Manitoba Tenant Utilities & Services Guide: Rights & Solutions

Having reliable utilities and services like heat, electricity, and water is essential in every Manitoba rental home. But who is responsible for paying, maintaining, and fixing these services? This guide explains your legal rights and options when you face issues with utilities or essential services in Manitoba. Whether it's a problem with a power bill, heating, or a sudden shut-off, here’s what tenants need to know to protect themselves and maintain a safe home.

Who Pays for Utilities in Manitoba Rentals?

Your rental agreement should clearly describe who is responsible for each utility (electricity, heat, water, gas, etc.).

• If included in rent: The landlord must pay for any utilities specified as “included” or “provided.”
• If not included: You (the tenant) are responsible for the bills listed in your lease as your responsibility.
• If your agreement is unclear, Manitoba tenancy laws require landlords to provide a liveable space, meaning essential utilities like heat and water must be available even if not specifically mentioned, unless the lease states otherwise.^[1]

Common Utility & Service Issues in Manitoba Rentals

Tenants in Manitoba sometimes face these common challenges:

• Sudden loss of heat during winter
• Landlord failing to pay for included utilities, causing disconnection
• Faulty wiring or plumbing requiring repairs
• Disputes over who pays for usage or reconnection fees
• Utility shutoff due to landlord-tenant disagreements

If your health or safety is affected (e.g., no heat in winter, no water, dangerous electrical issues), these are considered urgent situations.

Who Handles Utility Emergencies?

Manitoba’s laws require landlords to provide and maintain essential services unless your rental agreement says otherwise. For emergencies like no heat in winter:

• Contact your landlord immediately (keep a record of communication).
• If no response, call Manitoba Hydro or your service provider to report the issue.
• For persistent problems, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch.

Some repairs fall under routine maintenance, while others may be considered emergencies. For more on who is responsible for specific maintenance, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Service Interruptions and Health & Safety

If your rental loses an essential service (e.g., water, heat, electricity) and it isn’t your fault, you have certain rights. Manitoba law considers a lack of essential utilities as compromising your right to a safe, liveable home.

• Landlords cannot deliberately shut off utilities to force you out.
• Utility shut-off due to landlord non-payment is an urgent issue—even if the bill was their responsibility.
• If your safety is at risk due to service interruption, you may be able to ask the Residential Tenancies Branch for help or file a complaint.

For further details, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Resolve Utility Disputes

Follow these steps if you’re experiencing a dispute:

• Step 1: Communicate in writing with your landlord to document the problem and your request for resolution.
• Step 2: If the issue continues, keep records (photos, bills, dates, communication).
• Step 3: Apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute resolution.

Official Forms for Manitoba Utility Issues

• Application for an Order of Possession/Order for Repairs (RTB Form): Use this when you require urgent repairs or when crucial services haven’t been restored. Available here (see Repair Requests).
• Tenant’s Notice to Remedy (Form 2): Inform your landlord about a problem and give them a deadline to correct it. Example: No heat in January; you submit this notice requesting timely repairs. View the official Tenant’s Notice to Remedy.

Both forms start the process of formally resolving your issue through the Residential Tenancies Branch.

What Manitoba Law Says About Utilities

All tenancies in Manitoba are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba.^[1] Your lease cannot waive your right to essential services if included. If a landlord cuts off heat, water, or power to force you to leave or for any reason not allowed by law, you can ask the Residential Tenancies Branch for repairs, compensation, or to end your lease.

For a summary of provincial rules, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Moving In? Double-Check Your Utilities

When moving into a new rental, clarify what’s included upfront, transfer accounts as needed, and photograph meter readings. Paying utility deposits or connecting accounts? Record all payments and names on bills to avoid future disputes. For more, visit Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you're searching for places with utilities included or specific amenities.

FAQ: Utilities & Services for Manitoba Tenants

1. Can my landlord shut off utilities for late rent?
   No. It’s illegal for landlords to disconnect essential services like heat or electricity to enforce payment or force you out. This violates Manitoba tenancy law.
2. What happens if a service is cut off because my landlord didn’t pay?
   You should immediately notify your landlord and document the situation. If there’s no prompt fix, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch for assistance.
3. Am I responsible for repairs to utility systems (e.g., broken furnace)?
   Usually no. Landlords must maintain systems unless your lease specifies otherwise or you caused the damage through negligence.
4. Can I file a complaint if I lose heat in the winter?
   Yes. The Residential Tenancies Branch can order repairs or require the landlord to restore essential services quickly.
5. Where can I learn about all my rights as a tenant?
   Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba for a detailed overview.

How To: Navigate a Utility Outage or Dispute in Manitoba

1. How do I file a formal complaint about utility issues?
   Fill out an "Application for an Order of Possession/Order for Repairs" (from the Residential Tenancies Branch website), attach evidence, and submit it online, in person, or by mail. Reach out to the Branch for guidance if you need help.
2. How do I transfer utility accounts into my name?
   Call the utility provider directly with your move-in date and rental agreement. They’ll guide you in setting up or transferring accounts.
3. How do I communicate effectively with my landlord?
   Always use written communication (email or letter), clearly state the issue and your request, and save all sent and received messages.
4. How do I apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for repairs?
   Complete the appropriate RTB Form (see official forms above) and provide supporting evidence like photos, written complaints, and bills.

Key Takeaways for Manitoba Tenants

• Check your lease for utility responsibilities and clarify before you sign.
• Landlords must provide essential services unless legally stated in your rental agreement.
• If a problem occurs, document everything and use official forms for complaints or repairs.
• The Residential Tenancies Branch is your main resource for resolving disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch (Manitoba): Main office for dispute resolution, info, and forms
• Contact the Branch by phone or email for urgent issues
• Legal Help: Community Legal Education Association of Manitoba - www.communitylegal.mb.ca
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba: Summary of rules, obligations, and support

---

1. See: Residential Tenancies Act of 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