Utilities & Other Services for Tenants

Division Of Student Affairs; Western Michigan University

GAS & ELECTRIC:

Consumers Power Company
2500 E. Cork St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Phone: 381-6100
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Monday-Friday)

Deposit: Not required unless previous unpaid balance on record.

Installation Charge: None if existing facilities are in place.

Starting Service: Prefer 2 days notice. May start service in person or by telephone. Require Social Security Number & Michigan Drivers License if available. Landlord may start service for tenant.

Average monthly energy charge for 2 bedroom unit.
Electric Service - $30.00
Gas Service - $30.00

WATER & SEWER:

Kalamazoo Water Department
415 Stockbridge, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Phone: 385-8149
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday)

Deposit: Required ($30.00-$70.00) Unless previous service for 3 or more years with a good credit rating.

Installation Charge: None if done during regular business hours.

Starting Service: Must be done in person, and a picture ID required. (Must contact office prior to 2:00 p.m. for service that day without charge.)

Average monthly charge for 4 tenants is $30.00

TELEPHONE:

Michigan Bell Telephone Company
Phone: 1-530-3500
Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday)

Deposit: May be required (check your local telephone directory for details).

Installation Charge: $42.00 to connect. Must provide own telephone

Starting Service:

• 2 days notice required.

• Must order by telephone.

• Require Social Security Number, service history, and source of income.

• Payment of $20.00 is required from new customers toward first month bill within 7 days of starting service.

TIPS FOR TENANTS:

• ONCE YOU HAVE SELECTED A RENTAL UNIT AND IT IS DETERMINED WHO THE RESPONSIBLE PARTY IS FOR UTILITIES, GET IT IN WRITING.

• UTILITY COMPANIES REQUIRE THE SERVICE BE IN ONE PERSON'S NAME ONLY.

• DETERMINE WHOSE NAME THE SERVICES WILL BE PUT IN AND HOW THE BILLS WILL BE SHARED.

• If the tenant is the responsible party for the utilities be sure to:
  • Check with previous tenants on the cost of utilities.

  • Find out what the heat source is.

  • Find out if you have to share utility bills with other units in the building?

• If the landlord is the responsible party be sure to find out:
  • Restrictions on installing appliances such as: air conditioners or electric heaters?

  • Who controls the thermostat?

  • Is there a certain time period the landlord provides heat regardless of weather conditions?

• BE SURE TO TERMINATE SERVICE WITH THE UTILITY COMPANY WHEN VACATING EVEN IF THE LANDLORD STARTED SERVICE FOR YOU.

The utilities listed in this brochure pertain to the City of Kalamazoo, Portage, Kalamazoo Town-ship and Oshtemo. Consult your local directory if you are out of this area.

For services such as CABLE TV, RENTERS INSURANCE, FUEL OIL, BANKING AND GARBAGE consult your yellow pages to start service. ( In the City of Kalamazoo the landlord is responsible for garbage removal as stated in Article IX, Sec.17165 of the City housing code.)