Q&A for How to Put Utilities in Your Name

You can't. The person you are trying to transfer it to has to call or visit the utility provider and request a bill transfer, providing proof of identity.

The person be sued for fraud for using someone else's name, likeness, or other personal attributes without permission for an exploitative purpose.

If you change the name on a utility bill, you are generally responsible for the amount owed for the period your name was on the account, but not for any outstanding debt accrued before that.

Contact the electric company to find out the steps required to remove your mother's name. You may need to provide documentation such as a death certificate.

Call or visit the utility office and request a bill transfer. You will need to provide proof of identity, so have that ready. You may also need proof of address, like your deed or a recent piece of mail.

Ask your local electric company. They determine the cost.

Depending on your location, procedures may vary. You should contact the new owners or heirs, as it is their responsibility to be sure your rental home remains in a livable condition.

Call the service provider and tell them you would like to put the utility in your name. They will set up an account for you.

Contact your water service provider and explain the situation. If you have an account with them, they can transfer the bill to your name. If not, they will set up an account for you and then transfer the bill.

You have the right to see the actual bills for water and trash if you are paying your landlord for these utilities. Request them formally in writing, review your lease agreement for details on utility billing, and check local tenant rights laws that may require landlords to provide bill copies upon request. You can also contact a local tenant association for advice and support. Transparency in billing is important and often a legal requirement.

Utilities may allow a person to sign up for service if they are moving to that address. However, your utility company should not start service for someone else without your termination.

To add the tenant's name to the water bill, contact your local water utility company by phone or online. Provide the tenant's name, property address, and possibly proof of the lease or landlord's permission. Request the change and clarify if the tenant will be responsible for the bill or if the landlord will continue receiving it with the tenant's name listed.

Responsibility for utilities usually falls to the tenant, unless the lease specifies otherwise. Review the lease to determine if utilities are included or if the tenant is responsible. As an occupant, you typically have no direct obligation unless you agree informally with the tenant or landlord. Check local laws for any specific regulations.

Contact your water service to ask for that. They will be more than happy to assist you.

It's not likely they would even know your wife has died. In any case, they wouldn't shut off the power, because they can't assume the account holder is the person who lives there and pays the bills. Call or write to them, tell them what has happened, close her account and open your own (or just change the name if that's how they want to do it).

To change it to your name, call or visit your utility provider. Then, you would need to provide your proof of identity and explain your situation, and they will amend it for you.

You should get in touch with your electric service provider, make sure your name and address is correct, update if needed and ask them to provide a copy of the bill to you.

Get in touch with your previous service provider via phone and inquire about any outstanding balance.

Assuming you do have an active lease agreement in place, it would be much easier to call your electric service provider directly and update the name from your landlord to yours. They can deal with this quickly over the phone.

It will appear on any bill or other communication from the utility company. Also, you can call the company and ask for the account number.

It's not impossible, but neither is it likely. Utility companies typically require a written application from the new party before such a switch would be made.