Utilities Move to Landlord THEN Tenant?

[Aaron Moayed]

Just acquired two investment properties - The Sellers are moving out soon, and there are some repairs to be done. Is it recommended to move utilities to my name, then move it to the tenants name (they’re paying once I get one), or should I just let the utilities turn off and have the tenants turn them on under their own name?

Looking for best practice here/what others do. Thanks.

[Jennifer T.]

I've done it both ways, though more in terms of "between tenants".  If a tenant has moved out and I don't have another one lined up yet, I put the utilities in my name.  Because, when I show the unit to prospective tenants, I want it to be a comfortable temperature (a/c or heat on), rooms lighted, and that everything is functioning.  

However, I've also had the occasion where I've had a new tenant ready to go before the previous tenant moved out.  In those situations, I've advised the outgoing tenant to make sure they turn off their utility accounts as of X date and advise the incoming tenant they'll need to get their utilities turned on before their move-in date or they might end up having a few days without them.

As a general rule, I only have utilities in my name while the house is vacant.