Should I turn off Water & Gas in a vacant dwelling

[Linda Farley]

The sale of our property is in contract, the house has been empty.  Closing will not occur for 6 weeks - All utilities are currently on but wondering if I should turn off Gas & Water since the house is vacant & only leave the Electric on for security reasons.  

[Greg Scott]

The buyer is probably going to be angry with you if you turn off service because they will have to pay a reconnection fee.   Usually, you have the utilities taken out of your name on the closing date. If you are worried about vandalism, turn off water and gas where they come into the house.

Don't forget to call your water utility now for a final reading near closing.  Also, since your structure is vacant, be sure to get a vacancy clause added in case there is vandalism.