Q&A Series – Part 6

Q: I close on my home next month, who do I contact to move over utilities?
– Carlo

A: Hi Carlo,

Great question. How to move over utilities is something I get asked by almost every single client – especially from first time buyers. There are several utilities that you’ll need to move over to your name, but the bulk of that work should be done BEFORE you pick up the keys. First, you either have to transfer or close the utility services at your current home. If the new home is in your current provider’s service area, you can simply transfer your account to the new address. If it’s not, you’ll have to close your account and arrange to open a new account with a new service provider.

Now, if this is your first home, your best bet will be to have your real estate agent contact the sellers to find out what essential service providers they use (namely gas, hydro, water). You could then contact these companies to open a new account on your closing day.

Optional Services

For utilities like cable and internet, the same rules apply. Simply let those companies know your moving date and arrange a set-up time. You’ll definitely want the Internet to be able to show off your new pad to friends and family!

Rental  Services

One last thing to be aware of is the transferring of any rental items. Typically in the GTA the main item in the home that is a rental and is transferred over to the new buyer is the hot water tank. Before preparing an offer, your agent will be able to determine if the tank is a rental or owned. If it’s owned, the tank is generally just included as a fixture in the home. However, if it’s rented, you as the new owner would assume the rental contract. Typically, the monthly rental fee is less than $35/month. Also, in some instances, the hot water tank and gas services are bundled and billed together. If you’d like to purchase your own water tank or switch companies, you’d have to arrange to have the service cancelled and a fee would most likely be applied.

Change of Address

Most importantly, don’t forget to forward all mail to your new address! That means contacting Canada Post, your bank, changing your driver’s license and insurance information, and contacting all other provider’s you receive regular mail from.

There are a bunch of other things you have to do before and after the move, but we’ll cover them in other posts, so stay tuned!

Photo courtesy of Brendan Wood – Flickr.com