Utilities & Services Checklist for Alberta Tenants

Moving into a new rental home in Alberta comes with a list of tasks, and making sure your utilities and essential services are set up properly is among the most important. Understanding what to expect, what your responsibilities are, and who to contact saves time, prevents stress, and helps you avoid unnecessary costs. This comprehensive checklist is designed to help tenants across Alberta feel confident when managing utilities and services in any rental—no legal expertise required.

Who Is Responsible for Utilities and Services?

Responsibility for utilities like electricity, natural gas, water, or internet depends on your lease or rental agreement. Always check your agreement before moving in.

• Landlord Responsibility: In some rentals, landlords include certain utilities (like water or heat) in the rent.
• Tenant Responsibility: In most Alberta rentals, tenants are responsible for setting up and paying for electricity, natural gas, internet, and cable. Clarify which services you need to handle before move-in day.

Essential Utilities & Services Checklist

Use this checklist when moving into a new Alberta rental home:

• Electricity and Natural Gas (Enmax, Direct Energy, ATCO, etc.): Arrange for connection a few days before moving in. You'll need the address, start date, and personal ID. Contact Alberta's Utilities Consumer Advocate to compare rates or resolve disputes.^[1]
• Water and Sewer: In apartments, these are often included. For houses or duplexes, ask your landlord or check your lease.
• Heating: If your unit has individual heating, set up a natural gas account. For centrally heated buildings, heat is usually included in your rent.
• Internet, Cable, and Phone: Shop around for the best provider. You may need landlord permission to install certain equipment.
• Waste Collection: Typically managed by the municipality for houses and by the landlord for apartments.
• Insurance: Tenant insurance isn’t a utility, but landlords in Alberta often require it. It protects your possessions and covers liability.
• Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding at Canada Post so you don’t miss important bills.

After You’ve Moved In: Things to Double-Check

• Inspect utility meters for accuracy. Take photos with a date/time stamp.
• Confirm that all switches, appliances, and plumbing are working.
• Check for instructions on garbage collection and recycling days.
• Familiarize yourself with emergency shut-offs for water, power, and gas.

For more guidance on settling in, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Common Issues: What If There’s a Problem?

If you find malfunctioning utilities or services aren’t working as promised, contact your landlord in writing right away. Under the Alberta Residential Tenancies Act^[2], landlords must ensure essential services (like heating and water) are provided if agreed. For persistent issues, you can:

• Make a formal written request for repairs
• Consult Alberta's official dispute resolution process through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)^[3]

If repairs relate to health or safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Official Forms for Alberta Tenants

• Notice of Entry (24-Hour): If the landlord needs to access your unit for repairs or to check utility meters, they must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice using an official Notice of Entry form. Official forms here. For example, if your electricity isn’t working, your landlord can provide this notice to enter your unit for repairs.
• Application for Dispute Resolution (RTDRS Form): Use this if there’s an unresolved conflict about utility provision, billing, or repairs. Submit the form to the RTDRS along with supporting documents (like bills or written requests). Official application forms.

These forms ensure any complaints or disputes are properly documented and handled by the correct authority.

Setting Up Utilities: Step-by-Step

• Contact providers early—ideally a week before moving.
• Have your lease, photo ID, and move-in date ready.
• Arrange to take opening meter readings and keep copies for reference.
• Ask your landlord for any preferred provider contacts or building-specific instructions.

Don’t forget to check what’s included in your rent for clarity. For more detailed rights and responsibilities, read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Useful Contacts for Utility Issues in Alberta

• Utilities Consumer Advocate: Advice, mediation, and information about energy providers. Visit the UCA
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Fast-track dispute resolution for utility and tenancy issues. Access RTDRS here

Looking for your next rental with reliable utilities and services? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

1. Are Alberta tenants responsible for all utilities?
   Not always. Some rental agreements include utilities like water or heat. For most apartments and homes, tenants pay for electricity, natural gas, internet, and cable. Always check the terms of your lease to see which are included.
2. What if my landlord doesn't provide a promised utility?
   If your lease says utilities (such as water or heat) are included, contact your landlord in writing if these are not provided. If not resolved, you can file with RTDRS or contact Service Alberta.
3. Do I need to transfer utilities when I move out?
   Yes. Notify each utility provider and close or transfer your accounts to avoid being billed for services after moving. Some landlords specify a process in the lease—check before you leave.
4. Is tenant insurance required by law?
   Tenant insurance isn’t legally required by Alberta law but is often mandated in leases to protect your belongings and cover liability.
5. Where do I go if I have a dispute about utilities?
   You can seek help from the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for most landlord-tenant disputes involving utilities or services.

1. How do I set up electricity and natural gas in Alberta?
   Contact a registered utility provider (such as Enmax or Direct Energy) with your move-in date and ID. Sign up well before move-in and record your meter readings.
2. How do I file a utility complaint?
   If you have a billing or service dispute, contact the Utility Consumer Advocate first. If it involves your lease or landlord, submit a complaint to RTDRS using their application form and supporting documents.
3. How do I check what utilities are included in my rent?
   Read your rental agreement carefully, and ask your landlord to clarify in writing which utilities you must arrange yourself.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Alberta Residential Tenancies Guide: Information about tenant and landlord duties, utility disputes, and repairs.
• Utilities Consumer Advocate: For help comparing rates, solving disputes, or learning your rights as a utility consumer.
• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Cost-effective dispute resolution for rental and utility issues in Alberta.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta: A plain-language summary of Alberta tenancy laws, utilities responsibilities, and dispute support.

---

1. [1] Utilities Consumer Advocate Alberta: www.ucahelps.alberta.ca
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (Alberta): Download the Residential Tenancies Act
3. [3] Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service: https://residentialtenancydispute.gov.ab.ca/

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy