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Utilities and Property Taxes
Arrange Meter Readings
Well in advance of the closing date, contact your gas, hydro, water, and any other utility department and arrange to have your meters read on closing. Also call your telephone and cable companies to arrange for disconnection of services on or before closing. Please inform each of the utility companies of your new mailing address so that all final accounts can be forwarded directly to you after closing. If you hire HomesLawyer.com, we will contact your gas, water, and hydro companies for you.
Contact Condo Management
If you are selling a condominium, contact your property management office to advise them of your sale. You may need to make special arrangements for moving (e.g. booking an elevator, getting back post-dated cheques for common expenses, etc.).
Fill Your Oil Tank
If your property is heated by oil, you are responsible for arranging to have the oil tank filled prior to closing unless otherwise agreed with the buyers. You will be required to pay the bill for the oil and provide it to your lawyer to receive a full credit for your payment on the Statement of Adjustments.
Cancel Insurance
You will also want to contact your insurance company to advise them of the sale of your home and to arrange for cancellation of your policy as of the closing date. However, do not do this until after your deal has closed. You do not want to be stuck without home insurance if your transaction does not close for whatever reason.
Pay Accounts and Cancel Debit Plans
You should continue to pay all utility and property tax accounts that come due prior to your closing date and be prepared to give to your lawyer copies of receipted payments in case they are needed. If you have given post-dated cheques or have pre-authorized debits arranged for any utility, insurance, or property tax payments, please ensure that you get back unused cheques and cancel debit programs for dates after the closing to avoid overpayments. |
