Realtors & Title Companies

Preparing for the Sale of a Property

The City of La Crosse Utilities Office requires a final meter reading for all property transfers, including:

  • Properties with active water service
  • Vacant lots (for stormwater billing purposes)

Scheduling a Final Read

Requests can be made:

  • Up to 2 weeks in advance
  • At least 3 business days before the requested date

Final bills are:

  • Processed the next business day
  • Sent by email or mail

How to Request a Final Read

How Final Bills Work

Final Meter Reading and Billing Process

  • A meter reading is taken on the requested date
  • A final bill is issued the next business day to the occupant leaving the property
  • Stormwater charges are prorated to the final service date
  • If an existing bill has not yet reached its due date, that balance will be included in the final bill

Important Notes for Buyers, Sellers, and Title Companies

If a sale falls through:

  • The person who scheduled the final reading must cancel the request
  • Failure to cancel may result in late fees if the account remains unpaid after 20 days

Unpaid final bills:

  • May be included in October Pre-Tax Notices
  • May be transferred to property taxes if not resolved

For title companies:

  • Confirm whether the seller is enrolled in autopay and ensure it is deactivated to avoid duplicate payments or refunds

Rental Properties and Final Bills

Important Information for Property Transfers

  • A final reading is required whenever ownership changes
  • Buyers and sellers must agree on handling any outstanding tenant balances

Important for Property Owners:

If a tenant does not pay their utility bill, the property owner is ultimately responsible. Unpaid charges may be added to property taxes during the annual tax transfer process.

Metering Compliance Review

After listing a new property, you can fill out the Metering Compliance Review form to see if any services are shared.  We generally have all water meter and line information but have very little on sewer lines as they are kept up by the homeowner.

Request for Utility Service Line and Metering Compliance Review Form

Managing a Vacant Property (Foreclosure or For Sale)

If a property will be vacant, you may choose to:

  • Disconnect water service
  • Request removal of the water meter (especially if the property will not be heated)

Important:

If a water meter freezes, the customer, property manager, or property owner is responsible for any resulting damage or repair costs.

Preventative measures may help avoid:

  • Frozen or burst pipes
  • Water damage
  • Unexpected water or sewer charges

It is strongly recommended to contact the Utilities Office to discuss your options and understand how vacancy may affect billing and services.