Practical Guide to Moving Procedures in Colombia

Moving and utility services in Colombia: a practical guide for owners and tenants

Moving into a new home in Colombia can be a complex experience, especially when it comes to handling paperwork and utility services. Whether you're renting or buying, it's important to know the steps for disconnecting or activating services, as well as the necessary documents for a successful move. Below, we share a practical guide based on procedures recognized by the Colombian government to help you organize your move without hassle.

Public services to activate or cancel when moving

When you move, it is crucial to cancel services you no longer need and activate the new ones. This process is the responsibility of the new owner or tenant, although in some cases it can be done jointly with the previous occupant.

Basic services to cancel

• Water: The water service connection is canceled at the relevant entity, usually the City Hall or the company responsible for the supply.
• Electricity: You must contact the service distribution company to terminate the connection.
• Natural gas: To close the gas service, you need to go to the provider company or the municipality’s portal.

Services to activate at the new place

• Water: You need to request a new service connection with the local entity or the responsible company.
• Electricity and gas: The same process as for water applies: contact the provider company.
• Internet: You can activate service where it was previously installed, and it is important to request network deployment to the new address.
• Landline and mobile phone: To activate the service, you will need personal documents and the new home address details.

Required Documents and Procedures

The required documents may vary depending on the type of property and the municipality where you are moving. In Bogotá, for example, you can access the City Hall's Service Portal to verify available procedures.

Basic procedures for moving

• Certificate of Good Standing (Paz y Salvo): Obtained from the entity where the property is registered, such as the Unified Registration Window (VUR), to confirm there are no outstanding debts.
• PQR (Petition, Complaint, or Claim): In case of disputes or questions, you can file a PQR with the relevant service provider.
• Property Age Certificate: Useful for demonstrating the age of the property and facilitating certain procedures.

Online procedures

Many procedures can be completed online, which streamlines the process. Some official platforms where you can manage these services include:

• Bogotá City Hall Portal: https://bogota.gov.co/servicios/
• District Urbanism Institute (IDU) Portal: https://www.idu.gov.co/page/tramites-y-servicios-idu
• Unified Registration Window (VUR): https://www.vur.gov.co/

Managing services in the rental process

In the case of tenants, the moving process also involves considering certain aspects related to the lease agreement and public utilities.

Who handles the paperwork?

• In a lease agreement, utility paperwork is typically the responsibility of the tenant.
• The landlord may facilitate the process if they wish, but it is not mandatory.
• When moving, the tenant must ensure that services at the previous location are cancelled.

What to do if there are outstanding debts?

• If there are outstanding debts at the previous property, the new tenant must arrange for their cancellation.
• It is important to request a clearance certificate (paz y salvo) to avoid legal issues.

Specific Procedures for Property Owners

Property owners who are selling or renting out their real estate must be aware of certain procedures to ensure the process is legal and hassle-free.

Certificates and Documents

• Certificate of Good Standing: Required to certify that there are no outstanding debts.
• Property Age Certificate: May be necessary for registration procedures or in the event of disputes.
• Property Inspection Certificate: Typically required for rental and sales transactions.

Procedures with Local Entities

• Habitat Secretariat: In Bogotá, certain procedures can be managed at the District Habitat Secretariat.
• Single Registration Window (VUR): This is the entity responsible for real estate registrations, where property-related procedures can be conducted.

Practical tips for a smooth move

Plan ahead

• Set a moving date and start handling paperwork at least a week in advance.
• If the property is rented, check the lease to ensure you comply with the landlord’s notice periods.

Gather the necessary documents

• Personal identification: national ID card, passport.
• Tax clearance certificates (tax clearance certificates).
• Lease or purchase agreement, as applicable.

Arrange services in advance

• Contact the service provider to activate service at your new address.
• Cancel services at your old place at least 3 days in advance to avoid extra charges.

Make sure to leave the property in good condition

• Leave the place clean and ready for the new occupants.
• Take an inventory of the property's condition to avoid future disputes.

Closing

Moving to a new home involves more than just packing up your life. It’s an opportunity to reorganize your surroundings with the peace of mind that all the paperwork is in order. With the right steps and the correct information, you can ensure that the moving process is smooth and hassle-free. At D.C Colombia, we guide you through every step so that finding and managing your new home is a positive, secure, and efficient experience.

Are you looking for a new home? You can explore our catalog of properties for rent or sale to find the perfect place for you.