How do I transfer utilities and internet
services?
Move out fast and transfer utilities in Milton without late bills, crawler phone calls, or surprise fees — here’s the exact, step-by-step plan that sellers use to get it done.
Why getting utilities right matters when selling in Milton
You sold the house. Great. But a botched utility transfer can cost you money, delay closing, and make the buyer furious. I’m direct: handle utilities like a pro and you close clean. As Milton’s local real estate expert, I’ve seen the mistakes — and the fixes.
This guide is a practical, step-by-step checklist for sellers in Milton, Ontario. It covers electricity, gas, water, garbage, internet, cable, and phone. It includes local providers, timelines, and exactly what to tell your lawyer so the closing goes smooth.
Quick overview: the 6-step utility transfer process
- Inventory every service tied to the property (electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, security).
- Contact each provider 2–4 weeks before closing to schedule a transfer or disconnect.
- Confirm final meter readings and ask how they handle final bills and refunds.
- Tell your lawyer the transfer plan so utility prorations are correct at closing.
- Keep services on until possession time. Arrange final readings on closing day.
- Confirm final bills, return rented equipment, and update your forwarding address.
Follow those six steps and you avoid surprises.
Local providers sellers in Milton need to know
- Electricity: Milton Hydro Distribution Inc. is the local distributor. They manage meters and outages. Sellers should notify Milton Hydro early and arrange final meter reads.
- Natural Gas: Enbridge Gas serves Milton. Contact them to arrange final billing and to check for account deposits refundable on closure.
- Water & Waste: Town of Milton bills water, sewer, and garbage. Water readings are sometimes monthly or quarterly. Lawyers usually prorate water at closing, but confirm with your lawyer and the Town.
- Internet & Cable: Major ISPs include Bell (Fibe), Rogers (Ignite/Cable), plus resellers like TekSavvy and Start.ca. Availability and speeds vary by address — verify the new owner’s options if they want to keep service.
- Home Security & Other Subscriptions: ADT, local installers, or smart-home services need separate cancellation or transfer.
If the property is in a new subdivision, sometimes developers or builders control initial utility activation. Confirm with the builder and your lawyer.
Exact timeline — when to call who
- 4 weeks before closing: Compile your utility account numbers, provider contact info, and billing cycles. Contact Milton Hydro and Enbridge Gas to start the transfer request. Notify internet/cable providers and security companies.
- 2 weeks before closing: Confirm the transfer/disconnect date with each provider. Ask about final meter readings, deposit refunds, and early termination fees.
- 3–7 days before closing: Confirm installer appointment times (if the buyer plans to install new service) and confirm the Lawyer will handle prorations.
- Closing day: Leave utilities on until possession time. Allow meter readers or technicians access if needed. Take photos of meters and service status.
- 1–14 days after closing: Confirm final bills are issued and deposits/refunds are processed. If a provider billed you incorrectly, open a dispute immediately.
Step-by-step: transferring each service type
Electricity (Milton Hydro)
- Call Milton Hydro (or visit their website) with account number and closing date.
- Request a final meter reading on closing day or have the buyer accept responsibility after possession.
- Ask about refundable deposits and how long refunds take.
- If the buyer wants to keep the same account, ask Milton Hydro about account transfer or new account setup.
Natural Gas (Enbridge)
- Provide Enbridge with the closing date and meter details.
- Schedule a final reading and get instructions on closing day safety checks if required.
- Check for deposit refunds and early termination fees on any gas contract.
Water, Garbage, Sewer (Town of Milton)
- Tell your lawyer to notify the Town of Milton if required.
- Water is sometimes billed quarterly. Lawyers normally prorate water at closing when final reads aren’t available.
- Confirm trash and green-bin schedules if possession happens between pickup days.
Internet & Cable
- Check the account: is equipment rented or owned? If rented, arrange for return to avoid charges.
- Schedule disconnection or transfer. Some providers allow the account to be transferred to the buyer; others don’t.
- If the buyer wants the same provider, coordinate a seamless transfer date and technician appointment.
Security Systems & Subscriptions
- Contact the security provider to cancel or transfer the monitoring contract.
- If the system is owned, provide the buyer with access codes and manuals.
Closing day playbook — what to do, minute-by-minute
- Keep utilities on until possession. Cutting power early can block final meter reads and stall closing.
- Meet the buyer or their agent at possession if you agreed to hand over systems or manuals.
- Take timestamped photos of meters and internet/router status. Save them.
