Unclaimed Utility Deposits
When you move, utility companies are supposed to refund your security deposit. But millions of refund checks go uncashed every year — and those funds eventually end up in state unclaimed property programs.
What Are Unclaimed Utility Deposits?
When you establish utility service — electric, gas, water, cable, internet, or phone — the company may require a security deposit, especially if you have limited credit history. This deposit is supposed to be refunded when you close the account.
When you move, refund checks are often mailed to your old address. If they can't reach you, the checks go uncashed. After 1 to 5 years of inactivity, the utility company is required by state escheatment laws to turn those funds over to the state's unclaimed property program.
Common utilities with unclaimed deposits include electric companies, natural gas providers, water and sewer services, cable and satellite TV, internet service providers, and landline phone companies.
How to Recover Unclaimed Utility Deposits
- 1
Search each state where you had utility service
Utility deposits are held by the state where the utility company operates. Search every state where you've lived and had utility accounts, even if you only lived there briefly.
- 2
Try variations of your name
Utility accounts might be listed under a spouse's name, a maiden name, or a business name. Try all name variations when searching.
- 3
Contact utility companies directly
If you know a specific utility company still owes you a deposit refund, contact their customer service department with your account information. They may be able to reissue the check before escheatment.
- 4
Check for commercial utility deposits
If you ever ran a business, commercial utility deposits under the business name may also appear in unclaimed property databases.
States with the Most Unclaimed Utility Deposits
States with large populations and extensive utility service areas hold the most unclaimed utility deposit property:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do utilities keep security deposits?
Utility companies typically hold security deposits for the duration of your service. When you close your account and move, they are required to issue a refund check. If that check is never cashed or returned as undeliverable, the deposit becomes unclaimed property after 1 to 5 years (depending on the state) and is turned over to the state.
How do I find unclaimed utility deposits?
Search the unclaimed property database in any state where you previously had utility service. Enter your full legal name. Also try searching under business names if you had commercial utility accounts. You can find links to all 50 state databases on this site.
What is the average utility security deposit?
Utility security deposits typically range from $100 to $500, depending on the utility type and your credit history at the time of service. Electric and gas deposits tend to be higher; phone and internet deposits are often lower. Some customers are not required to pay deposits at all.
Can I claim deposits from multiple states?
Yes. If you have lived in multiple states and had utility service in each, you should search each state's unclaimed property database. Your deposit from a California electric company, for example, would be held by California's unclaimed property program, not your current state.
Do utility deposits earn interest?
Some states require utility companies to pay interest on security deposits while they hold them during active service. However, once the deposit is transferred to the state as unclaimed property, interest generally stops accruing. The state returns the original deposit amount, which may or may not include interest previously earned during service.