How to Transfer or Cancel Utilities

Contact each utility provider — electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet, phone, and cable — to transfer the account to a surviving occupant or to cancel service. When you call, say: "I need to report the death of the account holder [name] and [transfer/cancel] the account." You will need the account number (found on a recent bill) and a death certificate.

If someone still lives in the home, transfer the accounts to their name rather than canceling and reopening, which may require new deposits. If the home will be vacant (for example, while being prepared for sale), keep essential utilities running. An unheated home can suffer frozen pipe damage in winter, and a home without electricity cannot run sump pumps, security systems, or automatic lighting. Homeowners insurance policies may have requirements about maintaining utilities in vacant properties.

Check each utility account for deposits that should be refunded. Many utility companies collect a deposit when service is first established, and this deposit should be returned (with interest in some states) when the account is closed. Also review each account for budget billing or prepayment credits. Cancel any premium services or add-ons that are no longer needed. If the deceased had a cell phone, see the separate task for handling that — cell phone accounts often have early termination fees, though most carriers waive them upon proof of death.