Household Information Your Executor May Need

Why household information matters for your executor

When someone passes away, their household does not stop needing attention. Utility bills continue arriving. Service providers expect payment. Property requires maintenance. Vehicles need to be managed. Without organized household information, your executor may struggle to keep everything running while also handling legal, financial, and personal responsibilities. Providing clear household information reduces stress, prevents late fees or service interruptions, and helps your executor manage the transition more smoothly. It is one of the most practical and appreciated things you can prepare. Your executor will thank you for taking the time to document the everyday details that most people take for granted. A few hours spent organizing this information can save your executor weeks of frustration and uncertainty.

Property information to include

• Full property address for each residence or property you own or lease
• Property tax information — parcel number, tax assessor office contact, and where tax records are stored
• Mortgage or loan information — lender name, account number, payment details, and contact information
• Homeowners association information — HOA name, contact, dues schedule, and any rules or restrictions
• Rental property details — tenant names, lease locations, property manager contact, and rent collection information
• Property insurance — policy number, agent contact, and coverage details for each property
• Deed or title location — where the official ownership documents are stored

Utility accounts and services

• Electric company — account number, provider website, phone number, and payment method
• Gas utility — account number, provider contact, and any automatic payment arrangements
• Water and sewer — account number, provider contact, and billing schedule
• Internet and cable — account number, provider contact, and service level details
• Phone service — home phone if applicable, mobile provider, account number, and contact
• Waste disposal and recycling — provider, service schedule, and account information
• Any additional utilities — propane, oil, solar provider, or other energy services

Home systems and maintenance

Your executor may need to operate, maintain, or arrange service for your home systems. Include details about the alarm system — provider, account number, alarm code, and monitoring contact. Provide information about the irrigation or sprinkler system, including controller location and settings. Note the location of the water shutoff valve, electrical panel, furnace or HVAC system, and any other critical home systems. If you have a maintenance schedule for HVAC, water heater, or other systems, include those details so your executor can continue proper maintenance. Also include any smart home devices, their locations, and how to operate or disable them if needed. These details can be surprisingly difficult to figure out without guidance.

Service providers and vendors

• Landscaper or lawn care — company name, contact, service schedule, and payment information
• House cleaner or maid service — company name, contact, schedule, and access instructions
• HVAC service company — name, contact, and maintenance agreement details if applicable
• Plumber, electrician, and handyman — preferred providers and contact information
• Pest control company — name, contact, service schedule, and account information
• Pool maintenance — provider, service schedule, and chemical or equipment details
• Snow removal service — provider, contact, and service arrangements if applicable

Vehicle information

Your executor will need to manage any vehicles you own or lease. For each vehicle, include the make, model, year, color, and license plate number. Record the VIN location and where the vehicle title is stored. Note the location of the vehicle — garage, driveway, parking lot, or other location. Include information about the auto insurance policy, registration details, and any lease or loan information. If there are spare keys, note where they are stored. This information helps your executor transfer, sell, or continue using the vehicle appropriately. Without these details, your executor may struggle to locate vehicles, transfer titles, or maintain insurance coverage during the transition period.

Pet care instructions

If you have pets, your executor will need to ensure they are cared for. Include the name, species, breed, age, and any medical conditions for each pet. Record the veterinarian name, clinic, phone number, and address. Provide feeding schedules, dietary restrictions, medication information, and any behavioral notes that will help the caregiver. Note your preferred temporary caregiver and any instructions for rehoming if no one in the family can take the pet permanently. These details ensure your pets receive consistent care during a transition that may be confusing for them as well.

Step-by-step checklist for organizing household information

• Walk through your home and property, noting every system, service, and account that keeps things running
• Create a list of all utility accounts with account numbers, provider contacts, and payment methods
• Document home system locations — alarm panel, water shutoff, electrical panel, HVAC system, and irrigation controller
• List all service providers with contact information and service schedules
• Record vehicle information for each car, truck, motorcycle, boat, RV, or other vehicle
• Include pet care instructions if applicable, with veterinarian contact and care details
• Store this information alongside your other executor notes so everything is accessible in one place
• Review and update annually or after major changes to your property, utilities, or services
• Include access instructions — where spare keys are kept, garage codes, gate codes, and any other access information
• Note which accounts are on autopay and which funding account they draw from, so your executor knows to monitor these

Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming your executor knows basic details about your home — they may not know which utility company services your area or where the shutoff valve is located
• Forgetting about automatic payments — note which accounts are on autopay so your executor knows to monitor or adjust them
• Overlooking seasonal services — snow removal, landscaping, and pool maintenance may vary by season and need different handling
• Not including access instructions — your executor may need codes, keys, or combinations to enter the property or access systems
• Updating the information irregularly — household accounts and providers change frequently, so review your notes regularly
• Storing this information separately from other executor notes — keeping everything together makes it easier for your executor to find

How Lieu & Legacy organizes household information

Lieu & Legacy includes a dedicated household information section as part of your broader executor preparation workspace. You can organize property details, utility accounts, service providers, home systems, vehicle information, and pet care instructions in one structured area. Each entry includes fields for account numbers, contacts, and notes. You control what you share and with whom, and you can update any detail at any time. The household information sits alongside your account notes, document locations, trusted contacts, and personal wishes — giving your executor a complete picture in one place. Having everything together means your executor does not have to search through multiple systems or locations to find the information they need to keep your household running.

When to speak with a professional

Organizing household information is a practical task, but it does not replace professional advice. If you have questions about property transfer, real estate legal requirements, or how your executor should handle specific property matters, consult a qualified estate attorney. For tax questions related to property or assets, speak with a certified public accountant. Lieu & Legacy is not a law firm and does not provide legal, tax, financial, medical, emergency, or probate advice. This article is for general organization and education only. For advice specific to your situation, speak with a qualified professional.