How to Transfer Utilities to a New Owner: Step-by-Step

How to transfer utilities to a new owner: step‑by‑step ✅

Transferring utility accounts (electricity, water, gas, waste) is an important part of any property sale or inheritance. This guide gives clear, practical steps to help buyers and sellers complete the process smoothly and avoid unexpected debts or delays.

1. Prepare the necessary documents 📁

• IDs of the new and previous owners or their authorized representatives.
• The sales contract or other title document (gift deed, inheritance papers, court decision).
• Property identifier or cadastral document if available.
• Recent utility bills or payment receipts to check account status.

Tip: If someone acts on behalf of an owner, include a notarized power of attorney.

2. Check account balances and debts 🔎

Ask the previous owner for recent bills or request online statements. If there are outstanding balances, agree how they will be settled before transferring accounts. This reduces the risk that the new owner will be held responsible for previous debts.

Practical step: take photos of meter readings at handover and keep them with the sale documents.

3. Contact the right providers 🏢

In Georgia, utilities are handled by different companies and municipal services. Typical providers:

• Electricity — regional electric company.
• Water and sewage — municipal water utility.
• Gas — the gas supplier.
• Waste removal and building maintenance — municipal or private contractors.

Check providers’ contact details and working hours; many accept applications online.

4. Submit an application to transfer the account ✍️

Visit the provider’s office or use their online portal with your documents and submit an account transfer request. The application usually includes:

• Details of previous and new owners;
• Property address and meter numbers;
• Meter readings at the time of transfer.

Ask for written confirmation that the provider accepted the application and an estimated processing time.

5. Verify meter readings and sign the new contract 🔧

Most providers require meter readings to be recorded at the time of ownership change. An act of transfer with both parties’ signatures helps prevent later disputes. After verification, the provider issues a new contract in the new owner’s name.

If readings differ, record the discrepancy and request an explanation.

6. Handle administrative fees and payments 💳

Some companies charge a small administrative fee for changing the account holder. Confirm acceptable payment methods and keep receipts. It’s a good idea to make initial payments via bank transfer to create a clear payment record.

7. Update automatic payments and contact details 📲

Make sure any automatic debits linked to the previous owner are cancelled. Register new bank details, phone number, and email in the provider’s portal to receive bills and alerts.

8. Dealing with problems and disputes ⚠️

• If the provider refuses transfer until debts are paid, request a written breakdown and negotiate a settlement plan.
• For errors in documentation, insist on corrected copies before signing a new agreement.
• Keep all communication records, photos, and copies of submissions for possible disputes.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them ❗

• Not checking past bills — you may inherit unpaid charges.
• No signed transfer act — later meter disputes can be difficult to resolve.
• Typos in names or addresses — ensure documents match exactly.

Quick practical examples 🛠️

• Example: In some complexes, waste removal is organized separately — check whether this is included in your monthly payments.
• Example: When buying in a new development, ask who manages building services and how contracts are transferred.

If you need help finding a property or completing utility transfers in Batumi and across Georgia, BuyHome can help with the process and paperwork. Start your search or browse apartments: https://buyhome.ge/en/search, https://buyhome.ge/en/apartments

Contact BuyHome for friendly, professional assistance with buying property and transferring utilities. 📞