DNS Change - Host is Reluctant

[McMohan]

Well, I have a site of mine hosted with a company that doesn't provide me with a CP, where I can initiate a DNS change. I have to request them to do the DNS change and it is turning out to be they are reluctant to let go of my site. What options do I have if they don't entertain my request to carry out the DNS change?

Thanks

[sonjay]

It sounds like you have your domain registered through the same company that hosts your site.

First do a whois lookup and verify that your domain is in fact registered to you, with you named as the Registrant and the Admin contact and with your e-mail address listed for the Admin contact.

If your domain is registered in your host's name, you're basically reduced to asking them to pretty please put the domain in your name, or face a protracted and expensive domain dispute.

If the domain IS registered in your name, and the Admin's e-mail address is yours, you just go to another registrar (GoDaddy, NameCheap, Enom, whatever), open an account, and initiate a transfer of the domain registration to your account at that registrar.

Your host is required by ICANN rules to release the domain for transfer within a certain number of days (provided the domain is not currently in dispute, registration fee is current, etc.).

And then take a lesson from this: Never ever let your host register your domain for you, particularly if there is no control panel for you to manage and control your own registration information. Keep your registration and hosting separate. Always make sure your domain is registered in your name, with your e-mail address, and keep that e-mail address current. If you use spam filtering, whitelist email from your registrar so that you never miss any notifications from them.

[davezan]

Your host is required by ICANN rules to release the domain for transfer within a certain number of days (provided the domain is not currently in dispute, registration fee is current, etc.).

Not quite. That governing body only requires registrars to do that, not their resellers.

On the other hand, assuming you're using a reseller for a registrar, approach the registrar.

[McMohan]

Thanks sonjay and davezan. davezan came pretty much close to the problem I have been facing. This company is a reseller of a registrar. I have this domain in MY name with my e-mail as the admin contact. So, you suggest I approach the registrar directly?

[sonjay]

That's extremely good news that your e-mail is the admin e-mail.

I would still just try initiating a transfer to another registrar. If they refuse to release it (without a valid reason), then I'd take it up with the actual registrar. I bet they'll release it, though. Since it's registered to you, they're in a no-win situation and they'll know it.

Even if only the actual accredited registrars are required by ICANN rules to release the domain, I'd bet the reseller can get in trouble with the registrar if they don't follow ICANN rules.

[McMohan]

Thanks Sonjoy. The only possible benefit for the host is to sit on DNS change request and later beg, plead to keep my account with them, which I guess has been pretty important for them.

I really wanted the DNS change initiated this weekend. Anyway I will give them few more days, before I finally approach the registrar with a stinker.