Can I get water service in my name if i don't own the property, but I live there?
Yes. You may apply for water service by email, postal mail, or using the Intake Unit Drop-off Box at the Municipal Services Building lobby. If you have a lease and your landlord has Housing Rental License, you are a tenant.
If you have no lease or are the owner, you are an occupant. If you pay rent to live in your apartment, house, or condominium, you can apply to receive water service in your name. Complete the tenant water Tenant Application linked below and email it to the Water Revenue Bureau at: wrb.contactintake@phila.gov. You will have to submit the following documents along with your application:
- Written consent from the owner for you to have water service in your name.
- A valid street address for the owner.
- One current, government-issued photo ID, City of Philadelphia Municipal ID – PHL City ID.
- Proof of residency. For example: a copy of your lease, a rent book, a canceled check, etc.
- Current utility bills in your name, listing the street address for the property.
- A water meter reading. If there is no meter on the property, a meter must be installed before the application is approved. Call the Meter Shop (215) 685-3000 to get a water meter installed.
In addition, please make sure your landlord has an up-to-date rental housing license before submitting your application and documents.
You will not be able to receive water service in your name if your landlord does not have an up-to-date rental housing license for the property you are renting.You Should Know:
To apply in person, you will need to bring in the following documents to one of our payment centers:
- Two official pieces of personal identification. One of these must be a current, government-issued photo ID.
- A current reading of your meter. If there is no meter on the property, a meter must be installed before the application is approved.
- Call (215) 685-6300 to get a water meter installed.
- Evidence of occupancy or potential ownership. Evidence should include:
- Administrator of Estate document and/or Letter of Testamentary
- Current utility bills for the property in your name
- Lease purchase agreements
- Notarized letter of authorization to occupy the property
- An Executor's Certificate
Please note that a death certificate for the property owner will be requested to probate the estate at a separate appointment at City Hall.
Further Information:
Tenant form: https://www.phila.gov/documents/tenant-water-customer/
Occupant form: https://www.phila.gov/documents/occupant-water-customer/
For additional informational pages on each topic:
Tenant water customers: https://www.phila.gov/services/water-gas-utilities/become-a-water-customer/tenants/
Occupant water customers: https://www.phila.gov/services/water-gas-utilities/become-a-water-customer/occupants/
Payment Centers (Temporarily Closed)
Center City Philadelphia
Municipal Services Building,
1401 JFK Boulevard, Concourse Level
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office Hours: 8:00 am to 5 pm, Mon. - Fri.
Northeast Philadelphia
Northeast Shopping Mall,
7522 Castor Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19152
Office Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm, Mon. - Fri.
North Philadelphia
Hope Plaza, 22nd & Somerset St.
2761 N 22nd Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19132
Office Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm, Mon. - Fri. 
