Property, Vehicles, and Utilities
How do I handle utilities when someone dies?
Short answer
Call each utility with a death certificate and ask to either transfer service to your name or close the account. Ask about any deposits that may be refundable. If the home is going through probate and will be vacant, keep utilities on…
What this usually means
Call each utility with a death certificate and ask to either transfer service to your name or close the account. Ask about any deposits that may be refundable. If the home is going through probate and will be vacant, keep utilities on at minimal service levels to protect the property.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.