Residential Utility Account Questions

1. How often do I receive my bill? Utility accounts are billed every other month on even months (six times a year).

2. I am moving into our out of Prior Lake, what should I do? Fill out our online forms on the Utility Billing page to start or stop water and sewer service. 

3. I am a new property owner, is there any additional information I need to know? If you recently purchased a home within the City of Prior Lake, you may want to verify the final utility bill was paid by the previous owner. Any outstanding utility bill will be certified to your property as a special assessment. If your property has an outstanding final utility bill, you may want to contact your title company to check and see if the money was held in an escrow account. 

4. When should I fill my pool? Wait until after May 20 when Summer Sewer Rate Break takes effect. 

Rental Property Utility Account Questions

1. Whose name is on rental property utility accounts? As of Jan. 1, 2022 utility bills are in the name of the property owner/landlord.

2. Does the city have the authority to make the property owner responsible for utilities used by the tenant? Ultimately, yes. If the city utility bills remain unpaid, state law allows the city to assess the charges, penalties, and interest against the real property served by the utility. This is consistent with the concept that is the property that receives the benefit of the utility service, not simply the user, per Minn. Stat. 444.075, s. 3(e) and Minn. Stat. 116A.22.

3. Due to the property owner being responsible for utility payments as of Jan. 1, 2022, it is recommended that landlord's use an estimated average of the utility bill and factor that into the tenant's rent payment.

4. How can my tenant view the utility bill?

• Take a photo, copy or scan of the bill and text or email to the tenant. 
• Via the online payment portal using the account number and landlord's last name. The city does not recommend having tenants register landlord accounts or save payment information in the payment portal. 

5. How can my tenant pay the utility bill? 

• Via the online payment portal using the account number and landlord's last name.
• Automated payment by phone 844-798-0502. Tenant will need the account number to use this payment option.
• Drop off payment at City Hall during regular business hours, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cash, check, or credit card payments are accepted (Credit and Debit card payments will be charged a flat fee of $3.95 per transaction).
• Pay after hours using the utility bill drop-box next to the front doors at City Hall.