Moving to Damonte Ranch and wondering how to get power, water, and sewer set up on time? You are not alone. Utility setup can feel confusing when every provider has different rules, timelines, and fees. This guide gives you a simple plan tailored to south Reno so you can move in with confidence.
You will learn who serves your address, what to do and when, which documents to have ready, and the common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you are a new owner, a tenant, or a landlord helping with a turnover, you will find clear steps below. Let’s dive in.
Who provides what in Damonte Ranch
Damonte Ranch sits in south Reno within Washoe County. Most homes use the following providers:
- Electric: NV Energy handles account setup, transfers, billing, and outages.
- Water: Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) provides water service, meter activation, billing, and conservation programs.
- Sewer: Your parcel is served by either the City of Reno or Washoe County. Which one applies depends on your exact address.
- Trash: Trash and recycling are handled by a contracted hauler or municipal program. Many neighborhoods follow a single provider and pickup day. Your HOA may set rules on containers and storage.
- HOA: Damonte Ranch has HOA governance. HOAs may manage landscape irrigation for common areas, specify trash vendors or container types, and enforce watering and storage rules. Always verify your HOA’s requirements.
Start here: confirm your providers
Before you apply, confirm service by the exact property address. This helps you avoid delays and wrong-account issues.
- Use NV Energy and TMWA online start-service tools to check availability by address.
- Confirm sewer billing with the City of Reno or Washoe County. The provider is based on jurisdiction, not just ZIP code.
- Use the Washoe County Assessor or parcel lookup to confirm the parcel’s jurisdiction.
- Contact your HOA to confirm trash vendor, pickup day, and any container rules.
Your utility setup timeline
2+ weeks before move-in
- Decide who will hold each account. Clarify in the lease or purchase documents.
- Start electric service with NV Energy. This reduces the chance of moving in without power.
- Verify whether your home has a separate irrigation meter or HOA-managed irrigation.
7–14 days before move-in
- Apply for water service with TMWA and request activation. Some addresses require a field visit, so allow lead time.
- Set up sewer billing with either the City of Reno or Washoe County, based on your parcel.
- Contact the HOA about the trash provider, pickup day, container size, and delivery timing.
3–7 days before move-in
- Confirm your trash account start date and schedule bin delivery if needed.
- Review watering schedules and conservation rules from TMWA and your HOA so your landscaping stays compliant.
- Double-check your activation dates and any required technician windows.
Move-in day
- Record and photograph meter readings for electric and water.
- Save any activation confirmations, account numbers, and work order references.
- Verify that all services are on and that bins are delivered where required.
First month after move
- Review your first bills for correct start dates, account names, and rates.
- Set up autopay or alerts and save your account numbers in a secure place.
Documents and account requirements
Electric (NV Energy)
- Have a government-issued photo ID, service address, and desired start date.
- Be prepared to provide a Social Security number for a credit check or an EIN for businesses.
- Some accounts may require proof of ownership or a lease.
- A deposit may be required based on credit history. Deposits are refundable under utility policy after on-time payment criteria are met.
Water (TMWA)
- Have a photo ID, proof of ownership or lease, your service address, and start date.
- A deposit or account establishment fee may apply.
- Some activations require scheduling. The utility may need access to the meter, especially if equipment is in a secured area.
- If the property has a separate irrigation meter, confirm how it is billed.
Sewer (City of Reno or Washoe County)
- Have your property address, account holder name, and payment method ready.
- Some jurisdictions bill monthly or quarterly. Sewer might be part of a combined bill or appear on property tax statements in certain cases.
Trash and recycling
- You will need your address, account holder name, start date, bin size selection, and payment method.
- Your HOA may require a specific hauler and container type. Confirm pickup day and storage rules upfront.
Fees, deposits, and billing basics
- Deposits and credit checks: Utilities often run credit checks for new accounts. Deposits vary by history and expected usage. Utilities refund deposits when you meet on-time payment milestones as defined by the provider.
- Billing cycles: Electric and water typically bill monthly. Sewer can be monthly or quarterly. Trash is often monthly or quarterly and may be bundled in HOA dues in some cases.
