can vary depending on your connection type and location, as IESCO does not publicly list a fixed fee for name changes on their website.
  • Question
    I have inherited a house where the utility bills are in my parents' names. How do I transfer these utility accounts into my name?
    George Lates
    George Lates
    Community Answer
    To transfer utility bills into your name after inheriting a property, you will need to take a few legal and practical steps. First establish your legal ownership of the property. Next contact each utility provider directly to inform them of the change and provide the necessary documentation. Understand any legal implications, especially if you are acting as an executor. Confirm that the property deed is updated to reflect your ownership.
  • Question
    How can I get utility service installed if it was disconnected because previous tenants failed to pay?
    Doom V2
    Doom V2
    Community Answer
    If your utility service was disconnected due to non-payment by previous tenants, you should contact the utility company directly and explain your situation. You will need to provide proof of new residency, such as a lease agreement or ID, and request to open a new account in your name. Be aware that the company may conduct a credit check or require a deposit. Confirm any required forms or documents, and then schedule a technician for service restoration. Follow up proactively, as specific steps and paperwork can vary by provider.
  • Question
    How can I change a water bill to my name from my deceased parents' name? All other bills, including utilities and taxes, are already in my name.
    Jonathan Gaynier
    Jonathan Gaynier
    Community Answer
    Contact your water service provider and explain the situation. If you have an account with them, they can transfer the bill to your name. If not, they will set up an account for you and then transfer the bill.
  • Question
    I don't know my account number. Where is it to be found?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    It will appear on any bill or other communication from the utility company. Also, you can call the company and ask for the account number.
  • Question
    How do I get the electricity switched into my name out of my landlord's name online?
    Evgeniya Djuranovic
    Evgeniya Djuranovic
    Community Answer
    Assuming you do have an active lease agreement in place, it would be much easier to call your electric service provider directly and update the name from your landlord to yours. They can deal with this quickly over the phone.
  • Question
    How do I find out if I owe for an old bill?
    Evgeniya Djuranovic
    Evgeniya Djuranovic
    Community Answer
    Get in touch with your previous service provider via phone and inquire about any outstanding balance.
  • Question
    I need to make my utility bill paper with my name and address. How can I?
    Evgeniya Djuranovic
    Evgeniya Djuranovic
    Community Answer
    You should get in touch with your electric service provider, make sure your name and address is correct, update if needed and ask them to provide a copy of the bill to you.
  • Question
    What if my wife dies? The electricity is in her name. Will they just shut off the power because it's in her name?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    It's not likely they would even know your wife has died. In any case, they wouldn't shut off the power, because they can't assume the account holder is the person who lives there and pays the bills. Call or write to them, tell them what has happened, close her account and open your own (or just change the name if that's how they want to do it).
  • Question
    How can I put my deceased mother's water bill in my name?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Contact your water service to ask for that. They will be more than happy to assist you.
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