When one person moves out of a shared home, the house keeps running in the background. Power bills arrive, rates instalments fall due, the insurer still has both names on the policy, and the broadband account might be in the name of whoever set it up years ago. These accounts are easy to forget in the middle of a separation, yet a missed payment or a lapsed policy can cause real trouble. A simple checklist, worked through calmly, keeps the household side running while bigger decisions are made.
Start with a list of every account
Sit down with recent bank statements and list every regular household payment. Most homes have some or all of these:
- Council rates and, in some areas, separate water charges.
- House insurance and contents insurance, sometimes on the same policy.
- Electricity and gas.
- Broadband and any landline.
- Mortgage payments.
- Smaller items such as alarm monitoring, lawn mowing rounds or streaming subscriptions linked to the TV.
Next to each, note whose name the account is in, which bank account pays it and when it is due. This one page often reveals surprises, such as an insurance policy paid from an account one person no longer checks.
Utilities: power, gas and internet
Utilities generally follow the person living in the home. If one person has moved out, the person staying can usually ask the retailer to transfer the account into their sole name, while the person leaving opens new accounts at their new address. Read the meters on the day of the change and photograph them so the final bill is split fairly.
Watch for fixed-term broadband or power contracts with break fees. It is sometimes cheaper to transfer the existing contract than to cancel it.
The person moving out should also update their postal and email details with every provider, and consider a mail redirection for a few months so letters do not keep arriving at the old address. Change any account passwords or online logins that were shared, and remove the other person as an authorised contact where that is appropriate. These small admin jobs prevent awkward mix-ups later.
Rates and the property title
Rates are tied to the property and its owners, not to whoever happens to live there. While the house is jointly owned, both owners generally remain responsible, regardless of who is paying day to day. Agree on who pays the instalments and from which account, and keep records.
Ownership itself is recorded on the record of title. If you are unsure exactly how the property is held, or want a copy of the title, Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand explains how titles work and how to obtain them at linz.govt.nz. Changes to ownership are a legal process, so get independent advice before anything is transferred.
Insurance: the one not to let slip
House insurance is arguably the most important account on the list. If premiums stop being paid, cover can lapse, and an uninsured house is a serious risk for both owners. A few points to check with the insurer:
- Confirm both owners remain named on the house policy while the property is jointly owned.
- Tell the insurer if the house will be unoccupied for an extended period, as many policies have conditions about this.
- Arrange separate contents insurance for the person who has moved out, covering belongings at their new address.
- Check whether the policy covers known issues, such as an older roof, and whether repairs are needed to keep cover in place.
Insurers and buyers both look closely at roofs on older homes. Owners of character properties may find the notes on roof questions for older Whanganui villas before a sale useful when deciding what to fix first.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my name off the power account if I have moved out? Usually yes. Contact the retailer, give the move-out date and a meter reading, and ask for a final bill. The person staying can open an account in their own name.
Who pays the rates while the house is being sold? The owners are responsible for rates. How the cost is shared between them is something to agree on, and get independent advice if you cannot.
Should I tell the insurer we have separated? It is wise to let them know about any change that could affect the policy, such as one owner moving out or the house becoming vacant. Ask what, if anything, needs updating.