Managing Utilities and Home Expenses
Essential Steps for Utility and Expense Management
When someone dies, it is easy to focus on funeral plans and paperwork while forgetting about the house they left behind. Yet the home’s utility bills and services keep coming. Ignoring these costs can lead to shutoffs, damage from the elements, or even expensive repairs down the line. Managing these accounts is not just about paying bills. It is about protecting the value of the property and showing respect for your loved one’s estate.
A house often stays empty for days or weeks while legal matters are sorted out. Even if no one is living there, it still needs electricity to power lights and alarms, heating or cooling to prevent mold or burst pipes, and trash service to avoid pests or odors. Taking a little time now to handle utility accounts can prevent much bigger problems later.
What to do first:
Find and Review All Accounts
Gather all utility bills you can find. These might arrive by mail, email, or be paid automatically from the deceased’s bank account. Look for electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet, and phone services. If you are not sure what they had, check recent bank statements for recurring payments.
Once you have this information, make a list with each provider’s name, account number, billing cycle, and any online login details. Then start calling the companies. Explain that the account holder has died and that you are the executor or estate representative. They will usually ask for a death certificate and proof of your authority.
You can then request to keep essential services running under the estate’s name or your own role, or close anything that is not needed. For example, cable TV or extra phone lines can often be canceled right away.
If you are handling accounts in Louisiana, here are a few helpful numbers:
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- Entergy Louisiana (electric and gas): 1-800-368-3749
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- Cox Communications (internet and cable): 1-800-234-3993
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- Spectrum (internet and cable): 1-833-949-0036
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- AT&T (phone or internet): 1-800-288-2020
For providers outside Louisiana, check the bill or the company website for the right number.
Managing Payments
The estate is responsible for paying these bills. If you are the executor, you should use estate funds. If those funds are not available yet, tell the provider. Many companies can offer payment plans or temporary holds until probate settles.
Do not forget to review and cancel any autopay settings on the deceased’s bank accounts to avoid overdrafts. Keep a record of all calls, emails, and account changes. This is important for estate accounting and legal records.
Handling these details might feel like just another burden, but it is an important act of responsibility. By keeping utilities in order, you help maintain the home’s value, avoid costly repairs, and honor your loved one’s memory with care.
