Tenant Utilities & Services Guide: Manitoba Essentials

Utilities & Services Manitoba published July 01, 2025 Flag of Manitoba

Moving into a new rental home in Manitoba is exciting, but understanding how utilities and services work is crucial to settling in smoothly. Whether you’re renting your first apartment or relocating from another province, knowing your rights, responsibilities, and the basics of utility setup will help you avoid surprises and conflicts with your landlord.

What Are Utilities and Services in a Manitoba Rental?

"Utilities" typically include heat, electricity, water, and natural gas. "Services" might cover items like garbage collection, internet, cable, or snow removal. Not every rental includes the same utilities—the details will be in your rental agreement.

  • Essential utilities: Heat, electricity, water/hot water, gas.
  • Additional services: Garbage, recycling, snow removal, cable/internet, parking.

In Manitoba, landlords are required by law to keep essential services in working order [1]. Sometimes, you’ll pay for utilities directly; other times, they’re bundled into your rent. Always confirm what’s included before signing.

Who Pays for Utilities? Manitoba Rules

Your lease should clearly state which utilities are included and which ones you’re responsible for. Manitoba’s law says landlords must provide essential services unless your agreement directly transfers responsibility to you.

  • If utilities are included in your rent, the landlord arranges and pays the bills.
  • If you pay your own utilities, you’ll set up accounts and pay suppliers directly.
Always get agreement in writing—if the rental ad says “heat included,” make sure your lease matches.

Disputes about who pays often arise when expectations aren't clear. If you're unsure, review your lease and ask your landlord for clarification.

Utilities and Your Rights as a Tenant

Landlords must supply and maintain essential services, unless you’ve officially agreed to take them over. If a landlord tries to cut off utilities, it’s illegal. Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act protects tenants from unfair disconnection [1].

If you experience issues or threats of utility shutoff, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB) for help.

Setting Up and Transferring Utilities in Manitoba

When you move in, here’s how utilities setup usually works:

  • If landlord pays: No action required, unless otherwise agreed.
  • If you pay directly: Open accounts with local providers (Hydro, city water, gas).
  • Notify companies of your move-in/move-out dates to ensure accurate billing.

Document meter readings with photos when you move in—this helps prevent disputes over future bills.

Special Service Situations

  • Heat: If your apartment is heated, landlords must maintain safe indoor temperatures even if tenants pay for heat.
  • Internet and cable: Usually paid directly by tenants unless stated otherwise.
  • Parking: May be a separate fee/service—check your lease.
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Key Manitoba Forms for Tenants

Several forms may be important in cases involving utilities or services:

  • RTB Form 25 – Application for Enforcement of Rights: Use this form if you believe your landlord isn’t providing required utilities (e.g., no heat, water shutoff), and attempts to resolve didn’t work.
    Find the official form and instructions at Manitoba RTB Forms.
  • RTB Condition Report: Complete on move-in/move-out to record utility-related conditions (e.g., meter readings, fixture checks). Helps avoid disputes over damages/utility usage.
    Access the form through Manitoba RTB.
  • RTB Form 18 – Security Deposit Refund Request: If you paid a deposit and move out, use this if the landlord deducts money due to alleged utility overuse.
    Official info and form: RTB Forms

Having these forms ready ensures you can quickly respond to utility or service disputes.

What to Do if a Utility Problem Arises

If a landlord fails to provide essential utilities, start by notifying them in writing. If not resolved promptly, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Branch. If your living conditions become unsafe (like no heat in winter), document everything and act quickly.

Tips for Smooth Utility Management

  • Keep copies of all utility bills, correspondence, and your lease.
  • Take meter readings and photos at move-in and move-out.
  • Set up reminders for bill payments to avoid service interruptions.
  • If splitting bills with roommates, make sure everyone knows their share in advance.

Related Tenant Rights in Manitoba

Learning about utilities is part of a bigger picture. For more on Manitoba tenant protections—including maintenance, repairs, and service standards—see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Understanding who is responsible for what is a core part of your rights and obligations as a tenant. See our page on Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to learn more.

For proactive moving advice, check out our Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

If you’re still searching for a place, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find options that match your needs.

  1. Are landlords allowed to cut off utilities to force a tenant out?
    No, landlords in Manitoba cannot cut off utilities as a means to force a tenant to move. This is illegal under the Residential Tenancies Act. If this happens, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch immediately.
  2. What happens if I pay for water or hydro, and my roommate doesn’t pay their share?
    Legally, all tenants named on a utility account are responsible for payment. If only your name is on the account, you’re responsible for ensuring the bill is paid, but you may take civil action against non-paying roommates.
  3. Do I have to set up utilities before moving in, or can I arrange after?
    It’s best to set up utilities before moving in to avoid service interruptions or extra fees. Some providers may need a few days’ notice to connect services.
  4. If my tenancy is month-to-month, can utility charges change suddenly?
    Utility charges cannot change unless your agreement changes and you provide written consent. Your landlord cannot add new charges without legal notice and your agreement.
  5. Who do I contact if I have a dispute about utility billing with my landlord?
    Try to resolve it in writing first. If unresolved, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Branch for dispute resolution by submitting RTB Form 25.
  1. How do I file a complaint if my landlord withholds essential utilities?
    Write to your landlord to request prompt restoration. If they do not act, fill out RTB Form 25 and submit it with your supporting documents to the Residential Tenancies Branch. Include evidence like lease agreements and photographs.
  2. How do I set up hydro or electricity in my name?
    Contact Manitoba Hydro before your move-in date, provide your new address, lease start date, and identification. They’ll guide you through account setup and initial readings.
  3. How can I ensure I’m not overcharged for utilities when moving out?
    Take final meter readings and photographs on the last day of your tenancy. Record these on your Condition Report and notify your landlord and providers. Keep all proof until your deposit is returned.
  • Landlords must supply essential utilities unless stated otherwise in a signed agreement.
  • Clarify in writing which utilities are included in your rent before signing.
  • Document meter readings and keep records to avoid disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba)
  2. Residential Tenancies Branch Manitoba – Official Government Page

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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