Looking for clarity on who pays for shared utilities in Alberta rentals? Utilities can be a source of confusion between tenants and landlords. In Alberta, the rules about utilities—including heating, water, electricity, gas, and garbage—often depend on what your rental agreement says, as well as the structure of the building. This guide explains your rights and responsibilities regarding shared utility costs in Alberta rental properties.

How Utility Payments Work in Alberta Rentals

Whether you live in a house, apartment, or basement suite, utility costs can be handled differently. Utilities may be included in your rent, split between tenants, or paid directly by you or the landlord. Alberta's tenant law requires that all agreements about utilities are stated clearly in the lease or rental agreement¹.

• Utilities included: Some rentals bundle utilities like heat or water in the rent. Make sure this is written in your lease.
• Utilities excluded: In other cases, tenants pay for all or some utilities separately—which could mean setting up accounts in your own name.
• Shared utilities: For duplexes or houses with secondary suites, utility bills are often split. How this is divided must be stated in your agreement.

Shared Meters and Bills: What You Need to Know

If your building has only one meter for a utility (like water or electricity) serving multiple units, costs are usually divided among tenants. This can be a flat amount, a percentage, or based on the number of occupants.

• Ask your landlord or property manager to see how the cost is calculated.
• If you feel a split is unfair, talk to your landlord and request clarification in writing.
• For units with separate meters, each tenant is only responsible for their own usage and bills.

For more on responsibilities between landlords and tenants, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Utilities in Alberta Rentals

The main services that might be shared or metered individually include:

• Electricity and Gas
• Heating (boiler, furnace, baseboard)
• Water and Sewer
• Garbage and Recycling
• Internet, Phone, Cable (usually separate contracts)

What Your Lease Must Say About Utilities

Your lease agreement should state:

• Which utilities are included in your rent
• Which utilities you are responsible for
• Who sets up and pays each utility account
• How shared utilities are split (percentage, by occupant, square footage, etc.)

A clear agreement prevents disputes and confusion.

Handling Utility Disputes in Alberta

Disagreements may arise if bills are higher than expected or if tenants feel the sharing arrangement is unfair. The first step is to communicate with your landlord. If you cannot resolve the dispute, you may contact Alberta's Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS), which handles residential tenancy matters with a quicker process than court.

Tip: If your landlord changes the method for sharing utilities mid-tenancy, they generally must obtain your agreement in writing.

If you’re moving in or out, it’s wise to do a walkthrough inspection and note the state of meters and utility accounts. The Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants can help you cover your bases.

Relevant Forms for Alberta Tenants

• Notice of Objection (RTDRS Form 9): Use this if you need to dispute a landlord’s claim regarding utilities or charges at the RTDRS.
  Find the form and instructions on the official RTDRS Forms page. For example, if your landlord withholds your deposit for an unpaid utility you don't owe, you can file this form to contest it.

Which Law Governs Utilities in Rentals?

All Alberta rental housing, including utility charges, falls under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). The Act outlines landlord and tenant responsibilities and processes for handling disputes and notices.

For a full overview of tenant and landlord rights in Alberta, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

To explore more options or search for homes with utilities included, Browse apartments for rent in Canada for up-to-date listings.

FAQ: Shared Utilities in Alberta Rentals

1. Which utilities do Alberta tenants usually pay for?
   It depends on your lease. Tenants may pay for electricity, gas, water, or other utilities if excluded from rent. Always check your rental agreement to confirm.
2. Are landlords in Alberta required to split utility bills a certain way?
   No, Alberta law does not specify how bills are split—only that the arrangement be agreed upon and clearly stated in the lease.
3. Can my landlord change how utilities are billed during my tenancy?
   Not without your written consent. Major changes to utility payment methods during a fixed lease require tenant agreement.
4. Where do I go to resolve a utilities dispute?
   The Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) helps resolve most rental disagreements, including utilities, without going to court.
5. Is it normal to pay a utility deposit?
   Some utility companies may require a deposit when a new tenant opens an account—this is separate from your rental security deposit.

Key Takeaways for Alberta Tenants

• Always check your lease for utility payment details
• City and building type can affect how bills are split—ask for clarification before signing
• Utility disputes can go to Alberta's RTDRS for a fair resolution

Understanding these basics will help you avoid surprises and stay on top of your rental expenses.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) – Apply for dispute resolution or get information about rental disputes
• Service Alberta: Housing & Property Rights – Fact sheets and guides on renting in Alberta
• Dial 310-0000 toll-free in Alberta, then 780-644-3000 for tenant help lines and questions
• For more guidance on resolving issues: Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta): Alberta: Residential Tenancies Act
2. RTDRS (Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service): Alberta RTDRS
3. Service Alberta, Housing & Property Rights: Housing & Property Rights information

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