Utilities in vacant unit?

Question

I have a small 6 unit apartment. Water/sewer/trash is all together, so that will stay on.

I have a tenant lined up to move in already at the middle of next month, make ready is basically done. Previous tenant electricity just shut off today (7th). Would you leave the electricity off until tenant moves in? Leave electricity off until a week before tenant moves in to make sure final cleaning and everything is in working order? Or would you pay and leave electricity on for 1.5 months?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Richard F. · Answer

Aloha,

We always schedule "interim" service to start with our electric provider immediately after receiving possession of the unit. Once we have an approved application and deposit from a new tenant, we schedule a "stop service" date, and advise the new tenant to have service switched over by that date. For certain units, we may turn off the breaker for water heater, and usually, just for safety, also turn off the range breaker (so it is not left "on" by someone during a showing). There are few things worse smelling than most refrigerators that have been left with no power and the doors closed, yet prospective tenants ALWAYS seem to open them at showings!

Charles Carillo · Answer

@Josh Prihoda

I would turn on the electricity, and make sure everything works while maintaining the correct temperature and humidity in the unit. Just confirm that the electricity has been switched over to the tenant prior to handing over the keys.

Ray Hage · Answer

It's better to keep utilities on. You got to make sure your heat, AC, appliances are all in working order on move-in day. If you don't have electric on, how can be sure everything will work when the tenant moves in. As soon as they move in, they should move it to their name

Josh Prihoda · Answer

Thanks for all the input. We kept the utilities on and know for next time too.

Ke Nan Wang · Answer

I would turn things on. I'm in Florida so maintaining climate control is good for the property.

Mary Smith · Answer

I would definitely leave the electricity on until the new tenant moves in.

Taj Akinbode · Answer

@Josh Prihoda

As a general recommendation, it would be best to leave the electricity on until the new tenant moves in. This will ensure that the unit stays in good condition and is ready for immediate use by the new tenant. Additionally, if there are any issues with the unit that need to be addressed, such as a malfunctioning appliance or a problem with the electrical system, it will be easier to identify and fix those issues with the electricity on.

Leaving the electricity off until a week before the tenant moves in may not provide enough time to identify and fix any last minute issues that may pop up, and it may also make it difficult to do any final cleaning or touch-ups. Paying for the electricity for 1.5 months may not be the most cost-effective option, but it could be a good investment in ensuring the unit is in good condition and ready for the new tenant to move in smoothly. You can advise your tenant to ensure that the electricity is switched over before or no later than 3 days after move-in. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your budget and priorities.

I am a Realtor and investor-friendly agent serving the Houston TX market and surrounding areas. If you have further questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out.

Colleen F. · Answer

@Josh Prihoda never let them shut off utilities. Sometimes it is a pain to get them back on and things go wrong what if there is no electric for a needed repair? Oh and if you have gas you have the potential for them saying a stove is noncompliant.

Theresa Harris · Answer

I agree with the others. The utilities shouldn't have turned off the electricity. You should call them and let them know the unit is a rental, you are the owner and the new tenant will be moving in mid June. Until then, you pay to keep them on.

Amanda Janes · Answer

We've always recommended to owners to keep utilities on during vacancy, this will ensure climate control. This is super important long-term to maintain the integrity of the interior. It also helps with smell and stagnant air. You'll 100% want utilities on for the rehab/turn process. Nothing is worse for a cleaner that finds there's no water or electricity.

Just make sure that your incoming resident provides you with service scheduled turn-on information (such as an order #, ticket #, or account #). This will give you more confidence that it will be out of your name upon their occupancy.

Utilities in vacant unit?

Utilities in vacant unit?

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