Moving is exciting, but juggling utility accounts can slow you down. If you are new to Chandler, you want lights on, hot water ready, and trash picked up without delay. This guide gives you a simple plan to set up SRP electric, Southwest Gas, and City of Chandler water and trash quickly, plus how to handle bulk pickup and hazardous waste. Follow the steps below to get everything running with less stress. Let’s dive in.
One-afternoon setup plan
Get your utilities squared away in one afternoon by following this timeline.
- 7 to 10 business days before move: Start online requests for SRP and Southwest Gas. Request activation dates and any needed appointments.
- 3 to 5 business days before move: Confirm activation dates, schedule the gas technician if needed, and verify City of Chandler water and trash billing.
- Move-in day: Be present for gas turn-on if required. Keep your phone handy for any provider updates.
- Day after move: Confirm power and gas are on, run water at a few taps, and set trash and recycling out according to your assigned collection days.
What to have ready
Gather these items before you go online or call. It will save you time.
- Service address and exact move-in date and time
- Government ID
- Proof of residency or tenancy, such as a lease or closing statement
- Social Security number or alternative ID for credit checks
- Bank account or credit card for payments or autopay
- Landlord contact if you are a tenant
- Meter number if your lease or closing packet includes it
Start electricity with SRP
SRP provides electric service in much of Chandler. You can request a start or transfer of service online.
- Go to the SRP website and create or log in to your account. Use the customer portal to request a start or transfer at your new address with your move-in date. Visit the SRP site to begin on the SRP start and account pages.
- Provide your identification, service address, and payment method. Some customers are asked for a deposit based on utility or credit history.
- Activation timing is often same day or next business day if requested in advance and the meter is ready. Plan a buffer if SRP needs to inspect or exchange a meter.
- For outages or emergencies, check SRP’s outage resources on the SRP website.
Tip: If you run into delays, message SRP through your online account and confirm the activation date. Keep screenshots of confirmations.
Start natural gas with Southwest Gas
Southwest Gas provides natural gas, and many turn-ons require a technician and a responsible adult on site.
- Start service online through the Southwest Gas customer portal or call customer service. Begin at the Southwest Gas website.
- Have your ID, service address, and move-in date ready. Indicate whether someone will be at the property. Schedule the appointment window if a technician is required.
- Expect 1 to 3 business days for activation if an appointment is needed. Same-day may be possible based on availability.
- Safety first. If anyone suspects a gas leak or smells gas, use the emergency resources on the Southwest Gas safety pages and follow their instructions.
Tip: If a technician finds unsafe conditions or no one is present, the turn-on can be delayed. Make sure all gas appliances are accessible and that an adult can meet the technician.
Start water, sewer, and trash with City of Chandler
The City of Chandler handles water, sewer, and residential trash and recycling for most addresses.
- Request new service through the city’s utilities and billing pages. Start at the City of Chandler website.
- Provide your move-in date, ID, and billing details. Tenants should confirm whether the landlord keeps water and trash in the owner’s name.
- Trash and recycling service usually begins on the next scheduled collection day after activation. Confirm your assigned collection day and container details on the city site.
- Billing may be prorated around your start date. Ask about initial and final meter reads so you are not billed for prior usage.
Tip: If your lease or HOA includes water or trash, get written confirmation of what is covered and who holds the account.
Bulk pickup in Chandler
Moving often means you have big items you want gone fast. Chandler provides bulky item collection with specific scheduling and preparation rules.
- Check whether bulky pickup is included with standard service or if you need to schedule a pickup. Confirm annual limits, any fees, and size rules on the City of Chandler solid waste pages.
- Common prep steps include removing doors from large appliances, separating metal from furniture, and keeping hazardous materials out of the pile.
- Place items neatly at the curb by the city’s required time, often early morning on pickup day.
Quick tip: Take a photo of the set-out and keep it until your pickup completes. It helps if you need to reschedule or clarify items.
Hazardous waste and electronics
Do not place paint, solvents, batteries, or electronics in your regular trash or recycling. Use local programs instead.
- Chandler and Maricopa County support household hazardous waste and electronics recycling through designated facilities and events. Find current schedules and accepted items on Maricopa County Environmental Services and the City of Chandler site.
- Typical items include paints, motor oil, pesticides, fluorescent bulbs, household chemicals, and many electronics. Some items like appliances with refrigerant require special handling.
- Most residential drop-offs are free or low cost. Check the list of accepted items before you go.
Safety reminder: Never pour chemicals down drains or toss them in curbside bins. Follow the county or city instructions to keep your home and neighborhood safe.
Avoid common traps
Landlord or HOA responsibilities
- In some leases or HOAs, water and trash are included in rent or dues. Confirm in writing what is covered and whether the owner keeps the account in their name.
Being present for activation
- Gas turn-ons commonly require an adult on site. Electric is often remote unless there is a meter issue. Water meter work may or may not need someone present, based on city procedures.
Previous occupant’s account
- If a prior account is still open, request an opening meter read and keep a photo of the meter on move-in day. Providers can transfer service and establish your new billing start date.
Credit checks and deposits
- SRP and Southwest Gas may run credit checks and require deposits for new customers with limited history. Municipal water deposit policies vary. Ask about options like guarantors or payment arrangements when needed.
Urgent same-day move
- Call providers right away and ask about same-day activation. Be ready to pay rush fees and be on site for gas. If you face delays, coordinate with your landlord for interim access or a temporary plan.
Disputes and consumer help
- For unresolved utility issues, see the Arizona Corporation Commission consumer assistance for guidance.
Quick verification checklist
- SRP electric request submitted with activation date confirmed
- Southwest Gas appointment booked and adult scheduled to be on site
- City of Chandler water and trash account created with billing details set
- Collection day for trash and recycling confirmed
- Photos of water and gas meter reads on move-in day saved
- Autopay or payment method added to each account
- Bulk pickup rules reviewed and, if needed, a pickup scheduled
- HHW and electronics drop-off options noted for leftover materials
Getting utilities set up does not have to be a headache. When you start a week ahead, keep your documents handy, and verify dates, you can move in with confidence. If you want a local introduction to neighborhoods, timelines, and move-in logistics, we are here to help. Unknown Company can share practical guidance so your first week in greater Phoenix feels like home. Let’s connect.
FAQs
Who pays for water and trash in Chandler leases?
- It depends on the lease or HOA. Some owners include water and trash, while others require tenants to open accounts. Get coverage details in writing.
Do I need to be home for utility activation in Chandler?
- Gas often requires an adult on site for a technician visit. Electric is usually remote unless there is a meter issue. Water may or may not require presence, based on city procedures.
How far ahead should I schedule SRP and Southwest Gas?
- Start requests 7 to 10 business days before your move. Confirm activation dates 3 to 5 business days before move-in, and schedule gas appointments as needed.
What if utilities are not on when I arrive?
- Call the provider right away, verify your activation request, and ask for same-day options. For gas, be available for a technician window if one is required.
Where do I find Chandler bulk pickup rules and scheduling?
- The City of Chandler posts scheduling, limits, preparation rules, and any fees on the solid waste pages. Start at the City of Chandler website.
How do I dispose of paint, batteries, or electronics near Chandler?
- Use local household hazardous waste and electronics recycling programs. Check accepted items and schedules on Maricopa County Environmental Services and the city site.
What counts as proof of residency to start service?
- Common options include a lease agreement, closing statement, or a driver’s license that reflects your new address. Providers list accepted documents on their sites.
Who helps with utility disputes in Arizona?
- For guidance on unresolved issues, see the Arizona Corporation Commission consumer assistance.
