Top 5 Utility Facts for Tenants in Manitoba Rentals

Understanding who pays for which utilities—and what to do if they’re interrupted—can impact your comfort, safety, and your wallet as a Manitoba renter. Manitoba’s unique rental laws set expectations for landlords and tenants about heat, water, electricity, and more. Whether you’re leasing an apartment in Winnipeg or sharing a house in Brandon, it’s vital to know your rights and responsibilities around utilities and services.

Who Is Responsible for Utility Payments?

Your rental agreement should clearly state which utilities (such as heat, hydro/electricity, water, or internet) are included in your rent. Sometimes, tenants pay for one or more utilities directly, while others are covered by the landlord. In most cases:

• If your lease says utilities are "included," your landlord pays those bills.
• If utilities are "not included," you’re responsible. Make sure you set up accounts with utility providers at move-in and transfer or close them at move-out.

If there’s confusion or disagreement, check your lease first, then contact Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch for clarification.
Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba offers further details on utility responsibilities in the province.

Minimum Service Standards: Heat and Water

Landlords in Manitoba must provide essential services, notably heat and water, unless the lease states otherwise and a separate agreement is in place. According to The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba):

• Heat: During the colder months (typically September to June), the rental unit must be maintained at a minimum temperature set by local bylaws (usually at least 21°C/70°F in Winnipeg).
• Water: Potable water and functioning plumbing are required at all times unless the tenant is directly responsible and service is disconnected due to non-payment.

Interruptions, Service Loss, and Repairs

Interruptions in essential utilities, whether planned (maintenance) or unplanned (outages), can affect your health and safety. Landlords must provide reasonable notice if they plan to temporarily interrupt services for repairs. If you lose heat or water unexpectedly and notifying your landlord doesn’t resolve the problem, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Branch or local health inspectors.

Tenants may file for remedies if service loss is significant or prolonged. If repairs are urgent (such as no heat in the winter), file as soon as possible—document all conversations and issues. For more information on your repair rights, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Deposits, Fees, and Disconnected Services

Some utility providers in Manitoba may require a security deposit to open new accounts in the tenant’s name. These are separate from any rental security or damage deposits. Landlords cannot charge extra fees for providing utilities if the lease includes them in the rent.

If your services are disconnected due to non-payment, you must pay outstanding balances, or you risk breaching your lease. If you believe you’re not responsible for a bill, contact your landlord and utility company right away. For details on rental deposits, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Forms, Disputes, and Tenancy Tribunal

The Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba oversees rental disputes—including those about utilities. If you believe your landlord has not provided essential services or is charging you unfairly for utilities, you can file a complaint:

• Application for Determination of Rights (Form 18): Used to resolve disputes on utilities, recover costs paid on the landlord’s behalf, or ask the Branch to order repairs.
  Find Form 18 and instructions here.
• Process: Complete the form with supporting documents (utility bills, lease agreements, communication with landlord). Submit to the Residential Tenancies Branch online or in person.
• Practical Example: If your heat is off in January and your landlord isn’t responding, file Form 18 to request the Branch order repairs and/or compensation.

Need to find a new place with the utility setup that suits your needs? Browse apartments for rent in Canada for easy filtering by included utilities and more.

FAQ for Manitoba Tenants about Utilities & Services

1. What utilities are considered essential in Manitoba rentals?
   Essential utilities typically include heat, running water, and electricity. These must be provided unless your lease specifically says you’re responsible for them.
2. What should I do if my landlord does not pay for a utility that is included in my lease?
   Contact your landlord immediately in writing, keep records, and if not resolved quickly, file an application (Form 18) to the Residential Tenancies Branch.
3. Can my landlord charge extra for utilities after I’ve signed the lease?
   No. If your lease states utilities are included, your landlord cannot add extra fees later without a new agreement.
4. Who pays for repairs if a major appliance (like furnace or hot water tank) breaks down?
   Repairs to essential systems are typically the landlord’s responsibility, unless you caused the damage on purpose or through negligence.
5. If my utility is disconnected due to the landlord’s actions, what are my options?
   Contact the Residential Tenancies Branch, keep written records, and submit Form 18 if needed. In emergencies, you may reach out to Manitoba Health or your local municipality.

How-To: Resolving Utility Issues in Manitoba Rentals

1. How do I file a complaint if my landlord fails to provide essential utilities?
   Gather evidence (e.g., photos, written communication), complete Form 18, and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Branch. You may do this online or in person.
2. How can I set up utilities in my own name when moving in?
   Contact the local utility providers (Manitoba Hydro, City of Winnipeg Water) before moving and provide your lease details to start new accounts on your move-in date.
3. What steps can I take if I’m wrongly billed for a landlord’s utility charge?
   Review your lease, contact both your landlord and the utility provider in writing, and submit evidence to the Residential Tenancies Branch if not resolved.

Key Takeaways

• Check your lease for a clear breakdown of utility responsibilities before signing.
• Landlords must provide heat and water unless you’ve specifically agreed otherwise.
• Use Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Branch to resolve utility disputes – and always keep documentation.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch: Disputes, forms, and tenant rights
• The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba): Official legislation
• Phone: 204-945-2476 (Winnipeg) or toll-free 1-800-782-8403 (outside Winnipeg)
• Legal Help Centre (Winnipeg): Free legal information—visit or call for tenant support
• Municipal Health Inspectors: For urgent public health concerns like loss of heat or water

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Branch of Manitoba (RTB)
2. [2] The Residential Tenancies Act (Manitoba) – Full Text
3. [3] Manitoba RTB Official Forms

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