- Give the buyer any account numbers, manuals, and warranty paperwork you have.
- Forward mail: update Canada Post and provide your forwarding address to the buyer and lawyer.
Who pays what? Prorations, deposits, and final bills
Your lawyer handles prorations at closing. That means property taxes, utility charges (if the Town hasn’t issued a bill yet), and other pre-paid items are balanced between buyer and seller. Important points:
- Electricity & Gas: final meter reads determine exact amounts. Ask your lawyer to confirm how your file handles these.
- Water & Sewer: Town of Milton billing cycles can lag. Lawyers often prorate based on the most recent bill or standard monthly average.
- Deposits: Utility providers often refund deposits after final account reconciliation. Expect 2–8 weeks for refunds.
Common fees and red flags to watch for
- Early termination fees: Internet and cable contracts often have them. Check your contract and ask about prorating the remainder.
- Equipment charges: Fines for not returning modems/routers or set-top boxes.
- Transfer fees: Some utilities charge a fee to move or change accounts.
- Unpaid outstanding balances: These follow the account holder. Clear them before closing to avoid collection issues.
Special situations in Milton
- Rental property: Tenants may have accounts in their name. Confirm who is responsible for utilities in the lease.
- Condo sellers: Condominium corporations handle water in some buildings; check your status certificate and condo bylaws.
- New construction: Developers may control initial meter activation and early utility registration. Contact the builder.
Quick checklist sellers can copy-paste
- [ ] Collect account numbers and passwords for every utility
- [ ] Call Milton Hydro & Enbridge Gas (4 weeks before)
- [ ] Contact internet/cable/satellite to confirm equipment and transfer options
- [ ] Tell your lawyer how you want prorations handled
- [ ] Leave utilities on until possession; take photos of final meter readings
- [ ] Return rented equipment and confirm deposit refund timelines
- [ ] Update forwarding address with Canada Post and providers
Final words — sell the house, not the headaches
Handle utilities like a closing detail, not an afterthought. Start early, document everything, and bring your lawyer into the loop. If you want Milton-specific help — phone numbers, preferred local contacts, or a tailored checklist for your closing date — call or email me. I help sellers close clean and move fast.
Contact:
Tony Sousa, Local Realtor — tony@sousasells.ca • 416-477-2620 • https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Answers Milton sellers actually need
Q: When should I schedule my final meter reading?
A: Arrange final readings for closing day or the possession date. Keep utilities on until the buyer takes possession. If the buyer moves in after closing, confirm who is responsible for readings and interim billing.
Q: Who pays the last water bill in Milton?
A: Lawyers usually prorate water at closing. If the Town issues a final bill after closing, your lawyer’s adjustments should cover it. Always confirm with your lawyer how the Town handles outstanding cycles.
Q: Can the buyer keep my internet account?
A: Sometimes. Larger providers like Bell and Rogers can transfer service, but resellers often require a new account. Coordinate transfer before closing and schedule any installer visits early.
Q: What if I forget to cancel my cable or internet?
A: You remain responsible until the provider processes the cancellation. Call immediately, keep records of the cancellation number, and escalate to support if you’re billed after closing.
Q: Are there fees for transferring utilities?
A: Possibly. Expect small transfer fees, equipment charges, or early termination fees. Check contracts and ask providers about refundable deposits.
Q: My buyer wants utilities shut off before possession — can I do that?
A: No. Keep utilities on until possession. Shutting them off early can violate the purchase agreement and delay closing.
Q: How long do deposit refunds take in Milton?
A: Refund timelines vary. Utility companies typically take 2–8 weeks after final reconciliation. Follow up if you don’t see the refund within that range.
Q: What if the buyer refuses to cooperate with final meter reading?
A: Document your requests, take photos, and notify your lawyer. The lawyer can handle prorations or disputes in closing adjustments.
Q: Does Milton Hydro require a service transfer appointment?
A: Milton Hydro may need notice for meter reads or account changes. Contact them early. Your lawyer or listing agent can provide the exact local process or phone number.
Q: I’m selling a rental unit—who pays utilities on closing day?
A: Check the lease. If a tenant has accounts in their name, they remain responsible up to the move-out date indicated in the lease. Your sale contract and lawyer should clarify responsibilities.
If you want a custom, printable checklist or direct help calling Milton Hydro, Enbridge, or ISPs for your closing date, reach out. I handle the details so sellers in Milton don’t get surprised.
Contact Tony Sousa: tony@sousasells.ca • 416-477-2620 • https://www.sousasells.ca
