Work backward from responsibility
Your closing documents, lease, seller, landlord, or property manager should establish when responsibility changes. Installation services such as internet may need more lead time than an account transfer.
- Confirm the responsibility date.
- Identify the provider for the exact address.
- Ask each provider for its current lead time.
- Keep confirmation numbers and scheduled dates.
Coordinate, do not guess
Electric, water, gas, and internet providers have different processes. Some transfers are immediate; others require deposits, appointments, or access to the property.
Check the first bill
Confirm the service address, start date, meter information when shown, and approved charges. Contact the provider promptly if the account reflects the wrong property or date.