Water connection check and name change after buying a house or flat in Hyderabad (HMWSSB)
Short answer: before you buy a house or flat in Hyderabad, ask the seller for the HMWSSB water bill and its CAN (Customer Account Number), check the connection on HMWSSB's CAN search, and get any dues cleared before handover. After registration, apply to move the connection to your name; HMWSSB lists an online "Apply For Name Change" service. A water connection is not proof of title: HMWSSB says sanction "shall not confer any right or evidence to the applicant with regard to ownership of the premises".
Why a water bill is not proof of ownership
HMWSSB's own connection guidelines say: "Sanction of water supply & sewerage connection shall not confer any right or evidence to the applicant with regard to ownership of the premises to which they are sanctioned." So a seller showing a water bill in their name proves only that they hold the connection. Check title through the sale deed, the encumbrance certificate and a lawyer.
Check it yourself, then change the name
| Step | What the official site shows (read 22 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| 1. Find the connection and its dues | Search the HMWSSB CAN information system. It lets you search by "CAN Number", "House No", "First Name", "Mobile No", "Street Name", "Area Name", "Section" or "Division". |
| 2. After registration, move the bill to your name | HMWSSB lists an online "Apply For Name Change" service under customer services on hyderabadwater.gov.in. The documents and fee for it are to verify: we could not read them on 22 Oct 2026. |
| 3. Keep a record | Save the receipt or acknowledgement number and the first bill in your name with your sale deed copy. |
What to ask the seller for, before you pay the balance
- the CAN (Customer Account Number) printed on the water bill.
- The last few water bills and payment receipts, so you can see the bill is in the seller's name and paid up to date.
- For a flat: whether the connection is one bulk connection for the whole building (paid through the association) or a separate one for the flat. Ask the association secretary for a written no-dues note on water and maintenance.
- For a house: whether there is also a sewerage connection, and its bill.
- A line in the agreement of sale that the seller clears all water and sewerage dues up to the date of handover (ask your own lawyer for the wording).
If the house has no connection yet, or you plan to build
HMWSSB's documents list for a new connection asks for attested copies of the registered ownership deed, the GHMC or municipal sanctioned plan, the tax assessment receipt, an NOC in specified localities, the house site patta, a slum area certificate where relevant, an affidavit on Rs.20 non-judicial stamp paper (notarised) and an indemnity bond.
Two official pages differ on the occupancy certificate (OC). The documents PDF says the OC "shall be mandatory for all buildings", and is optional only for "individual buildings in plots up to 100 Sq meters with height up to 7m". The older guidelines page says the OC is needed "if the plot area is more than 200 Sq.Mtrs and building height is above 6mtrs excluding stilt floor". Confirm the current rule with HMWSSB before you rely on either. A missing OC can block a new connection, so check the OC before you buy.
The guidelines page also says a non-refundable processing fee of Rs.1000 is charged for a 15mm connection and Rs.2000 above 15mm, and that an "additional connection in Apartment/Comercial complex will not be considered". Fees may have changed: to verify.
Related guides
- Electricity meter name change after buying
- Property tax name change after buying
- Building permission and occupancy certificate check
- Flat possession handover checklist
- Encumbrance certificate online
Buying in Andhra Pradesh? See the Andhra Pradesh guide.
Not legal advice. This page summarises official water-board and corporation pages read on 22 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm with the water board or corporation and a qualified lawyer before you pay.
A free sample from our Hyderabad property do-it-yourself pack for NRIs: which papers to ask for, which official portals to check, and in what order.
Get it free (instant download)FAQ
How do I check a water connection before buying in Hyderabad?
Ask the seller for the water bill and its CAN, then search it on HMWSSB's CAN information system, which also searches by house number, name, mobile, street, area, section or division.
Does a water bill in the seller's name prove ownership?
No. HMWSSB says sanction of a connection shall not confer any right or evidence with regard to ownership of the premises. Check title separately.
How do I change the water connection name after buying?
HMWSSB lists an online 'Apply For Name Change' service under customer services. The documents and fee are to verify; keep your registered sale deed and the last paid bill ready.
Can I get a new water connection without an occupancy certificate?
Two HMWSSB pages give different OC rules (all buildings except small plots up to 100 sq m and 7 m, versus plots above 200 sq m and 6 m). Confirm with HMWSSB before buying a house without an OC.
Official sources
- HMWSSB: customer services (Apply For Name Change)
- HMWSSB: documents to submit for a new connection (PDF)
- HMWSSB: guidelines for water connections
- HMWSSB: consumer CAN information system
Not legal advice. We don't check properties or certify ads. A lawyer must confirm title, and the Authority's own notices override anything on this page.