Phila Water Bill Payment 2026: Move Out, Cancel Service, Final Bill and Stop Water Steps
Moving out in Philadelphia is not only about paying the last water bill. Depending on whether you are a property owner, tenant, occupant, landlord, buyer, seller or settlement agent, you may need a final balance, tenant termination application, discontinuance permit, water payoff request, payment plan, or proof that the account was handled correctly.
This guide explains the safest way to handle a Phila water bill payment before move-out, how to cancel or stop service where allowed, how tenants can request termination, how property sellers should handle a final water payoff, and what to do if a balance, lien, shutoff notice or assistance application is involved.
Phila Water Move-Out Finder: What Should You Do First?
Philadelphia water accounts are handled differently depending on your role. A tenant moving out does not follow the same process as a property owner selling a house, and a seller’s payoff request is different from a basic online bill payment.
I am a tenant moving out
Do not assume the account closes automatically when you leave. You may need the Tenant Termination Application, which the City says must be requested by email.
I own the property
If you want water physically stopped, you may need a Discontinuance Permit and documents such as current bill, photo ID and authorization if someone else applies.
I am selling or settling
For settlement, do not rely on a normal bill screenshot. The City has a water payoff request process, and requests should be sent early.
Simple move-out rule for Philadelphia water bills
Pay the open balance, then handle the account status. Payment alone does not always terminate tenant responsibility, stop service, remove a lien, complete settlement, or close the customer record. Keep written confirmation for every step.
How to Make a Phila Water Bill Payment Before Moving Out
Before you request termination, stop service, or final payoff, check the account balance through official City resources. Philadelphia warns residents about fake water bill payment websites, so use only official City-linked payment pages and phone numbers.
Official online payment
Use MyPhillyWaterBill to view and pay the water bill online. Save the payment confirmation before you move out.
Phone payment options
Call 215-685-6300 to pay by free eCheck. For debit or credit card payment through the interactive voice system, call 877-309-3709.
Check whether the bill is in your name
If the bill is in a landlord’s name, tenant name, prior owner’s name, or business name, the move-out steps may change. Do not pay blindly if you are unsure who is legally responsible.
Pay using the right method for your timing
If you are close to a move-out date, settlement date, or shutoff deadline, choose a method where you can keep clear proof. eCheck is free by phone through 215-685-6300, while card payment may involve processing charges.
Save proof in more than one place
Save your receipt number, payment date, amount, payment method, and screenshots. Email yourself a copy because you may need it after keys are returned or after closing.
Tenant Moving Out: How to Request Water Bill Termination
If you are a tenant and the water bill is in your name, moving out does not always remove your responsibility automatically. Philadelphia says tenants moving soon should request a Tenant Termination Application by emailing the Water Revenue Bureau.
Tenant termination email
Email WRB.contactintake@phila.gov to request the Tenant Termination Application. The City has said this application is not available online and is only accessible by email.
Confirm your lease makes you responsible for water
The City says you may need rental property owner authorization, often through a lease, letter or prior court determination of a rental agreement. The lease must expressly state that you are responsible for the water bill.
Email for the Tenant Termination Application
Request the form before your move-out date. Include your property address, account holder name, contact information, planned move-out date and a short note that you need tenant water account termination instructions.
Ask how the final tenant balance will be handled
Ask whether you must pay the account before termination, whether a final bill will be issued, and how you will receive confirmation after the account is changed.
Keep all move-out records
Save the lease, termination form, email thread, payment receipt, landlord notice, final walk-through note and any Water Revenue confirmation.
Owner Move-Out or Vacancy: How to Stop Water Service in Philadelphia
If you own the property and want water service stopped, Philadelphia’s official process points to obtaining a Discontinuance Permit. This is different from simply paying the bill or asking for a final balance.
Current water bill
Keep a recent water bill because the City lists it as a requirement for the stop water service process.
Photo ID
Bring or provide photo identification so the City can confirm who is requesting the service action.
Owner authorization
If you do not own the property, the City says a notarized owner authorization letter may be required.
