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Rankin County Requires Utility Permit and Inspection When House Sells

By
Real Estate Agent with Front Gate Real Estate Broker 11085

When utilities (electric, water, gas) are transferred from one owner or tenant into the name of the new occupant, Rankin County now requires an application and permit. Replacement Lamp from PixabayWhether renting OR buying, this requirement must be met before the utility company will activate your account.

 

This law was adopted in 2013 and applies to ALL PROPERTIES LOCATED OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS BUT WITHIN RANKIN COUNTY.

 

This provision has caused confusion and frustration to  homebuyers who are unaware of the ordinance. My recommendation is to begin the process of transferring utilities at least a week prior to closing to avoid delays.

 

Do not wait until the day of closing or you may find yourself without power!

 

Complete the Utility Permit Application and submit it to the Office of Community Development along with your $100 payment. The fee will be waived if you have a home inspection by a licensed Mississippi home inspector dated within 90 days of the utility permit application. However, if REPAIRS WERE NEEDED, YOU MUST SUBMIT PROOF that repairs were done by a licensed repairman. If the county has to verify repairs, there will be a reinspect fee.

 

Your application can be emailed to the Office of Community Development. Be sure to check the Rankin County website for current information. The phone number is 601-824-2570.

 

NOTE: If the property is leasehold (located on PRV property), contact The Rez at 601-856-6575. 

 

Comments (4)

George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Pat this sounds like one more way to get more money out of homeowners.

Jul 30, 2015 08:09 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is good information for home buyers and their agents.

This requirement is certainly an additional burden on consumers.

Jul 30, 2015 08:44 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

George Souto - exactly! This regulation was passed to fund a new county ordinance, that sadly, isn't being enforced as it should be.

Jul 30, 2015 08:47 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Roy Kelley - I heard a horror story this week from a buyer who was unaware of this requirement and waited until closing to transfer utilities. They have been without power for a week because they had to supply proof of repairs. The owner was almost in tears. Moving is stressful enough. 

Jul 30, 2015 09:30 AM