How do I transfer utilities?
Want a fast, no-drama answer: How do I transfer utilities when selling my Georgetown home?
Quick hook
Selling a house in Georgetown, ON? Transfer utilities the smart way. Miss this and buyers, lawyers, and movers will slow your sale. This guide gives a simple, step-by-step plan. Follow it. Move on.
Why this matters
When you sell, utilities must be stopped, moved, or left for the buyer. Do it wrong and you pay extra bills. You delay closing. You lose trust. Do it right and closing is smooth.
I’m Tony Sousa, local Realtor in Georgetown. I handle moves every week. I teach sellers how to transfer utilities fast, with no surprises.
Main steps to transfer utilities in Georgetown, ON
Follow these steps in order. Start 4 to 6 weeks before your closing date.
1) Find every utility account
- Look at the last 12 months of bills. Find electricity, gas, water, sewer, cable, internet, phone, and security systems.
- Check if any bills are included in condo fees or paid by the landlord.
- Common Ontario providers: Enbridge Gas for natural gas, local electricity distributor (check your bill for Alectra or Hydro One), Bell, Rogers, and Cogeco for internet/cable. Water and sewer are billed by the Town of Halton Hills for Georgetown addresses.
2) Decide who pays what on closing day
- Seller usually pays to possession date. Buyer starts service on possession date.
- Agree with buyer and your lawyer on exact date and time.
- Confirm these details in the sale agreement or with your lawyer.
3) Call each utility company 2–4 weeks before closing
- Tell them your service address and closing date.
- Ask for final meter reads on possession day and a final bill.
- Ask about account transfer, disconnection, or keeping an account active for showings.
- If you plan to move within Ontario, ask about transferring service to your new address.
Sample script:
“Hi, I’m selling my house at [address]. Closing is [date]. I need a final meter read on possession date and a final bill. Can you schedule that?”
4) Schedule final meter readings and disconnection
- Request a final meter read on the possession date.
- If the buyer wants the same account, they must contact the provider to set up service in their name.
- If the account needs to be disconnected, set the disconnection for the evening of possession.
5) Handle security deposits and final bills
- Ask each company if you have a security deposit. Get it back or transfer it.
- Pay final bills quickly. Keep receipts.
- If a final bill shows a credit, confirm how it will be refunded (cheque, direct deposit).
6) Water and sewer billing in Georgetown
- Town of Halton Hills bills water and sewer for Georgetown properties.
- Contact Town of Halton Hills customer service to schedule final readings or account changes.
- If water is billed to the homeowner, request a final reading and account closure on possession day.
7) Internet, cable, phone
- Home sellers often cancel or transfer these services.
- Schedule tech pickup for rented equipment if required (modems, routers, set-top boxes).
- If buyer wants service active for final walk-through, arrange temporary payment or transfer.
8) Canada Post mail forwarding
- Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post before you move.
- Forwarding protects you from missed bills and keeps your credit and closing smooth.
- Do it online at canadapost.ca and choose start date the day after you move.
9) Update your address everywhere
- Update banks, credit cards, insurance, CRA, ServiceOntario, and subscriptions.
- Tell your mortgage lender and lawyer your new address for final paperwork.
10) On possession day: perform a final check
- Take final meter readings for electricity and gas. Take photos with date/time.
- Leave a note for the buyer with emergency numbers and final meter numbers.
- Confirm with the buyer or their agent that utilities show off or transferred.
Local tips for Georgetown, ON sellers
- Town of Halton Hills handles water billing. Call the town early.
- Check your electricity bill. It shows your local distributor. If unsure, use your bill or visit the provider’s website.
- Many buyers prefer utilities active for the final day. If you leave them active, schedule payment or get agreement from buyer.
- If you rent your home out before closing, confirm who pays utilities in that lease.
- If your home is vacant during marketing, keep basic heat on in winter to avoid frozen pipes. Set a low, safe temp and tell your insurer.
Short scripts you can use now
- To electricity/gas: “I’m selling my home at [address]. Closing is [date]. Please schedule a final meter read and final bill for that date.”
- To Town of Halton Hills (water): “Please schedule final reading and account update for [address] on [date].”
- To internet/cable: “I’m cancelling service at [address] on [date]. Please advise about equipment pickup and final charges.”
Common problems and quick fixes
- Missing a final reading: Take photos of meters and send to provider. Follow up by email.
- Buyer requires utilities on closing day: Arrange a one-day extension or set account to transfer at noon on closing day.
- Deposit not returned: Call provider, ask for refund timeline, escalate to regulator if needed.
Checklist for sellers (print and use)
- Find all utility accounts.
- Call providers 2–4 weeks before closing.
- Book final meter reads for possession day.
- Arrange mail forwarding with Canada Post.
- Return rented equipment.
- Collect security deposit refunds.
- Take final meter photos on move-out day.
- Leave buyer a utility note with numbers.
Why work with me on utility moves
I handle many Georgetown sales. I remind sellers about these steps. I call providers if you want. You avoid delays. You avoid surprise bills. I keep closing clean. If you want help, I’ll guide each call and each step.
If you need direct help with utility transfer tasks, contact my office. I can share scripts and call providers with you.
Contact: tony@sousasells.ca | 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
FAQ — Quick answers for Georgetown home sellers
Do I need to cancel or transfer utilities when I sell?
Yes. Set utility stop or transfer on possession day. Buyers usually start service on the same day.
Who pays the last bill?
Typically the seller pays to possession date. Check your sale agreement and lawyer instructions.
How do I get my security deposit back?
Call the provider and ask. Some refund by cheque, some by direct deposit. Ask for timeline.
Who handles water billing in Georgetown?
The Town of Halton Hills manages water and sewer billing for Georgetown addresses. Contact the town to change account details.
What if the buyer wants utilities active for final inspection?
Agree in writing. You can leave service on until possession and split costs, or ask buyer to open their account early.
How do I forward my mail?
Use Canada Post online at canadapost.ca. Start forwarding the day after your move.
Need a local pro to handle utility calls and final checks? Email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. I’ll make sure your utility transfer does not block your closing.
