If you’re a new homeowner in Philadelphia, or moved recently, you might wonder when you’ll get your first water bill.

The answer depends on your situation. It’s different if you’re a property owner, renter or “occupant”.

Property owners

When you buy a home, most title companies will send the first page of the deed to Philadelphia’s Water Revenue Bureau (WRB). The existing water account at the property is then switched into your name. You become an active water customer, and start receiving regular, monthly bills.

This usually happens within a month. There’s nothing extra for you to do. If you don’t receive a water bill within a month after settlement, or if the deed wasn’t sent on your behalf:

Before the settlement date, you should make sure there’s a water meter at the property, and that it works. If there’s no working water meter, or if the previous owner’s bill is based on estimated water usage, please call (215) 685-3000. Replacing a missing or damaged meter at residential properties costs between $250 and $400.  If the property features a residential fire sprinkler system (RFSS), the cost rises to between $400 and $965. The price depends on the size of the line coming into the property.

Tenants and occupants

Many landlords prefer to keep their rental property’s water bill in their name. In this case, it’s up to landlords and tenants (renters) to agree on who pays the bill, and write it in the lease. You can pay water bills for the property you rent, even when the bill isn’t in your name.

But if you’re renting, and the owner agrees, you can apply to receive water service in your name. Among other documents, you will need a written consent from the owner, stating he or she agrees to switch names on the account.

When you have permission to live in a property without a lease, you’re considered an “occupant” of that property. You can also apply to receive water service in your name as an occupant.

WRB will switch the name on the account immediately upon receiving the right application documentation. The landlord then has between 10 and 20 days to confirm or reject the request.