Commercial customers are offered connection of services at their new locations, disconnection of services at their old locations, transfer of service, and change of address for electricity, telephone, water/sewer, gas, garbage/waste removal, cable/satellite, change of postal address, voter's registration, driver's license, auto tags, and vehicle registration. These services, too, are packaged in bundles and are priced accordingly.

Commercial customers also receive comprehensive information packages on their new cities -- including names, addresses, and phone numbers of local government officials, and locations of key points of interest, such as museums, playhouses, and performing arts theaters and centers, as well as parks and recreational facilities. And because moving a corporation means moving employees filled with trepidation, Utility Connections includes for its commercial customers a new neighbor information package with names, phone numbers, and addresses of company's nearest "neighbors"; a local map of their new neighborhood, including major points of interest; and printed directions from new office to nearest points of interest. A complete information package on new state, when applicable for relocating corporate customer, includes contact information for government officials, government agencies, and detailed information on new state. And package includes information about obtaining required local, county, and state licensing; and assistance in obtaining liquor licensing for restaurants, clubs, bars, and pubs.

Utility Connection also includes links to its "Preferred Partners" -- contact information for selected title services.

The advantages of using this one-stop service are obvious for Realtors, who are always on lookout for more value-added services to provide their clients. The Utility Connections site includes a Realtor Q&A that describes "pros" of offering these change-of-address services to home buyers and sellers. Besides convenience, Realtors have advantage of being able to advertise this service in all of their promotions, given them a leg up on competition. In addition, service claims that information it provides utility companies on behalf of its clients is 100 percent accurate, and that its coordinated connections and disconnections ensure that its customers won't pay for someone else's utility service -- only their own. And as everyone knows, Realtors who sell not only homes but peace of mind are always appreciated. That's one constant in a market known for its fluctuations.

By all means SAVE A COPY OF THE FINAL LEASE signed by you and owner or manager. This is most important document when it comes to settling an apartment disagreement. You should also keep a copy of apartment/rental housing rules (sometimes called "community policies") for same purpose.

The Texas Apartment Association suggests you look for following things in your lease:

Check to see how much advance notice you must give before moving at end of your lease term. A 30-day written notice is normal when rent is paid monthly. Look for security deposit refund restrictions. Look for your rental housing owner's obligation to make needed repairs. A requirement for diligence is common. Be sure to read any cleaning instructions. Cleaning costs usually can be deducted from your security deposit if you fail to follow instructions.

Check on prohibitions against subletting or keeping animals. Written permission is usually required. Also, there is usually an extra deposit for animals.

It's amazing how many people will sign documents without actually understanding or even reading them. Maybe contract looked too long, or perhaps language seemed confusing. It's okay. The time you spend completely understanding this contract will only benefit your position as a tenant.