Utilities and Services for Alberta Tenants: Guide for New Renters

Moving into a new rental home in Alberta comes with many questions—especially about utilities and services like electricity, heating, water, and internet. If you're a new tenant, it's vital to know which services are essential, what your rights and responsibilities are, and how to ensure a smooth move-in experience. This comprehensive guide covers everything Alberta tenants should understand about utilities and services when renting in 2024.

Utilities and Services: What Are They?

In rental housing, "utilities and services" usually refer to:

• Electricity and gas (for heating and power)
• Water and sewer
• Garbage and recycling collection
• Internet, cable, and telephone
• Other services, like parking or shared laundry

Understanding which utilities are included in your rent, and which require separate arrangements, is one of the first things new tenants need to confirm.

Who Pays for Utilities in Alberta Rentals?

Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act^[1] does not require landlords to pay for all utilities. Your rental agreement will spell out which utilities are included in your rent and which are your responsibility to set up and pay separately.

• If utilities are included, your landlord covers their cost and arranges the services.
• If utilities are not included, you'll need to register accounts with local providers and pay bills directly.

Never assume—always check your lease! For more about understanding your rights and responsibilities after signing your lease, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Setting Up Utilities: Steps for New Alberta Tenants

Arranging for utility connection can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

• Confirm which utilities you're responsible for—read your lease carefully.
• Contact the appropriate provider (e.g., EPCOR for electricity in Edmonton) at least 5–10 days before you move in.
• Provide the service address, your tenancy start date, and sometimes proof of tenancy (your lease or a letter from the landlord).
• Some companies require a deposit or credit check for new accounts.
• Ensure services are active on your move-in date by following up with providers.

Planning ahead makes your move stress-free. For more detailed moving tips, check Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Your Rights: Access to Essential Services

In Alberta, landlords must ensure your rental unit has access to essential utilities like heat, water, and electricity—even if tenants pay for those services directly. If a landlord intentionally disrupts these services, it's considered an unlawful act under the Residential Tenancies Act. If you experience a loss of service not due to your own non-payment, you can contact Alberta's Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) for help.

Key Protections for Tenants

• Landlords cannot cut off essential utilities as a way to force a tenant out.
• Heat must be available from September 1 to June 1 and maintained at a reasonable temperature.
• Tenants are responsible for paying utility bills they have agreed to cover, or they risk disconnection.

Common Utility-Related Problems and What to Do

Problems with utilities and services are a frequent concern for new tenants. Some examples include:

• No electricity or heat on move-in day
• Unclear billing—are you being charged for previous tenants' use?
• Disputes about responsibility for repairs (e.g., furnace or water heater malfunctions)

If your landlord does not provide services required by law or your lease, document the issue, notify your landlord in writing, and—if unresolved—contact the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).^[2]

Forms and Legal Processes for Alberta Tenants

Key forms and processes you may encounter:

• Notice of Termination (Form 3): If lack of essential service is a serious breach, tenants may terminate the lease with a written notice outlining the issue, as allowed by the Residential Tenancies Act. Use the Notice of Termination by Tenant (Form 3) when you must end your tenancy for this reason.
  Example: If your landlord fails to fix a broken furnace in winter after repeated requests, this form lets you formally end your lease due to health and safety risks.
• Application for Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution: When informal resolution fails, apply online or download the RTDRS Application Form to address utility disputes, seek compensation, or enforce repair orders. The official online process is explained at the RTDRS Application Portal.

Obligations of Tenants and Landlords

Both sides have clear responsibilities:

• Tenants must pay utility bills they have agreed to cover, in full and on time.
• Landlords must provide functioning connections for required utilities and ensure you have uninterrupted access, except for necessary repairs.
• Any changes to utility responsibilities require written agreement by both parties.

If you have questions about broader tenant and landlord responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For Alberta's most up-to-date tenant rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Alberta.

Ready to move? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with listings for every province and major city!

FAQ: Alberta Utility and Services Questions for Tenants

1. Are utilities always included in rent in Alberta?
   No. In Alberta, utilities are sometimes included, but in many rentals, tenants must set up and pay for some or all services themselves. Always check your lease for details.
2. Can my landlord disconnect my heat or water?
   No. Alberta law prohibits landlords from deliberately cutting off essential services, even if there is a dispute or unpaid rent.
3. What should I do if my electricity or heat isn't working?
   Notify your landlord immediately in writing, keep a record, and if there's no action, contact the RTDRS or local health authority for urgent help.
4. Who pays for repairs if water or heating systems break?
   Landlords are responsible for maintaining major systems like heat and water, unless the damage was caused by the tenant's actions.

How-To: Handling Utility Set-Up and Problems in Alberta Rentals

1. How do I set up utilities before moving in?
   Contact each utility provider at least one week before your move, provide your service address and move-in date, and request connection for your start date.
2. How can I prove the utilities are not in my name if I get an unexpected bill?
   Contact the utility company to verify account records and provide a copy of your lease to clarify tenancy start dates.
3. How do I file a dispute if my landlord won't restore a service?
   If informal attempts fail, file an application with the RTDRS including evidence (dates, written communications, photos if applicable).

Key Takeaways

• Utilities may or may not be included in Alberta rental agreements—always clarify in writing.
• Landlords cannot lawfully cut off essential services; tenants have the right to safe, functional housing.
• If problems arise, take prompt written action and know your options under Alberta law.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS): Official dispute resolution for Alberta tenants and landlords
• Alberta Information for Tenants: Government resources on rights, forms, and contacts
• Community Legal Clinics Alberta: Free legal advice for tenants

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1. Alberta Residential Tenancies Act
2. Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS)

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