When purchasing property, water and sewer charges must be finalized with the seller to ensure that unnecessary charges are not passed onto the buyer. The process is outlined below.
Step 1: Apply for Lien Certificate
The seller, buyer, attorney or real estate broker submits an Application for a Certificate of Water and Sewer Charges, also known as a Lien Certificate, and requests a final water meter read.
- The application and the fee must be filed with the Lien Department at least 10 working days prior to the property closing date to schedule an appointment for a final meter reading from the inside water meter
- Applications must include a name and contact number
- The completed and signed application and corresponding fee must be mailed to:
Boston Water and Sewer Commission
Attn: Lien Department
980 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02119
- The Lien Department will obtain the final reading and issue the Lien Certificate
- The Lien Certificate may be , emailed, mailed or faxed on the day following the reading
For further information call BWSC’s Lien Department at 617-989-7160.
Step 2: Submit Change of Ownership Form
After the real estate closing, the new owner must submit a Change of Ownership/Billing Name form to receive water and sewer service.
The form is available to fill out online, download as a PDF, or obtain at BWSC’s offices. This form applies to condominium associations, apartment buildings, etc., which have authorized property agents to receive and pay the BWSC bills.
Change In Ownership/Billing Name Form
The form can be download by clicking the ABOVE button. Then, completed forms and documentations can be mailed, faxed, or submitted to BWSC offices at:
Boston Water and Sewer Commission
Attn: Customer Service
980 Harrison Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02119
Fax: 617-989-7710
The form can also be completed, securely, online by clicking button BELOW. DocuSign is tool that allows for legal signatures to be obtained, and for personally protected information to be safely and securely submitted online.
Certificate of Water and Sewer Charges Fee Chart
| Land Use Code | Description | Lien Certificate Fee |
|---|---|---|
| R1 | One Family | $25.00 |
| R2 | Two Family | $25.00 |
| R3 | Three Family | $25.00 |
| R4 | Four Family | $100.00 |
| RL | Residential Land | $25.00 |
| A | Apartment Buildings (4 units or more) | $100.00 |
| Land Use Code | Description | Lien Certificate Fee |
|---|---|---|
| C | Commercial | $150.00 |
| CC | Commercial Condo | $150.00 |
| CL | Commercial Land | $150.00 |
| RC | Residential/Commercial | $150.00 |
| AH | Agricultural/Horticultural | $150.00 |
| I | Industrial | $150.00 |
| Land Use Code | Description | Lien Certificate Fee |
|---|---|---|
| C3 | Condo (1-3 units) | $25.00 |
| CM | Condo Master (4 units or more) | $100.00 |
| CP | Condo Parking | $150.00 |
| Land Use Code | Description | Lien Certificate Fee |
|---|---|---|
| E | Exempt | $50.00 |
| EA | Clause 121A Exempt | $50.00 |