Open the official Stop Water Service page
Review the current requirements directly on Philadelphia’s official service page before visiting or submitting documents.
Do not confuse stop service with final payoff
Stopping service may be needed for vacancy, demolition, repair or property-specific reasons. A final payoff request is usually connected to property settlement or liens. Use the correct process.
Ask what happens to the meter and future billing
Confirm whether charges will stop, whether any service or permit fee applies, whether the meter must be accessed, and whether a final balance remains due.
Final Phila Water Bill: What to Check Before You Leave
A final water bill is not always a single clean number. It can include current usage, prior balance, penalties, fees, water/sewer charges, stormwater, payment plan amounts, disputes, liens or pending assistance.
| Final bill item | Why it matters | What to do before move-out |
|---|---|---|
| Current balance | This is the amount currently shown as due, but it may not include future usage or adjustments. | Check the official account and save the balance screenshot with date/time. |
| Prior balance | Old unpaid amounts can follow the account or property and may affect settlement. | Review payment history and ask if any balance is under agreement, dispute or lien. |
| Pending payment | A payment may not appear immediately, especially if paid close to the bill date. | Save confirmation and check later before assuming the account is clear. |
| Lien or judgment | Water liens and judgments can affect sale, settlement and title review. | Use official lien/payoff processes, not only the normal bill portal. |
| Assistance or payment plan | A payment plan may change what is due now and what is still owed later. | Call 215-685-6300 and confirm how the plan affects final balance. |
Selling a Philadelphia Property? Water Payoff Request for Settlement
If you are selling, refinancing, or handling a property settlement, a normal online water bill payment screenshot may not be enough. Philadelphia has a water settlement or payoff request process for water liens and judgments.
Do this early
Philadelphia says completed water payoff request forms should be sent by email to wateramountdue@phila.gov at least 30 days before property settlement, with the property address in the email subject line.
Open the official water liens and judgments page
Use the official City instructions for water payoff requests. The City notes that a water settlement request does not replace a lien search by a title company.
Complete the payoff form as a fillable PDF
The City says the form should be completed as a fillable PDF, not by hand. This reduces errors and helps the request process move correctly.
Email the request at least 30 days before closing
Use the property address in the subject line. Keep the sent email, attachment, and any reply from the City for the title company or settlement file.
If You Cannot Pay the Final Phila Water Bill
If you are moving but cannot pay the full balance, contact the Water Revenue Bureau before the situation becomes a shutoff, lien or collection issue. Philadelphia offers payment plans and customer assistance programs for eligible customers.
Standard payment agreement
If your water and sewer bill is late, call 215-685-6300 and ask about a standard payment agreement.
Customer assistance
Philadelphia’s water assistance portal can help eligible customers apply for programs, including TAP and other water bill support.
Senior discount
Eligible seniors may qualify for the Senior Citizen Water Bill Discount. Check current requirements before applying.
Call before the move-out date
Tell the Water Revenue Bureau that you are moving, ask for the amount due, and ask whether a payment plan or assistance application affects the final account.
Do not ignore a payment plan after leaving
If your name stays connected to the account or agreement, missing plan payments can create bigger problems. Ask for written terms and keep a payment calendar.
Move-Out With Shutoff Notice, Landlord Non-Payment, or Fraud Risk
If you are moving out and there is a shutoff notice, landlord non-payment issue, or fake payment website concern, slow down and verify directly with the City. This is especially important for tenants and anyone paying close to a move-out or settlement deadline.
Landlord non-payment issue
Philadelphia says tenant rights may protect tenants when the landlord is the water account holder and fails to pay. Call 215-685-6300 if you receive a shutoff notice connected to landlord non-payment.
Fake payment site risk
The City warns about fraudulent sites that mimic official water payment pages. Always start from phila.gov, water.phila.gov or the official MyPhillyWaterBill page.
Philadelphia Water Move-Out Checklist
Use this checklist before returning keys, closing on a property, ending a lease, or leaving a business address.
Before move-out
After move-out
Philadelphia Water Bill Help: Office, Phone and Map
Water bill customer service is handled through the Water Revenue Bureau and City payment/service channels. For many bill questions, calling 215-685-6300 before visiting is the fastest first step.
