What Home Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
If you’re buying or selling a home in Ontario, you’re likely juggling a dozen moving parts, mortgage approvals, home inspections, legal paperwork, and move-in plans. One common question that comes up is:
“Will my lawyer take care of the utilities for me?”
Short answer: Not exactly.
While lawyers don’t call utility companies or transfer accounts on your behalf, they do play a behind-the-scenes role to help ensure a smooth transition.
Let’s break down what that means for you.
What Are “Utilities”?
Utilities refer to the essential services that keep your home running. These may include:
- Hydro (electricity)
- Water and sewer
- Natural gas
- Garbage pickup
- Internet and cable
Setting up, or shutting down, these services is a critical step in the home buying or selling process. If forgotten, the consequences can range from no power on move-in day to surprise bills weeks later.
How Real Estate Lawyers Help (and What They Don’t Do)
✅ What Your Lawyer Does:
- Provides a Utility Checklist: Most lawyers include reminders or checklists in your closing package to help you manage your utility accounts.
- Requests Final Readings (Sometimes): Some lawyers ask for hydro or gas meter readings to prevent disputes. This isn’t required but can help tie up loose ends.
- Handles Rural Utility Adjustments: If your property uses propane, a septic tank, or a well, your lawyer ensures any outstanding balances are handled at closing.
- Adjusts for Prepaid Utilities: If utilities like flat-rate water are prepaid, your lawyer will ensure the seller is reimbursed fairly after closing.
❌ What Your Lawyer Doesn’t Do:
- They Don’t Call Utility Companies: You are responsible for opening, closing, or transferring your accounts.
- They Can’t Cancel or Transfer Services: Lawyers don’t have access to personal utility accounts.
- They Don’t Manage Personal Services (e.g., Internet): Internet and cable are based on personal preference and fall outside of legal responsibilities.
Who Does What?
🔑 If You’re Selling:
- Contact each utility provider to close accounts.
- Request final meter readings.
- Provide a forwarding address for final bills.
🏡 If You’re Buying:
- Contact hydro, water, and gas companies 5–7 business days before your closing date.
- Set up new accounts to avoid any service interruption.
What Happens If You Forget?
Forgetting to manage your utilities can lead to:
- No hydro, water, or gas when you move in
- Unpaid bills or service disruptions
- Extra fees or even damage to your credit score
While your lawyer may help resolve post-closing issues, prevention is always best.
The Bottom Line
Your Ontario real estate lawyer won’t manage utilities for you, but they’ll guide you through the process and ensure utility-related adjustments are handled fairly.
Think of your lawyer as your transaction’s project manager—making sure no critical detail (like prepaid propane or septic balances) is missed, while leaving the hands-on tasks (like calling Hydro One) to you.
FAQs: Utilities and Real Estate Closings in Ontario
Do real estate lawyers transfer utility accounts?
No, you must contact each utility provider directly.
Can my lawyer cancel my hydro or water account?
No. Lawyers don’t have access to personal utility accounts.
What if I forget to set up utilities before closing?
You risk moving into a home with no power, water, or heat—and dealing with billing confusion afterward.
Need Help With Your Closing?
At Philer.ai, we simplify the legal process of buying or selling real estate in Ontario. Our digital-first approach is fast, transparent, and designed for busy homeowners who want clarity—not complications.
📩 Start your closing today or book a free consultation. We’re here to help!
