How to Change the Name on a Municipal Account in South Africa
When ownership of a property changes — through sale, inheritance, marriage, or divorce — the municipal account (electricity, water, and rates) must be updated to reflect the new owner's or occupant's name. Leaving the account in a previous owner's name can cause problems with billing, deposits, and the indigent register. This guide explains when a name change is needed, what documents to provide, and how to do it at your municipality.
When Must You Change the Account Name?
- After buying a property — the account should be transferred to the new owner after the Deeds Office transfer is complete.
- After inheriting a property — the executor of the estate notifies the municipality and transfers the account.
- After marriage — if you want the account in your married name or in joint names.
- After divorce — to remove a former spouse from the account.
- When a tenant takes over primary account responsibility from the landlord or previous tenant.
- When a business closes and the individual owner wants the account in their personal name.
Which Department to Contact
Go to the Revenue or Customer Service department at your municipality's main offices or a service centre. Do not go to the electricity or water department — all account name changes are handled centrally by Revenue or Customer Services.
- City of Johannesburg: any COJ Customer Service Centre or Joburg Connect 011 375 5555.
- City of Tshwane: Tshwane Customer Service Centre, 012 358 9999.
- City of Cape Town: any Thusong centre or 0860 103 089.
- eThekwini: eThekwini Customer Service Centre, 080 131 3111.
- Other municipalities: contact the main switchboard and ask for the Revenue or Customer Service department.
Documents Required — Property Purchase
- South African ID or Smart ID card (new owner).
- Title deed confirming the new owner's name (issued after Deeds Office registration).
- Rates clearance certificate (confirming the previous owner settled all arrears).
- Completed account transfer form (available at the municipal offices).
- A deposit may be required — the amount varies by municipality and is typically R500–R2,000.
Documents Required — Inheritance
- Death certificate of the deceased.
- Letter of Executorship from the Master of the High Court, or a court order authorising the transfer.
- South African ID of the heir or executor.
- A copy of the will (if available).
- The current municipal account number for the property.
Documents Required — Marriage or Divorce
- Marriage certificate (for a name change after marriage) — issued by Home Affairs.
- Divorce order from the court (for removal of a spouse's name after divorce).
- South African ID in your new name (if surname has changed — update ID at Home Affairs first).
- Completed account update form.
What to Do If the Account Is in Arrears
If the account you want to take over has outstanding arrears, municipalities will typically require the arrears to be settled before processing the name change. In a property sale, this is handled by the conveyancer using the sale proceeds.
For inherited properties with arrears, the executor may need to pay from the estate before the municipality will update the account. Speak to the municipality's debt management section about a settlement arrangement if the estate does not have sufficient funds.
How Long Does It Take?
Most municipalities process account name changes within 5–14 working days once all documents are in order. Some busy municipalities in large metros may take up to 21 working days.
Request a written confirmation or reference number when you submit your application so you can follow up if the change has not been processed after 14 working days.