Water Revenue Bureau / Billing Help
Phone: 215-685-6300
Use for: billing questions, eCheck payment, payment plans, assistance, account questions, tenant/account help and shutoff prevention.
Email for tenant termination request: WRB.contactintake@phila.gov
Municipal Services Building
Address: 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Use for: in-person City services and payment center access where available. Always confirm current service location and hours before visiting.
Map: Municipal Services Building
Use this map for location reference. For move-out, tenant termination, final bill or payoff issues, call or email first so you know which documents to bring.
Official Phila Water Bill Move-Out Resources
Use these official City links for payment, tenant termination, stop service, final bill, payoff, assistance, payment plans and shutoff prevention.
| Need | Official resource | Use it for | Direct action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay/view bill | MyPhillyWaterBill | View and pay a Philadelphia water bill online. | Open bill portal |
| Official payment instructions | Pay a water bill | Online, phone, mail and in-person payment information. | Open pay page |
| Tenant moving out | Moving soon guidance | Tenant water account termination and move-out instructions. | Email WRB intake |
| Stop water service | Stop water service | Discontinuance Permit and service-stop requirements. | Open stop service |
| Water payoff / settlement | Resolve water liens & judgments | Water settlement/payoff request before property settlement. | Email payoff request |
| Payment agreement | Set up payment plan | Payment agreement when water/sewer bill is late. | Call 215-685-6300 |
| Customer assistance | Water Bill Customer Assistance | Apply for help with water bill programs. | Apply online |
| Shutoff prevention | Prevent water shutoffs | Shutoff notice, landlord non-payment and customer protections. | Open shutoff help |
Phila Water Bill Move-Out FAQs
How do I pay my Phila water bill before moving out?
Use the official MyPhillyWaterBill portal or the City’s official Pay a water bill page. You can also call 215-685-6300 for free eCheck payment or 877-309-3709 for debit/credit card phone payment.
Does paying my Philadelphia water bill automatically cancel service?
No. Payment and cancellation are different. You may still need tenant termination, a discontinuance permit, a payoff request, or account update depending on whether you are a tenant, owner, seller, buyer or occupant.
How does a Philadelphia tenant cancel a water bill after moving out?
Email WRB.contactintake@phila.gov to request the Tenant Termination Application. The City has said this application is not available online and must be requested by email.
What documents may be needed to stop water service in Philadelphia?
The official Stop water service page lists a current water bill, photo ID, and owner authorization if you do not own the property. Review the City page for current Discontinuance Permit requirements.
How do I get a final water bill for a Philadelphia property sale?
For settlement or payoff, use the water payoff request process. The City says completed forms should be emailed to wateramountdue@phila.gov at least 30 days before property settlement.
Is a water payoff request the same as a title lien search?
No. Philadelphia says a water settlement request does not replace a lien search by a title company. Settlement teams should handle both properly.
Who do I call for Philadelphia water billing help?
Call the Water Revenue Bureau at 215-685-6300 for billing questions, payment plans, account questions, eCheck payment and customer assistance guidance.
Can I set up a payment plan for my final Phila water bill?
If you are having difficulty paying a water and sewer bill on time, call 215-685-6300 and ask about a standard payment agreement or other available assistance.
What if I am moving out but received a shutoff notice?
Call 215-685-6300 immediately. If the issue involves landlord non-payment or protected tenant rights, ask the City what documentation is needed to prevent or resolve shutoff.
Can I use any website to pay my Phila water bill?
No. Philadelphia warns about fraudulent water bill payment websites. Start from phila.gov, water.phila.gov or the official MyPhillyWaterBill portal.
What should I keep after paying the final water bill?
Keep the payment receipt, confirmation number, bill screenshot, termination form, payoff request email, settlement documents and any Water Revenue Bureau reply.
Is WaterBillGuide.us the official Philadelphia Water Department website?
No. WaterBillGuide.us is an independent informational guide. It does not process payments, access accounts, stop service, approve payment plans, remove liens or represent the City of Philadelphia.