Manitoba Tenant Rights on Utilities and Services Explained

Navigating utility responsibilities as a tenant in Manitoba can feel overwhelming—who pays for heat, water, or hydro, and what are your rights if a service fails? Knowing your legal rights regarding utilities and services is essential for safe, comfortable renting. This article breaks down what Manitoba law says about utilities, what landlords and tenants are responsible for, and what to do if problems arise.

Who Provides Utilities and Services in Manitoba Rentals?

In Manitoba, your rental agreement (lease) should clearly state which utilities—like heat, electricity (hydro), water, and internet—are included in your rent, and which ones you must pay for separately. If the agreement is unclear, or you never received a written lease, Manitoba law offers important protections.

• Landlords in Manitoba must provide access to vital services such as heat, water, and electricity unless the written agreement states you’re responsible.
• If a utility is included in your rent, it is the landlord’s duty to make sure it stays connected and in working order.
• Some services, like internet or cable, are often the tenant’s responsibility, unless the lease says otherwise.

Heat Requirements

According to Manitoba law, landlords must ensure reasonable heating from September 30 to June 15, keeping indoor air at a minimum of 21°C unless the rental agreement states the tenant controls and pays for heat (like in some houses with independent furnaces). If your unit lacks heat during the heating season, contact your landlord in writing and seek help if they do not respond promptly.

Water and Electricity

Water and electricity, like heat, are considered essential services. The landlord must maintain these utilities unless the responsibility is clearly transferred to you in the lease. Your landlord cannot disconnect these services to force you out or for nonpayment of rent.

Landlord vs. Tenant Responsibilities: What Does the Law Say?

Responsibilities vary—always refer to your written rental agreement. But the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba^[1] defines key rights:

• If the landlord is responsible for a utility, they must pay the bills and respond swiftly if outages happen.
• If you, as the tenant, are responsible and miss a payment, you risk loss of service—but your landlord cannot punish you for this, nor can they terminate the rental just because of missed utility payments, unless the lease states otherwise and formal notice rules are followed.

It’s a good idea to document any service interruption and keep copies of all correspondence. For more on duties after you move in, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Certain Rental Types: Rooming Houses & Shared Accommodation

Shared accommodations and rooming houses may have special rules about utilities. If you rent with roommates or board, you may need to work out utility responsibilities together. Always keep agreements in writing.

If Utilities or Services Are Interrupted

If any vital service (heat, water, or electricity) stops unexpectedly and your landlord is responsible for it, you should:

1. Contact your landlord in writing and keep a copy.
2. If the landlord does not fix the problem, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba for support and complaint forms.^[2]
3. If the utility disconnection is an emergency (such as no heat in deep winter), you may be able to arrange repairs yourself and seek compensation from your landlord.
   Use the "Tenant Request for Repairs" (Form 3) available on the RTB website.

Important RTB Forms

• Tenant Request for Repairs (Form 3): Use this if your landlord has not restored a necessary service after written notice. Submit to the RTB with proof of your contact with the landlord.
  Download from: Request for Repairs Form.
• Application for Compensation: If loss of service made your space uninhabitable, you may apply for a rent abatement or compensation through the RTB. See details at the Forms page.

Health, Safety, and Habitability

Landlords must ensure that rental units are safe and meet local health and safety standards. That includes providing essential utilities. Problems with heat, water, or unaddressed hazards can be a health and safety issue. Learn more about your safety-related rights here: Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Quick Recap of Tenant Utility Rights in Manitoba

• Your rental agreement should state which utilities are included.
• Landlords must provide heat, water, and electricity unless your lease says otherwise.
• Disputes or interruptions? Use official forms and contact the RTB promptly.

If you’re unclear on your province’s rental rights, read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for more details.

For wider rental options and to compare amenities, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

FAQ: Tenant Utilities and Services in Manitoba

1. Who pays for electricity or hydro in Manitoba rentals?
   It depends on your lease. If it states utilities are "included," your landlord covers them. Otherwise, you’ll pay for hydro or electricity directly.
2. What can I do if my heat or water is suddenly shut off?
   Contact your landlord in writing immediately. If not resolved quickly, file a complaint and "Tenant Request for Repairs" form with the RTB.
3. Can a landlord turn off utilities if I fall behind on rent?
   No. Manitoba law prohibits landlords from disconnecting essential utilities to force payment or eviction.
4. What if my rental unit is uninhabitable due to lack of utilities?
   You may be entitled to a rent reduction or compensation. File a claim with the RTB and submit necessary evidence (photos, records).
5. Are internet and cable considered essential utilities?
   No, unless your lease says they’re included. These are generally optional, and usually tenant-paid.

How-To: Action Steps for Utility Issues

1. How do I report a landlord for leaving me without heat in winter?
   Document the temperature, take photos, and write to your landlord first. If the issue is not fixed in 24 hours, submit a "Tenant Request for Repairs" (Form 3) to the RTB along with your evidence.
2. How to submit Form 3: Tenant Request for Repairs?
   Download the form from the RTB site, fill it out, attach proof of your request to the landlord, and deliver it to any RTB office in Manitoba.
3. How can I claim compensation if I lose services?
   Complete the appropriate compensation application at the RTB, include all evidence, and outline how the loss of utility affected you (like moving expenses or hotel bills).
4. How do I check if a utility is “included” before signing a lease?
   Ask to see the written agreement. If unsure, discuss each utility clearly and put the list into the rental contract.

Key Takeaways

• Always check your rental agreement for utility responsibilities.
• Essential services must be maintained by the party responsible—usually the landlord, unless the lease states otherwise.
• If services are interrupted and not your fault, take swift written action and use official RTB forms to protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) – 1-800-782-8403 (toll-free)
• Official Manitoba RTB Forms (including Tenant Request for Repairs, Applications for Compensation)
• Local tenant support: Winnipeg Tenant Landlord Cooperation: 204-417-2039
• Legal Aid Manitoba: Free legal information for tenants in need

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba
2. Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) – Manitoba

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