Should I keep utility accounts until after closing?
“Should I keep utility accounts until after closing?” — The blunt answer: yes, almost always keep them on until the keys change hands.
Quick Hook
If you sell in Georgetown, Ontario and you cut utilities early, you risk delays, surprise bills, and a fight with your lawyer or the buyer. Keep them on. Do it right. Move out smart. Close clean.
Why this matters more than you think
Most sellers treat utilities like an afterthought. That costs money, time, and reputation. The closing process in Georgetown moves fast. Lawyers handle money and title. Utilities do not. If you cut service too early you can:
- Lose access for final walkthroughs or repairs.
- Be charged for usage after move-out if you didn’t get a final reading.
- Create a dispute the buyer raises at closing that can hold up funds.
You want a clean transfer. That means planning the utility handoff like the sale’s final deliverable.
Short answer — and the nuance
Yes — keep utilities active through closing day and hand them over at or immediately after keys change hands. But don’t pay forever. The goal: protect yourself until the buyer has possession, then transfer or cancel and reconcile final bills.
Local specifics for Georgetown, Ontario
Georgetown is in Halton Hills. That influences how utilities are billed and read:
- Water and sewer billing and final meter readings are managed locally by the Town of Halton Hills. Ask their customer service for a final read and billing timeline.
- Natural gas in this area is typically billed through major Ontario distributors (for example Enbridge). Call to request a final meter read tied to your closing date.
- Electricity is handled by your local distribution company (Alectra or local hydro). They will do a final read and can transfer or close the account.
- Internet, cable and phone are handled by private providers (Rogers, Bell, Telus, local ISPs). These often need a forwarding address and a formal cancellation date.
Local tip: The Town of Halton Hills can take several weeks to issue a final water bill. Don’t assume everything will reconcile immediately at closing — plan for post-closing statements.
Step-by-step checklist for sellers in Georgetown
Follow this exact sequence to avoid problems.
1) 14–7 days before closing: Call your lawyer/notary and confirm the closing date and time. Ask if any adjustments are expected related to utilities.
2) 10–7 days before: Contact utility companies. Provide:
- Property address
- Account number
- Meter numbers (if available)
- Closing date and buyer’s name (if known)
- Forwarding address for final bills
Ask each company to: schedule a final read on closing day, confirm who will be billed for pre- and post-closing usage, and issue a final statement.
3) 3–1 days before: Arrange for a final walkthrough with the buyer. Keep utilities on so lights, furnace, hot water and appliances work. Buyers expect functioning systems.
4) Closing day: Keep utilities on until keys are handed over and possession is official. Some lawyers transfer funds only after confirmation of possession. Keep all receipts and confirmation messages.
5) After closing: Confirm final meter reads were done. If billing mistakes occur, your lawyer can request adjustments or holdbacks. Keep copies of all communications.
How lawyers handle utility disputes in Georgetown closings
Your lawyer prepares adjustments at closing: property taxes, condo fees, and often utility adjustments if the sellers and buyers agreed. But lawyers rely on final readings and bills. If you cancel utilities early, your lawyer can’t get a final read and the buyer may demand protection. That equals delays.
If a final bill arrives after closing showing the buyer used service, your lawyer will reconcile. That’s messy. Don’t create that mess.
Why some sellers disconnect early — and why that’s a mistake
Sellers cut utilities early to save a few dollars or to avoid staying on a service they no longer need. That short-term thinking causes bigger costs:
- Reconnection fees if buyer asks to restore service.
- Claims against your proceeds for missing readings or unpaid final bills.
- Stress and negotiation with the buyer or their agent.
Smart sellers budget for a single overlap day. It’s cheap insurance.
Special cases and solutions
- Tenant-occupied properties: Coordinate with tenants to keep utilities on for showings and final reads. Put instructions in the tenancy exit notice.
- Vacant properties: Keep minimal services on (electric for furnace/alarms, water for final inspection) until after keys change hands.
- New builds or assignment sales: Contracts can specify who pays. Follow the contract. Still arrange meter reads.
Scripts to use when you call utilities
Say this: “Hello, this is [Your Name], seller at [address]. My property is closing on [date]. Please schedule a final meter reading effective that date and send the final bill to [forwarding address]. My account number is [account#]. Please confirm any reconnection or transfer fees and your timeline for final billing.”
Write down the agent’s name and confirmation number. Email this information so you have a time-stamped record.
What to do the day you hand over keys
- Confirm possession in writing (text or email) to buyer and your lawyer.
- Ask buyer to confirm utilities are in their name after closing.
- Keep copies of final reads and final bills.
- If you see a mistake, notify your lawyer immediately.
How to protect the sale and your proceeds
- Don’t cancel utilities until possession is legally transferred.
- Get final meter readings on closing day where possible.
- Keep a small cushion in your proceeds for late-arriving final utility statements.
- Use your lawyer for adjustments — they can chase post-closing bills.
Closing pitch — why hire local expertise
This is where sales slip. Local knowledge reduces delays. I’m Tony Sousa — I sell in Georgetown and handle closings dozens of times a year. I know which municipal offices in Halton Hills take longer on final water bills. I know which utility companies need advance notice. I know the exact language lawyers need to avoid holdbacks.
If you want your closing to be clean, on-time, and without last-minute deductions, use an agent who runs this checklist every sale. Contact me at tony@sousasells.ca or 416-477-2620. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for more resources and closing checklists tailored to Georgetown sellers.
FAQ — Clear answers for Georgetown home sellers
Q: Should I cancel electricity on closing day?
A: No. Keep it on until possession is transferred. Arrange a final read that day and then transfer or cancel once the buyer confirms.
Q: Who pays the final water bill in Georgetown?
A: Final water bills come from the Town of Halton Hills. The seller typically pays up to the day of closing. Confirm with your lawyer for prorated adjustments.
Q: My buyer moved in early — what now?
A: If possession was granted early, you are usually responsible up to the agreed possession date. Notify your lawyer immediately so adjustments can be made.
Q: What if a final gas bill arrives after closing?
A: Keep documentation of your meter read requests and communications. Your lawyer will request an adjustment or pursue funds if the bill shows pre-closing usage by the buyer.
Q: Do I have to pay reconnection fees if services were canceled?
A: Often yes. If the buyer requests reconnection, they or you may pay reconnection fees. Avoid this by keeping service on until possession.
Q: How long after closing should I expect a final water bill from the Town of Halton Hills?
A: It can take several weeks. Plan for follow-up and keep your forwarding address on file with the town.
Q: Can I transfer my internet account to the buyer?
A: Most ISPs require the buyer’s authorization. Better to cancel effective closing and give the buyer the option to set up or transfer service.
Q: What documents should I keep?
A: Copies of all calls/emails to utilities, meter numbers, final meter read confirmations, final bills, and any reconciliation correspondence.
Q: Should I involve my real estate agent in utility calls?
A: Yes. Your agent can coordinate timing with the buyer’s agent and your lawyer. It reduces mistakes.
Q: What’s the single best piece of advice?
A: Don’t create risk to save a few dollars. Keep utilities active until possession. Confirm final reads. Use your lawyer for adjustments.
Need help with your Georgetown closing? Contact Tony Sousa at tony@sousasells.ca or 416-477-2620. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for a printable Closing & Utilities Checklist designed for sellers in Georgetown, ON.
