How do I transfer utilities and services?
Want to avoid surprise final bills and a chaotic moving day? Here’s the exact, no-fluff plan to transfer utilities and services when selling your Milton home.
Why this matters — fast
A sloppy utility transfer creates last-minute headaches, surprise charges, and a stalled closing. When you sell in Milton, ON, you need a clear timeline, local know-how, and proof everything switched on or off at the right time. Get this right and you close clean, move smooth, and protect your proceeds.
One-line play: Do this 2–3 weeks before closing
- Make a list of every account. 2. Contact each provider to book a stop or transfer date on closing day. 3. Get final meter reads and written confirmation. 4. Keep receipts and share details with your lawyer and the buyer’s agent.
The complete Milton seller checklist (use this)
- Property address and closing date. Keep it front and center.
- Account numbers and login credentials for each service.
- Meter locations and photos (water, gas, hydro/electric).
- Notes on condo vs detached: condo fees vs municipal water rules.
Services to include (don’t skip any)
- Electricity (local distributor — confirm whether Alectra/Milton Hydro covers your street)
- Natural gas (Enbridge Gas)
- Water & sewer (Town of Milton billing)
- Internet, cable, and phone (Bell, Rogers, other ISPs)
- Heating fuel (if propane or oil: local supplier)
- Garbage, recycling, organics (Town of Milton schedule)
- Security systems & alarm monitoring
- Lawn/maintenance contracts, pool services
- Subscriptions linked to the house (smart thermostats, solar monitoring)
Step-by-step transfer plan (practical, Milton-specific)
3 weeks before closing
- Make the full list of accounts and account numbers. Include online usernames and passwords if available.
- Find meter locations and take photos — helpful for final disputes.
- Check whether utilities are included in condo fees. If so, contact the property manager.
- Tell your agent and buyer’s agent you’ll be scheduling transfers on closing day.
10–14 days before closing
- Call each provider and request a final reading and account closure or transfer on closing date. Ask about any lead time or fees.
- Electricity: confirm distributor name (Alectra or local). Ask how they handle final reads and whether the buyer will open their own account or transfer service.
- Gas: call Enbridge Gas to schedule final meter reading and closing balance.
- Water: contact the Town of Milton to confirm billing cut-off policies.
- Internet/TV: schedule cancellation or transfer. Many ISPs require an appointment and return of equipment.
- If you have propane, heating oil, or private well services, book the final service or schedule a handover with the supplier.
3–5 days before closing
- Confirm dates in writing (email) with each provider. Save confirmation numbers.
- Cancel recurring payments tied to the property (but only after the final bill is posted).
- Arrange to return rented equipment (modem, router, cable boxes) on closing day or set a pickup date with the provider.
- Notify Canada Post to forward your mail starting on closing day.
Closing day
- Take final meter readings with the buyer or buyer’s agent present. Photograph meters with timestamps.
- Provide copies of readings to the buyer, your lawyer, and both utility companies if required.
- Keep printed confirmation of account closures or transfers and final balances.
- If a buyer is taking over service, confirm their account opening date and that the services are active.
After closing
- Verify final bills and ensure payments went through.
- If you see unexpected charges, contact the provider, show your closing documents and final reading proof.
- Keep all confirmations for at least one year — they’re often needed if a dispute arises.
Condo vs freehold differences — short and clear
- Condo: Many buildings include heat, water, and some utilities in condo fees. Confirm what the condo corporation handles and what you must cancel individually (internet, cable, alarm).
- Freehold: You must close or transfer each account yourself. Town of Milton water accounts and Region waste schedules apply.
Local tips that save money and time in Milton
- Town of Milton water: Call or use the Town site for billing cycles. Timing of cut-off can affect your final bill.
- Enbridge Gas: They handle most natural gas in the area. Book final reads early — some bookings fill up.
- Internet installation windows: Milton is growing fast. If the buyer needs new internet, recommend they book early to avoid a gap.
