What is Form 6558 from Southern California Gas Company?

Definition & Meaning of Form 6558

Form 6558, also known as the Continuous Service Agreement (CSA), is a document provided by the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) that allows property owners or managers to maintain gas service at rental properties during tenant transitions. This form is crucial for preventing service interruptions and avoiding additional fees associated with re-establishing service when new tenants move in. By using Form 6558, property owners can ensure that gas service remains active, billed temporarily to them instead of being shut off during vacancies.

How to Use Form 6558 from Southern California Gas Company

Using Form 6558 involves several straightforward steps:

• Application Submission: Property owners or managers must complete the form and submit it to SoCalGas. This can typically be done online or via mail.
• Service Continuation: Once approved, the gas service remains active under the property owner's name, ensuring that there are no disruptions.
• Billing Responsibility: The property owner will be billed for gas usage until they either notify SoCalGas to discontinue service or a new tenant begins their own service.

How to Obtain Form 6558

Form 6558 can be obtained directly from the Southern California Gas Company's website or by contacting their customer service. Here are the steps to acquire the form:

• Visit the SoCalGas Website: Navigate to the forms section to find Form 6558.
• Contact Customer Service: Call the SoCalGas customer service phone number for assistance in obtaining the form.
• Download or Request by Mail: Depending on the options available, you may be able to download the form directly or request a physical copy to be mailed to you.

Steps to Complete Form 6558

Completing Form 6558 requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:

• Fill in Property Information: Include the address of the rental property and any relevant account numbers.
• Provide Owner/Manager Details: Enter the name, contact information, and any identification numbers for the property owner or manager.
• Sign and Date the Form: Ensure that the form is signed and dated to validate the agreement.
• Submit the Form: Send the completed form to SoCalGas via the preferred submission method.

Examples of Using Form 6558

Form 6558 is particularly beneficial in various scenarios:

• Between Tenants: If a tenant moves out and a new tenant is not yet in place, the property owner can keep the gas service active to avoid service interruptions.
• For Property Management Companies: These companies often manage multiple properties and can use Form 6558 to streamline gas service management across their portfolio.
• During Renovations: If a property is undergoing renovations, keeping the gas service active can be essential for heating or other construction-related needs.

Important Terms Related to Form 6558

Understanding key terms associated with Form 6558 can enhance comprehension:

• Continuous Service Agreement (CSA): The formal name for Form 6558, allowing uninterrupted gas service.
• Service Establishment Fee: A fee charged when new service is initiated; Form 6558 helps avoid this charge.
• Tenant Transition: The period when one tenant moves out and another is not yet in place, during which the form is particularly useful.

Legal Use of Form 6558

Form 6558 is legally binding once signed and submitted to SoCalGas. It serves as an agreement between the property owner and the gas company, outlining the terms under which gas service will be maintained. It is important for property owners to understand their responsibilities, including:

• Payment Obligations: The owner is responsible for all charges incurred during the period the service is in their name.
• Notification Requirements: Owners must inform SoCalGas when they wish to discontinue service or when a new tenant takes over.

Who Typically Uses Form 6558

Form 6558 is primarily used by:

• Property Owners: Individuals who own rental properties and wish to maintain service during vacancies.
• Property Managers: Companies or individuals managing multiple rental units, ensuring seamless service transitions.
• Real Estate Investors: Those who manage investment properties and want to avoid unnecessary costs related to service interruptions.