Moving into a new home is exciting, but let’s be honest—the paperwork and logistics can be a real headache. As someone who’s helped countless buyers navigate the California real estate market since 2003, I’ve seen it all when it comes to utility transfers. And trust me, you don’t want to arrive at your new place only to discover you have no electricity, water, or internet. Been there with clients, not fun, especially during those scorching Pasadena summers we’ve been having lately.
What Utilities Do You Need to Transfer When Buying a California Home?
First things first, let’s break down what we’re talking about here. When I mention utilities, I’m referring to:
- Electricity (Edison in Southern California, PG&E up north)
- Natural gas
- Water and sewer
- Garbage and recycling
- Internet and cable
- Phone service
- Security systems
Now, back when I started in this business, most folks just had to worry about the basics. These days—especially post-pandemic—I’m seeing more of my clients prioritize high-speed internet right alongside water and electricity. Working from home changed everything, right? My wife Elena reminds me of this constantly since she switched to remote work.
When Should You Start the Utility Transfer Process?
Here’s something many first-time homebuyers don’t realize: you should begin the utility transfer process at least two weeks before your closing date. That’s right, two full weeks.
Why so early? Well, some utility companies in California—especially water districts—can take their sweet time processing new account requests. And between you and me, some of the municipal utilities around Los Angeles operate like they’re still using systems from the 1980s.
I had clients last year buying in Highland Park who waited until the week of closing to contact the water department. Big mistake. They ended up without water service for nearly three days after moving in. Not exactly the housewarming experience they’d hoped for!
The general timeline I recommend:
- Two weeks before closing: Research all required utilities
- One week before closing: Set up accounts and schedule transfers
- Day of closing: Confirm all transfers are scheduled
- Day after closing: Take meter readings at the property
Who’s Responsible for Utilities During the Transfer Process?
This is where things get a bit complicated—and where I see the most confusion among buyers, especially those relocating from out of state.
Under California Civil Code Section 1947.5, sellers are typically responsible for utilities until the closing date or until possession transfers to the buyer. However—and this is important—this doesn’t mean utilities automatically switch over.
What I’ve seen in my years working this market is that most standard California purchase agreements (particularly the California Association of Realtors forms we use) specify that the seller should maintain utilities through the close of escrow. But here’s the thing: maintaining isn’t the same as transferring.
You, as the buyer, are responsible for setting up new accounts in your name. The seller’s obligation is simply not to disconnect services before you’ve had a chance to establish new accounts.
How to Transfer Each Type of Utility in California
Let me walk you through the process for each major utility type based on what I’ve learned helping clients from Ventura down to San Diego.
Electricity and Natural Gas
For most of Southern California, you’ll be dealing with Southern California Edison for electricity and SoCalGas for natural gas. Northern California folks typically work with PG&E for both.
These are generally the easiest transfers to complete. Both companies have online portals where you can:
- Set up new service
- Schedule transfer dates
- Pay deposits (if required)
Pro tip: If you’re moving within the same service area, the process is even simpler—you can usually just transfer your existing account to the new address.
One thing that’s changed since I started in this business: most energy companies now offer energy-saving programs when you set up new service. Take advantage of these! My clients who enrolled in Edison’s summer discount plan save about 20% on cooling costs during our brutal Pasadena summer months.
Water and Sewer Services
Here’s where things get tricky in California. Unlike electricity, water service varies dramatically by municipality. In Los Angeles proper, you’ll deal with LADWP. But cross over into Pasadena where I live, and suddenly you’re working with Pasadena Water and Power.
What I recommend:
- Ask your real estate agent (hopefully me!) which water provider serves your new home
- Visit their website or call directly
- Be prepared to provide proof of ownership or your closing documents
- Pay any required deposits (typically $50-150 depending on the district)
A word of caution: some water districts in California still require in-person visits to establish service. Yes, in 2023! I had clients buying in a small community near Ojai last year who had to physically go to the water district office to complete paperwork. Plan accordingly.
Garbage and Recycling
California has some of the strictest waste management regulations in the country, and this affects how trash service works.
In most cities, garbage collection is handled either by:
- The municipality itself (like LA Sanitation)
- A designated private company with an exclusive contract
Unlike other states I’ve heard about, you typically don’t get to choose your garbage provider in California. However, you do need to establish an account.
The good news? In many areas, this service is included in your property tax bill or water bill, so you might not need a separate account. But always check—don’t assume!
Internet, Cable, and Phone
While not technically “utilities” in the traditional sense, these services are essential for most homeowners today.
California has several major providers:
- Spectrum
- AT&T
- Frontier
- Cox (in some areas)
- Starlink (becoming popular in rural areas)
My advice? Research available providers at your new address at least three weeks before moving. Installation appointments—especially for new service—can be booked weeks out. This is particularly true in newer developments in places like Irvine or Valencia where demand is high.
Common Utility Transfer Misconceptions in California
Let me clear up some misconceptions I hear all the time from buyers:
“The seller will handle all the transfers for me”
Nope! While sellers should maintain service until closing, they’re not responsible for setting up accounts in your name. That’s on you.
“I can wait until I move in to handle utilities”
Please don’t do this. You might end up like my clients who moved into their Burbank home during a 100-degree week with no air conditioning because the electricity wasn’t properly transferred.
“All utility companies need the same information”
Each utility company has different requirements. Some need just your name and service address, while others require your social security number, closing date, escrow information, and even copies of your deed.
“Deposits are the same for everyone”
Not true. Utility deposits in California are often based on your credit score. If you have excellent credit, you might pay no deposit at all for electricity or gas. If your credit needs work, you could face deposits of several hundred dollars.
Regional Differences to Be Aware Of
California is huge, and utility practices vary across regions. Here’s what to know:
Northern California: PG&E territory often has higher electricity rates but more renewable energy options. Water districts tend to have stricter conservation requirements, especially in drought years.
Southern California: Edison territory typically has tiered rate structures that can make summer cooling very expensive. Many areas have water restrictions that affect new homeowners (like limited irrigation days).
Coastal vs. Inland: Coastal properties often don’t need natural gas service for heating, while it’s essential for inland homes. This can affect which utilities you prioritize.
Rural Properties: If you’re buying in places like the outskirts of San Bernardino County or up in the Sierra foothills, you might deal with propane instead of natural gas, and possibly well water instead of municipal water. These require completely different setup processes.
My Personal Advice After 20 Years in California Real Estate
Look, after helping hundreds of buyers through this process since I started back in 2003, here’s what I tell all my clients:
Create a utilities checklist specific to your new home. Start making calls or online applications at least two weeks before closing. Document everything—names, confirmation numbers, scheduled dates.
And here’s something most agents won’t tell you: if possible, schedule overlapping service for one day. What I mean is, try to have utilities active in both the seller’s name and yours for the closing day itself. This provides a buffer in case closing is delayed or there are last-minute issues.
Between you and me, the most stressful closings I’ve handled weren’t because of loan problems or title issues—they were because of utility transfer problems that could have been avoided with a little planning.
Elena always teases me about being over-prepared, but when it comes to utility transfers, there’s no such thing. After all, your first night in your new California home should be spent celebrating with a nice dinner and good lighting—not hunting for flashlights and calling emergency utility numbers!