- Spring/fall pickup schedules: Waste and recycling pick-up dates are run by Town of Milton. Notify the buyer and leave the schedule with keys.
How transfers interact with closing paperwork
- Statement of Adjustments: Utility adjustments are sometimes included if pre-paid or billed. Your lawyer typically handles tax and other prorations, but utilities usually require direct final billing.
- Proof for lender or buyer: Keep final meter reads, provider confirmations, and receipts. These documents close disputes and show you fulfilled obligations.
Common problems and how to avoid them
- Problem: Buyer moves in, utilities aren’t active. Solution: Confirm start dates and have buyer’s agent verify activation before keys change hands.
- Problem: Final bill appears after closing. Solution: Keep proof of final meter reads and send to provider with closing documents.
- Problem: Rented equipment wasn’t returned. Solution: Keep receipts of return or shipping for modems/set-top boxes.
Day-of checklist (print and use)
- [ ] Final meter photos (electric, gas, water)
- [ ] Written confirmation numbers from providers
- [ ] Canada Post mail-forward confirmation
- [ ] Proof of equipment return or pickup schedule
- [ ] Contact list for buyer (utilities, Town of Milton, Enbridge)
- [ ] Keys, remotes, manuals, warranties
Quick scripts: What to say when you call
- To utilities: “Hello, I’m selling my home at [address]. My closing date is [date]. I need a final meter read and account closure/transfer on that date. Please confirm your procedures and any fees and provide a confirmation number.”
- To internet/cable: “I need a pickup/cancellation scheduled for [date]. What equipment do I return and where?”
- To Town of Milton (water or waste): “Please confirm final billing cut-off and how to transfer or close the account.”
Why sellers in Milton should use a local agent
Local agents know the common bobbles: which ISPs take longer, when Town of Milton issues final bills, and if Enbridge scheduling fills up. As your local real estate advisor, I coordinate the transfer steps, confirm dates with the buyer’s team, and keep your closing clean so you walk away without surprises.
If you want a copy of a printable checklist or a sample script to hand to the buyer, email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for local resources and links to Town of Milton utilities.
FAQ — Closing, moving, and utility transfers in Milton, ON
When should I schedule final reads and transfers?
Schedule 10–14 days before closing to lock in appointments, then confirm everything 3–5 days before. Final meter reads should be done on closing day with proof.
Who pays the final utility bill?
The account holder at the time of the bill is responsible. A final bill may arrive after closing; keep your proof of final reads and send it to the provider. Adjustments for prepaid services can show up in the Statement of Adjustments handled by lawyers.
Can the buyer just transfer utilities into their name?
Yes, buyers often open new accounts or request transfers. Coordinate who will request the transfer and the exact start date. Both parties should keep confirmation emails and meter photos.
What about condo utilities?
Check condo documents and the property manager. Many condo buildings include water and heat in fees. You still need to cancel personal services like internet or cable.
Do I need to be at the property for final reads?
You don’t always need to be there, but it helps. If you can’t attend, take dated photos of meters and provide them to your lawyer and buyer’s agent.
Who handles garbage and recycling transfers?
Town of Milton handles waste schedules. Provide the buyer with the pickup schedule and any bin info. No account transfer is usually needed for curbside service.
My final bill shows charges after I moved. What now?
Send the provider your final meter photos, confirmation numbers, and closing documents. If the provider won’t correct the charge, escalate to the ombudsman or regulator.
Any tips to avoid delays on closing day?
Book all final reads in writing, share confirmation numbers with your lawyer, and confirm the buyer’s activation timeline. Return rented equipment ahead of time if possible.
Selling a home in Milton doesn’t have to mean juggling last-minute utility chaos. Follow this plan, get written confirmations, and keep your closing day simple. Want help running the checklist or making the calls? Contact Tony at tony@sousasells.ca or 416-477-2620. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for local links and printable templates.
