Closing on your Olney home soon? One small task can cause big headaches if you skip it: your WSSC Water final bill. If you forget to stop service and line up a final meter reading, you could get billed after settlement or delay a deposit refund. You want a smooth closing, clean handoff to the buyer, and no surprise invoices.
This guide walks you through what WSSC Water needs, how final bills interact with closing, and a simple timeline and checklist tailored to Olney sellers. You will know exactly when to request a stop date, what documents to bring, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Let’s dive in.
Why your WSSC final bill matters
WSSC Water provides water and sewer service for Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, including Olney. When you sell, WSSC must have accurate start and stop dates so your account closes when ownership transfers and the buyer’s service begins without interruption.
If you do not coordinate the final bill, you risk being billed after closing, the buyer being charged for service before they owned the property, and delays in refunding any security deposit on file. Some title companies and lenders also ask for proof that utilities are closed and paid, so having a final bill or receipt avoids last‑minute issues at settlement.
An accurate final meter reading helps ensure fair prorations between you and the buyer. That way, charges are aligned to the exact date of transfer.
What WSSC needs to close your account
Start/stop request
WSSC accepts requests to start or stop service when a property transfers. You or your authorized agent, such as your title company, can submit the request. You can typically do this online, by phone, or via a form. Provide the property address, account holder name, account number, and a forwarding address.
Final meter reading
WSSC will generate a final bill from a final meter reading whenever possible. If a same‑day reading is not feasible, WSSC may estimate the bill and adjust it later when an actual reading is recorded. If you want a same‑day reading, request it and coordinate access.
Effective stop date
Request the stop date effective on your settlement date. Aligning the stop date with closing ensures your responsibility ends when the deed transfers and simplifies proration.
Deposits and refunds
If you paid a deposit, WSSC generally applies it to outstanding charges, including the final bill, and then refunds any remainder to your forwarding address. Ask how the refund will be delivered and the expected timing.
Proof of final payment
Your title company or lender may ask for proof that the account is closed and paid as of closing. Obtain a final bill or receipt, or at minimum a confirmation number showing the stop request and pending final balance.
Authorization
If you cannot make the request yourself, a title company or attorney can often do it with your written authorization. Ask what documentation WSSC requires.
Seller timeline for Olney closings
2–4 weeks before closing
- Identify your WSSC account number and the name on the account.
- Review your latest bill for any outstanding charges and any deposit on file.
- Tell your title company you will stop WSSC service effective on the settlement date and confirm whether they will request the stop or expect you to do it.
1–2 weeks before closing
- Submit a start/stop request to WSSC with the stop date set to your settlement date. Include your forwarding address for any deposit refund.
- If you want a same‑day reading, request a final meter reading for the date of closing and coordinate access, if needed.
- Ask WSSC how you will receive the final bill and refund (mail, email, check).
1–3 business days before closing
- Confirm with WSSC that your stop request is scheduled and whether a final reading is set.
- Check with your title company on whether they require a paid final bill or just confirmation. Plan how you will provide it.
Day of closing
- Bring proof of payment for the final bill if available, or a confirmation showing the stop request and account closure effective on the settlement date.
- Have your WSSC reference or confirmation number handy.
After closing
- Verify that your final bill reflects the correct stop date and that any deposit was applied and refunded.
- Keep copies of your final bill and refund paperwork in case of post‑closing adjustments.
Quick seller checklist
- WSSC account number and most recent statement
- Settlement date and time
- Forwarding address and contact info
- Written authorization if the title company will submit the stop request
- Buyer’s or buyer agent’s contact information
- Copies or screenshots of the final paid bill or stop confirmation for your settlement agent
How it shows on your Closing Disclosure
Water and sewer charges are often prorated on the settlement statement so each party pays for their period of ownership. If a final WSSC bill through the settlement date is available, you typically pay your portion and the buyer pays from the day after closing.
If the final bill is not ready, the title company may use an estimate and set a holdback for adjustments after the actual final bill posts. Some lenders want confirmation that utilities are closed and paid, so be ready to provide a final bill or receipt.
Buyers should set up their new WSSC account effective the day after closing to avoid interruption. Your title company may include this in their buyer checklist.
Troubleshooting and special situations
Final reading not possible
If WSSC cannot obtain a same‑day reading, they may use an estimated bill and adjust later. If you prefer an actual reading, request it in advance and coordinate access.
Billed after closing
If you forgot to submit a stop request or used the wrong date, contact WSSC and your title company right away. Ask WSSC to correct the stop date and issue an adjusted final bill.
Deposit refund delays
Refund timing can vary. If you need the deposit applied at closing, discuss options early with WSSC and your title company to see whether a credit can be reflected on your settlement.
New construction or multi‑unit
Developments with master meters or HOA responsibility can follow different rules. Confirm the account structure and who holds responsibility before closing.
Not the account holder
WSSC usually needs the account holder’s name or written authorization for third parties. Your title company can help prepare the proper authorization.
Unpaid balances
If there are unpaid utility charges, your title company may require payment before closing. Verify account status well in advance to avoid last‑minute payoffs.
Compliance items
If WSSC notes backflow or cross‑connection requirements, address them early. Outstanding items can affect service transfers.
Copy‑and‑paste messages
To WSSC (requesting stop/close): “Please stop water and sewer service for [property address] effective [settlement date]. Account holder: [name]. Account number: [number]. Forwarding address for deposit refund: [address]. Please schedule a final meter reading for [date/time] and provide confirmation of final bill/receipt to [email or contact].”
To title company (authorization): “I authorize [title company name] to request final billing and account closure with WSSC Water for [property address] with a stop date of [settlement date]. Please provide me copies of any confirmation for my records.”
Verify current instructions
Procedures and timing can change. For current rules and options, check WSSC Water’s customer service pages and moving resources. You can also review the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s guidance on Closing Disclosures for how utilities are typically prorated at settlement.
- Learn more on the WSSC Water site by visiting their customer resources.
- Review the CFPB’s information on Closing Disclosures and prorations on their official site.
Ready to sell in Olney?
If you want a local team to help you navigate the details and keep your settlement on track, The Dinh Team is here to help. We guide you through timelines, documents, and local best practices so you can close with confidence. Get your instant home valuation and let’s make your move simple.
FAQs
What is a WSSC final bill when selling a home?
- It is your last water and sewer bill from WSSC Water, generated as of your requested stop date, ideally the settlement date, to close your account and settle charges.
When should I request WSSC to stop service for my Olney home?
- Submit your stop request 1–2 weeks before closing and use your settlement date as the stop date. Confirm it again 1–3 business days before closing.
Do I need a final meter reading on the day of settlement?
- It helps make prorations accurate. Request it in advance and coordinate access. If not possible, WSSC may estimate and adjust later.
Will my title company handle the WSSC stop request for me?
- Many will with your written authorization. Ask your settlement agent early who will submit the request and what documentation they need.
How are WSSC charges shown on the Closing Disclosure?
- Charges are typically prorated between buyer and seller. If the final bill is not ready, the title company may estimate and hold back funds for adjustment.
What happens to my WSSC security deposit after closing?
- WSSC usually applies the deposit to outstanding charges and refunds any remaining balance to your forwarding address. Refund timing can vary.
What if I get billed after I sell my house?
- Contact WSSC and your title company immediately to correct the stop date and request an adjusted final bill.
