Moving

While most moving companies are reputable businesses that do quality work, there are some that attempt to take advantage of clients through fraudulent practices. Follow these guidelines to protect yourself against moving fraud:

• Get a written estimate from several movers. Some companies quote a low price to get a contract—and later ask for more money before they remove your belongings from their truck.
• Make sure the mover has insurance and is licensed by the proper authority.
  • For moves from one state to another, a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can search for a registered mover through the FMCSA.
  • For moves within a state, requirements vary. Check with your state, county or local consumer affairs agency or your state attorney general.
• Check the mover's record. You can find out the mover's complaint history with local consumer advocacy organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau.

File a Complaint

• If you have a dispute with a moving company, you should file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Note: Moving company complaints handled by the FMCSA must cross state lines, but can be reported at any time.
• If you have a complaint involving an intrastate move (a move within the boundaries of a state), contact your state or local regulatory authority.

Help and Resources

• Protect Your Move provides resources to help protect yourself against moving fraud.

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Are you moving? Report your change of address to continue receiving mail and government benefits.

Change Your Address with the Post Office

• Fill out Form 3575 at your local post office.
• Change your address online ($1.05 online verification fee). Or, fill out and print the online form, then mail it in or take it to your local post office.
• Call the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and request Form 3575.

You can also ask the USPS to temporarily change your address or hold your mail.

Change Your Address with Other Government Agencies

Other federal and state agencies to contact when changing your address include:

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)  – Contact the IRS to change your address if you are expecting a tax refund or other mail. You can also change your address with the IRS by writing your new address in the appropriate boxes on your tax return when you file.
• Social Security Administration (SSA) – Change your address online using your my Social Security account if you receive Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits or are enrolled in Medicare. If you don't receive Social Security benefits or Medicare, contact the SSA.
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Contact the VA if you are a veteran who receives benefit payments or you wish to update your records.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Contact USCIS if you are a non-U.S. citizen who is required to register your address.
• State Motor Vehicle Agencies – Contact your state to change your address on your driver's license or motor vehicle registration.
• State Election Offices – Contact your state election office to change your address on your voter registration record.

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If you are someone who pays to rent a home or an apartment (a tenant), you may at some point have a dispute with the person who owns the building or management company that represents the owner (the landlord).  Often disputes are about the conditions of the building, essential services, rent increases, or your right to stay.  It is best to come to an agreement directly with the landlord or manager.  Make sure that you get everything in writing. If a landlord and tenant cannot come to an agreement, a tenant might turn to outside help.

Getting Help for a Dispute with a Landlord

Laws about the rights of tenants and landlords are almost always handled at the state level.  Find help from your state in a directory of state-level agencies and resources of interest to tenants. Results differ for each state, but you may find:

• State agencies that address tenant rights.
• Agencies that handle complaints.
• Resources for legal assistance.

You may eventually decide that you need help from a lawyer. People with very low-income might qualify for free legal aid from a non-profit organization.

Complaints about housing discrimination or landlords who receive assistance from the federal government should be directed to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Before There's a Problem

Of course, it's best to avoid a dispute in the first place if possible.

• Understand your lease completely.
• Keep all correspondence between you and your landlord.
• Communicate problems early on and in writing, noting date and time of phone calls. 
• Keep proof of rent and deposits paid.
• Know the landlord-tenant laws in your state.

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When moving into a house or an apartment, you may have to pay for utility services like gas, electricity or water. You can apply for these services on the phone, online, or in person. 

Starting Utility Services

Your city or county government may handle some utility services like water, sewage, and garbage collection. In many states, you can choose your telephone and energy service providers. Contact your state utility commission for a list of service providers and advice on making a choice.

• Letter of guarantee: If you are a new utility customer or have a poor payment history, the utility company may require you to pay a deposit or get a letter from someone who agrees to pay your bill if you don’t. 

Switching Utility Providers

Your state's public utilities company may allow you to "unbundle" your electric (or gas) service, so you can purchase the utilities from one company and the delivery of them from another. For more information on switching utility providers, contact your state's public utilities commission.

Billing

Once you have established service, you should start receiving your bills at regular intervals, usually monthly or quarterly. Utility bills are based on the amount of energy or water you actually use. However, if you live in an apartment complex, the amount you pay for some utilities may be prorated or split.

To Lower Your Utility Costs:

• Explore energy-saving tips and strategies from the U.S. Department of Energy.
• If you have difficulty paying your bills, especially for electric and gas, you may consider applying for help from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The benefits vary from state to state.

File a Complaint

If your utility company fails to meet its service requirements, you should first file a complaint with the company. If that does not work, contact your state's utility commission.

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