Deposit Policy

DEPOSIT POLICY - NEW ACCOUNTS


Single Family Residential Accounts

  • Deposits are not required for homeowners with proof of ownership, provided they are living at the property. 
  • All tenants must provide a deposit, unless waived. Further details below.
  • Deposits will be no more than twice the estimated average monthly bill. To get a quote, email cs@hemetca.gov or call (951) 765-2350. 
  • Based on the applicant's creditworthiness, deposits may be waived. Factors considered include prior history with the City, positive credit letters from other utility agencies (e.g., gas, electric, water), or home ownership.

A Good Letter of Credit must meet the following requirements:

  • Have the company’s letterhead
  • Have a contact person and contact phone number
  • Be from a metered utility – gas, water, power
  • Must have the applicants name
  • Must show a minimum of 12 months of history within the 12 months prior to the application date.
  • Must have no late fees, late payments or disconnects

Multiple Residential and Commercial Accounts
A deposit is required of not less than two times the estimated average monthly bill. Deposits are not waived on these accounts. This applies to both owners and tenants.

DEPOSIT POLICY – ACCOUNTS CLOSED DUE TO NON-PAYMENT

For tenants or owners of single or multi-family homes or commercial accounts that were disconnected and closed due to non-payment and want to reopen an account, a deposit of up to three times the estimated average monthly bill is required. Additionally, any previous account balance must be paid in full.

USE OF DEPOSITS

The deposit earns interest on a monthly basis at the City’s average interest earning rate. The deposit and interest can be applied to the account in two ways:

  1. For single-family residential accounts, after one year of good payment history with no late payments, customers can request to have the deposit applied to their account.
  2. The deposit can also be applied to the account’s closing bill. Any remaining credit balance will be refunded to the customer.