In what order do I settle electricity and gas on the day I move out?
I am moving out of a place in Busan at the end of the month and do not know how to close the electricity and gas accounts. I am unclear whether to call on the day itself or book something in advance, and whether the two work the same way. Do I also need to show the landlord a receipt afterwards?
1 Answer
Electricity can be settled on the day; gas has to be booked in advance. Remember that one difference and the rest follows.
Start with gas, because it needs lead time. In Busan, call Busan City Gas, tell them your moving date, and book a disconnection visit. A technician comes, shuts off the supply, reads the meter and settles the charge up to that point. Call at least three or four days ahead, and a week ahead if you are moving on a weekend during the busy season. Connection at your new place also needs its own appointment, so arrange both in the same call and the whole thing is done in one day.
For electricity, call KEPCO on 123. On moving day, read the meter and give them the number; they calculate the amount up to that point and you can pay immediately by card or transfer. You do not strictly need to arrange it in advance, but calling two or three days before to tell them your moving date makes the final call much quicker. Water and building management fees are handled by the management office if you are in an apartment or officetel; in a villa or detached house you contact the water authority separately.
Show your landlord the receipts. Landlords generally want to confirm no utility charges are outstanding before returning the deposit, and this is a common reason deposits get delayed. Screenshot the confirmation messages or app screens after payment and send electricity, gas, water and management fees together in one message. That closes the account cleanly and removes the most frequent cause of an argument at the end of a tenancy.