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, Sewer and Stormwater 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.

Lien Certificate Application

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, sewer and stormwater 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. 

The completed change of ownership form can be mailed to: 

              Boston Water and Sewer Commission
              Attn: Customer Service
              980 Harrison Avenue
              Boston, MA 02119

or fax to 617-989-7710 Attn: Customer Service

Change In Ownership/Billing Name Form

Certificate of Water ,Sewer and Stormwater Charges Fee Chart

Residential
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

 

Commercial
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

 

Condo
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

 

Exempt
Land Use Code  Description Lien Certificate Fee 
E           Exempt $50.00
EA Clause 121A Exempt                                   $50.00