Moving in and moving out
Cancelling utilities when moving out
How to close or transfer your utility accounts when you leave a property, and avoid being billed after you've left.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15Cancellation or transfer is typically processed within a few days once requested, though final bills can take a few weeks to arrive.
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
Utility accounts don't cancel themselves when you move out — you need to formally close them (baja) or transfer them to the next occupant, otherwise you risk being billed after you've already left.
Requirements
- Applies to any utility account currently held in your name
Step-by-step process
- Decide, ideally with your landlord, whether accounts will be closed entirely or transferred to the next occupant
- Contact each provider to request cancellation (baja) or a change of holder, giving your intended end date
- Take final meter readings on your move-out date, ideally with a witness or photo evidence
- Confirm your final bill reflects the correct end date and readings
- Cancel any direct debits only once you've confirmed the final bill has been settled
Required documents
- Your utility account references
- Final meter readings
- Your move-out date, confirmed with your landlord
Common mistakes
- Cancelling a direct debit before the final bill is settled, which can create a debt collection issue later
- Not taking a final meter reading, leaving the closing bill based on an estimate rather than actual usage
- Assuming utilities cancel automatically when a rental contract ends — they don't, and the provider will keep billing until formally closed
Practical tips
- If the next occupant is moving in immediately, a direct change of holder is usually smoother than closing and reopening accounts
- Keep your final bills for a few months after moving — they're useful if any billing dispute comes up later
How Tuchati can help
If a provider keeps billing you after you've moved out, Tuchati can help you resolve it.