- Service and connection charges: New accounts or transfers often include one-time setup fees. Policies vary by provider and can change.
- Rates and conservation: NV Energy and TMWA offer rate options and conservation programs. Watering schedules and irrigation rules can affect your bills.
Landlords: make turnover easy
- Spell out who pays for electric, water, sewer, and trash in the lease. Include the account transfer process and who records meter reads.
- Give tenants recent utility bills, meter locations, HOA rules, and trash pickup details.
- Request final reads when tenants move out, then confirm account status and deposits.
- If you keep an account in your name, add tenants as authorized users to reduce interruptions.
- Save all transfer confirmations and receipts so you can reconcile at lease end.
Tenants and new owners: avoid pitfalls
- Confirm your exact providers by address before you apply. Do not assume based on neighborhood.
- Do not wait until move-in day to start service. Allow 7–14 days and longer if a technician visit is required.
- Photograph initial meter readings at move-in. This protects you from back-billing disputes.
- Verify whether trash is included in HOA dues or billed separately. Not all neighborhoods allow you to choose your own hauler.
- Ask about separate irrigation meters or landscaping responsibilities. This can prevent surprise charges.
Damonte Ranch HOA notes
- Get the HOA welcome packet as soon as you are under contract or have a signed lease. It usually contains vendor contacts, trash pickup days, and community rules.
- Confirm irrigation responsibilities and watering schedules. Some master-planned areas have separate irrigation meters or community-managed landscaping.
- Review container storage, parking near pickup days, and any noise or placement rules for bins.
Quick reference: who to contact
Save these in your phone and lease binder. Always verify phone numbers and online portals directly with each provider.
- NV Energy for electric start, transfer, and outages.
- Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA) for water activation, meter reads, and conservation schedules.
- City of Reno Public Works or Washoe County Public Works for sewer billing and emergencies, depending on your parcel’s jurisdiction.
- Damonte Ranch HOA for trash provider details, pickup days, and container rules.
- Your assigned trash hauler for account setup, bin delivery, and service changes.
What to do during outages or leaks
- Electric outage: Report to NV Energy. Keep your outage reference number.
- Water leak or outage: Report to TMWA. Shut off the home’s main valve if needed and safe to do so.
- Sewer issue: Contact the City of Reno or Washoe County based on your provider. For emergencies, call right away and follow their instructions.
Final checklist
- 2+ weeks out: Confirm providers by address. Start electric. Ask HOA about trash and irrigation.
- 7–14 days out: Apply for water and sewer. Confirm trash service and bin delivery.
- 3–7 days out: Reconfirm activation dates, watering rules, and technician windows.
- Move-in day: Photograph meter reads. Verify service is active. Save all confirmations.
- First month: Check first bills, set autopay and alerts, and store account numbers.
If you want a smooth move and a local guide who knows Damonte Ranch inside and out, we are here to help with timing, contacts, and neighborhood insight. Whether you are buying, selling, or moving within south Reno, reach out to SellInReno. Get your free home valuation.
FAQs
Who starts utilities for a Damonte Ranch rental?
- It depends on the lease. Best practice is to spell out who holds each account, provide meter locations, and share recent bills for reference.
How far in advance should I start NV Energy and TMWA service?
- Start 7–14 days before move-in for both electric and water. Allow more time if a technician visit is required.
Can I set up accounts online for Reno utilities?
- Yes. NV Energy and TMWA offer online setup and payment options. Some activations may still require a field visit.
How do I know if sewer is billed by the City or County?
- Check your exact address. Sewer billing depends on jurisdiction, so confirm with the City of Reno or Washoe County before you apply.
Are there watering restrictions in Damonte Ranch?
- Yes. TMWA and the HOA enforce seasonal watering schedules and conservation rules. Verify current schedules before irrigating.
What should I do if my bins do not arrive by move-in?
- Contact your HOA and the assigned hauler to confirm your account start date and bin delivery window, then schedule a follow-up if needed.
