You’ve sold your home and are ready to move, but when should you actually turn off your utilities? It’s best to wait until the home sale is officially closed and a buyer takes possession. Turning it off too soon can result in last-minute headaches during an exam or final walk-through. This ensures a smooth handover to the new owner and protects the property in the meantime.
Whether you’re looking for a home in Austin, Texas, Portland, Oregon, or Atlanta, Georgia, this Redfin guide will explain when to turn off your utilities when selling your home, why timing is important, and how to arrange the switch so everything goes off without a hitch.
Why the timing of utility end dates is important
Sellers should keep all essential utilities active at least until the day after closing. This is critical to a smooth closing, successful home inspection, and meeting contractual obligations.
1. Inspection, Evaluation and Final Walkthrough
A premature utility outage may prevent the purchaser from completing a final walkthrough, system testing, or equipment run, and may require the appraiser to verify critical systems.
2. Protect your home until ownership is transferred
Continue to use your utility bill until the sale is officially recorded. Otherwise, your vacant property risks burst pipes, mold, damage (or even trespasser liability).
3. Avoid Liens, Delays, and Credit Issues
Unpaid utility bills can become a lien on your property and delay your closing. Disconnecting your service too soon can result in unexpected charges or unexpected withholding of sales proceeds.
When to stop utilities when selling a home
Work with your Redfin agent and buyer to continue paying your utilities until closing. Planning ahead will help you avoid potential problems.
Before listing
Make a list of all utilities: electric, gas, water, sewer, garbage can, internet/cable (if applicable). Notify the utility company of the upcoming relocation/sale date and note any required final meter readings and cancellation fees.
>>Read: 12 things to do before selling your home
After the offer is accepted and the contract is concluded
Coordinate move-in and final walk-through terms with agent and buyer’s agent. Please ask each power company. “What is your transfer/disconnection policy when selling a home?”
Closed days
Many experts recommend scheduling deadlines for the next business day after closing, rather than the day before closing or the exact moment of closing. Please ensure that the purchaser has arranged services in his or her name starting from the possession date (or termination date). Submit your final meter reading (if required) and provide your final bill forwarding address. Please confirm with each utility company that the account was closed or transferred and request the confirmation number/email for your records.
If your pick-up is delayed or if you stay after closing.
If you negotiate to continue living in the home after closing (or if the buyer delays moving in), keep the utilities on until the agreed-upon occupation ends. If your home will be vacant for even a short period of time after closing, maintain minimal heating, cooling, and security lighting until ownership is transferred.
What happens if public services are cut off too soon?
Turning off utilities too soon can cause serious problems. If the buyer or inspector shows up and finds that the property is without electricity, water, or heat, closing may be delayed or renegotiations may be necessary. When utilities are out of service, inspections and evaluations may have to be rescheduled, and your home may be damaged by issues like frozen pipes, mold, and pests. You can also face reconnection fees, closing delays, and even title complications if your unpaid balance becomes a lien.
Transfer and shutoff
When managing your utility bills during a sale, consider whether to migrate or discontinue service.
Transfer: Ideally, services are simply transferred from your name to the buyer’s name on the scheduled closing date. This maintains continuity without any real interruptions. Closing: If your home will be vacant, you may be able to arrange for the service to be completely closed, but this will need to be coordinated with the buyer’s timing to ensure that no damage is caused while the home is vacant.
Checklist for sellers to ensure a smooth transition to utilities
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to switching your utility bills. Use this checklist to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your buyer.
Notify the provider 7-14 days in advance of the planned termination or transfer date Provide the buyer with a move-in date so that the buyer can schedule the start of service Leave the buyer with a list of the provider’s contact information, account number, and login information (if applicable) Confirm the forwarding address on the final bill to avoid surprises Check the contract/contract for any utility-related clauses Set an end date on a business day to reduce the risk of delays (reconnection can be complicated on weekends) Read emails, disconnect/forward to keep a record of all calls, confirmation numbers and meters
Frequently Asked Questions: When to turn off utilities when selling your home
1. If I am selling my home, within how many days after closing do I need to turn off my utilities?
Most agents will suggest a closing date the next business day after the deal closes, but be sure to check the contract and coordinate with the buyer.
2. When selling my home, can I turn off my utilities before closing?
Generally not recommended. Turning off water, gas, and electricity before a formal sale can delay closing, violate contract terms, and cause damage to the property.
3. What utilities should I continue to pay when I sell my home over the winter?
At a minimum, heating, water, and electricity should be running. This will prevent pipes from freezing and mold from forming, keeping your home in good condition under your responsibility.
>>Read: Villa staging tips to sell your home in winter
4. How do I remit my utility bill when I sell my home to a buyer?
First, we will inform each provider of the closing date and the buyer’s move-in date. Schedule service transfer or disconnection accordingly, obtain final meter readings, and specify the address to forward the final bill to.
5. What happens if my unpaid utility bills surface after I sell my home?
Unpaid bills can turn into utility liens attached to the property before closing. This can delay or prevent sales. It is important to ensure that all invoices are paid and services are properly routed.
6. How much advance notice do I need to pay for utilities when moving?
Contact your utility company at least two to three weeks before your move to schedule a schedule to turn off service in your current home and start service in your new home. For specialized services such as internet/cable, or during busy times, please contact us early. If you stay locally with the same provider, you may be able to transfer your service instead of canceling.
