Four steps renters should take to become water customers

Did you know you can get water service in your name even if you rent your apartment, house, or condo? Having water service in your name unlocks your access to important water bill services and assistance. The Water Revenue Bureau (WRB) makes it easy for tenants to become water customers. The process only takes four steps. Follow this step-by-step guide:

1. Must get the property owner’s permission to put the water bill in your name.

The owner’s consent is usually in the form of a lease, a letter, or a court decision. The lease must specifically say you’re responsible for the water bill.

If you only occupy the property – meaning you don’t have a rental agreement or lease with the owner – you’ll need proof that you have permission to live there. This could be a notarized letter from the owner. We require a letter from the estate’s executor or administrator if the owner is deceased.

It’s important to know the difference between a tenant and an occupant water customer: Tenants have leases or rental agreements with property owners; occupants have permission from the property owner or have inherited the right to live in the home. Occupants don’t necessarily need a lease or rental agreement.

2. Gather the right supporting documents.

In addition to the owner’s authorization, you’ll need:

A valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license.
Rent payment receipts or a copy of your lease as proof of residency.
A current utility bill, with the property’s address.

If you don’t have a scanner, take pictures of your supporting documents with your phone, and attach them to your application.

3. Fill out the application. Since tenants and occupants are two different groups of applicants, we’ve streamlined the process by creating two separate forms. Visit our “Become a water customer” webpage, select “Tenants” or “Occupants” for guidance on how to access and complete each form.

Both forms are fillable, so you can fill them out online. Spanish and Chinese versions are also available!

4. Submit your application to the WRB. You can emailyour completed application to contactintake@phila.gov or drop it off at one of our three municipal services centers.

If you’d rather mail it in, send your application to:

City of Philadelphia
WRB Intake / CU – 3rd Floor
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Call (215) 685-6300 if you have questions about the application process.