Utilities 101: Move In / Move Out Checklist

Moving is already a stressful undertaking with packing, unpacking, and dealing with transportation. Adding utilities on top of that is just another headache. To help, we have compiled a move-in/move-out checklist for your utilities.

Move In

Consult with your utility company or landlord about the average energy usage for the unit or home for the previous year
In many cases, you can request information about the previous year’s energy costs from your utility provider. This can help you know what to expect from your energy bills in your new home and budget accordingly. Simply call the service provider of your new home and ask what the last 12 months of usage was.

Tip: This can be done before signing your lease or purchasing a home.

Renters: Determine what is included in your rent

Many apartment complexes will tie in certain utilities to your rent, such as water and sewage, at a flat rate. This means that you don’t have to set up those utilities under your own name. Check your lease to make sure that there

Establish New Service

For utilities that are not included in your rent, find out which utility companies service your area and set up those utilities before moving in. You can establish service with a utility provider either through their website or over the phone. Having the lights on before you move in will make unpacking much easier!

Unsure who provides services to your new home? Find your utility providers

For Renters
If there is an outstanding bill from a previous tenant, you are not responsible for covering that amount.

If you can’t get utility service because of someone else’s unpaid bills, you can:

• Pay the bill and deduct it from your rent;
• Reach an agreement with the landlord as to how the bill will be paid and get the agreement in writing; or
• Immediately end the tenancy by telling the landlord what happened and explaining that you will not keep the unit.

If you immediately end the tenancy, the landlord has 4 days to return the prepaid rent and your refundable security deposit. If the rental agreement is terminated and the landlord fails to return the money owed to you, you are entitled to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

If you are a new homeowner and the previous owner has left unpaid balances for utilities connected to your home, public utility companies for things like water and sewer may place a lien on your home. For private utility providers, they may send the past due balance to collections under the previous owner’s name. If you find yourself in this situation, you may want to consult with a lawyer about the best next steps.

Locate the Breaker Box and Water Meter

If your lights go out at night, knowing where your breaker box is ahead of time will make it much easier to traverse your house in the dark. Knowing where your water meter is and how to read it will help you in case of a leak.

Move Out

Pay Off Any Remaining Balances

Be sure to pay off any remaining balances that you carry with your utility companies. It can be easy to forget when you’re busy moving, but those past-due balances can be sent to collections and damage your credit.

Discontinue Service

When it comes time to move, be sure to discontinue your utility services for your previous address. You may do so either through your provider’s online portal or over the phone.

For an easier time disconnecting, mention that you are moving. Some providers can easily switch your account over to a new address in the same phone call.

Update your mailing address

If there is an issue with your utilities from your previous address, you want to make sure you stay in the know. Update your postal address as soon as possible to ensure that you receive any outstanding bills or updates from your provider, as well as all your other mail.

Happy Moving!

Congratulations on your new place, and we hope that this guide has taken a little stress out of the process for you. Here’s to a stress-free and smooth transition between homes!

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CUB will continue to advocate for people in Oregon on major utility issues. Sign up for the CUB email list for the latest updates, action alerts, and news on policies that affect the utilities your home relies on.

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