When can I quit paying for utilities?

[backontrackOH]

The foreclosure on our home is taking forever. The sale date has not been scheduled and the courts are listing foreclosure sales through the end of December! I don't want to pay to heat a 2400 square foot house in the middle of the winter! I'm already struggling to keep up with the rent where we live now! When can I legally remove my name from the gas, electric and water? Do I have to wait until the sale date? If anyone can help, please.

[RickInMich]

I'm not sure on your answer, but is it possible for you to winterize the house? I have no idea of the cost to do that, but I think it would be cheaper than paying to heat an empty box.

[HHM]

If you are not residing in the house, I do not think you are required to pay utilities. As far as I know, you can cancel utilities at your discretion regardless for foreclosure.

As RickInMich suggests, you should at least take steps to insure that canceling utilities does not cause any damage.

[demismom]

Our mortgage company asked us to let them know if the house became vacant during the wintertime, so as not to cause the pipes to freeze, they wanted time to get the heat in their name. So, I think it's safe to stop, but as a courtesy to them, I would call and give them a heads up, just in case you're in a cold climate.

[ssdsco]

Once I vacated my house I called the mortgage company and told them I couldn't afford to pay the utilities any longer. They said they'd take over the utilities as long as I agreed to let them re-key the locks. I made sure all my stuff was out of the house and called the utility companies to discontinue service. A few of the utility companies wanted to know who the new occupant was going to be. I just gave them the name of my mortgage company. Seemed like they were hearing this a lot.