Guides

Each guide was checked claim by claim against the sources it cites. For the rules in your state, start from your state's page.

• If someone in your home is sick or on life support

  What a medical certificate actually buys you, who can sign one, and why it belongs in your first call to the utility, not your second.

  Last researched 21 September 2026

• When your landlord has not paid the utility bill

  What to do when the shutoff notice is addressed to your landlord, not you, and you've been paying rent the whole time.

  Last researched 21 September 2026

• What to do when you get a shutoff notice

  The order of moves that actually stop a disconnection, from the date on your notice to what happens if you're already off.

  Last researched 21 September 2026