What utilities to keep on while showing empty house?

Question

I searched through the forum but couldn't find the answer.

I am going to have an empty house to show to potential renters (it's a new build). What utilities should I open under my name in order to show to renters?

A friend told me it should be electric, gas, water.

Another friend said only electric because if gas and water are turned on, someone could accidentally leave it on and cause damage or run up the bill.

What do you all do?

Thank you!

Charlie Beneke · Answer

@Dan Marl everything! If you’re in a place like Chicago and you walk into a warm unit the tenants are automatically put in a good mood. Water stays running because you don’t want someone using the bathroom and it lingering for your other perspective tenants coming after. Electric stays on so when ppl have showings after 5 they’re not having to bring a flashlight. Also, some tenants now like to test water pressure and make sure the appliances work before they will sign

Theresa Harris · Answer

I'd keep all of them on as it often causes more problems and costs more to have them turned off and back on.

Account Closed · Answer

Sorry! I missed the 'you are renting the house' and not selling it!!! We still leave all the utilities on so we can be positive everything is working before the tenant moves in and so workers can make repairs. It is hard to repair a leaking toilet if the water and electric is turned off.

Account Closed · Answer

Keep all the utilities on because when you sell the house all the appliances, water piping, heating and air conditioning, drains and the sewer need to be inspected and tested. It doesn't make sense to turn the utilities off and if they are already off they should be turned on asap since it sometimes takes a long time on the phone with customer service and sometimes a few days to get them turned on.

We always leave water and soft drinks in the refrigerator with a sign telling everyone to help their self.

We always leave plenty of toilet paper since for some strange reason the very first thing many prospects request is the location for the bathrooms. That raises the hair on the back of my neck when those are the first words from a prospects mouth, but we have to live with that and then the mess they make in the toilet and on the floor. If a property is out of my area I always pay a maid service to give the house a cleaning and clean the toilets and floors around the toilets when the escrow opens.

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Jonathan Klemm · Answer

@Dan Marl - Where is the property at?

I'd say it is a higher risk to keep the utilities off than have them on.  Especially if you are getting ready to show the units.  You'll want light and heat for showings at a minimum.  If you ar here in Chicago you'll want water on and dripping in the winter so your pipes don't freeze.

Gail K. · Answer

Everything on.  Sometimes a potential renter will want to test a gas range to make sure all the burners come on.

I used to be hesitant about leaving the water on because one house I was interested in purchasing had this on and two days before closing I stopped by only to learn the bathroom was flooded because the water connection to the toilet had loosened.  On the other hand at one of my other houses that were available for showing by "lockbox" the PM company I had at the time reported that several interested parties commented on an unsavory odor in the house.  I went by and learned that ALL three toilets in the rental had been used...and I'm not talking urine in them either.  I carry a water key with me at all times and the water meter at the street was easy to turn on to allow flushing away of this deposits and then bleaching each toilet.

John Teachout · Answer

When we're doing a turnover on a property, we turn on all the utilities. (except internet/phone)

Nathan Gesner · Answer

In my area, it gets cold so I have to leave heat on. My utility providers also have a Landlord revert program. When a tenant moves in, they establish their own accounts. When they move out, they close their accounts and it automatically reverts to the Landlord. This ensures uilities stay on and nothing freezes up.

Scott M. · Answer

Depends on your area and if you have winters or not.  No real need to have water unless someone has to use the bathroom.  Gas for a furnace if it is in a cold climate is nice and makes people stay a bit longer and feel more at ease.  Class of area also makes a difference.  C or D class and your furnace may have legs and walk away.  A or B area not as likely to leave.

Say more about the location and type of area it is in and you will probably get more targeted responses.

Maurice D. · Answer

Hi Dan

Winterize the property.  Dallas doesn't get that cold, but last year it took us by surprise..  exterior garden hose bibs need to be covered etc.   You will need everything on for the inspection,  after than you can set you water heater to vacation mode but leave utilities on.  Yes, no need for internet.  Your bill should be minimal.

What utilities to keep on while showing empty house?

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