Utilities & Services Checklist for Manitoba Tenants

Moving into a new rental in Manitoba? Setting up utilities and essential services is an important step, and knowing your rights and responsibilities as a tenant can help you avoid unnecessary stress or surprises. This practical checklist guides Manitoba tenants through what utilities may be included, who pays for what, key forms, and where to get help if issues arise.

Understanding Utility Responsibilities in Manitoba Rentals

In Manitoba, utilities like heat, electricity, water, and waste services can either be included in your rent or billed separately. It is crucial to confirm which utilities are covered before signing any agreement and to make sure these details are in writing. Your rental agreement should outline exactly who pays for each service.

• Landlord-provided utilities: If your rental agreement says utilities are included, your landlord is responsible for paying the bills and ensuring uninterrupted service (unless interrupted outside their control).
• Tenant-provided utilities: If your agreement says you must pay, it's up to you to set up accounts, arrange payment, and resolve service issues directly with providers.

These responsibilities are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act of Manitoba^[1] and overseen by the Residential Tenancies Branch.

Essential Utilities and Services Checklist

Before moving in, work through this checklist to avoid missed services or disputes:

• Heat (natural gas or electric)
• Electricity
• Water/sewage
• Garbage/recycling
• Internet and cable (optional, typically tenant responsibility)
• Phone (optional)
• Personal tenant insurance (highly recommended, but not a utility)

If any of these aren’t included, set up accounts with local utility providers before you move. Request written confirmation from your landlord about what is and isn’t covered. For a smooth transition, follow these Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Utility Set-Up: Steps for Tenants

• Read your rental agreement carefully for utility clauses
• Contact Manitoba Hydro for power and natural gas: Set up or transfer your account
• Contact your municipality for water/sewage and waste collection if not included
• Select and set up internet or cable if required
• Check that all utility meters are read and baseline readings documented at move-in

What to Do If There Are Issues With Utilities or Services

Unexpectedly lose power, heat, or water? Service interruptions can affect safety and comfort. Manitoba’s laws require landlords to maintain included services unless failure is due to outside factors (e.g., weather, city repairs).

• If a landlord-provided utility stops, notify your landlord in writing right away.
• For urgent health or safety risks, report directly to the Residential Tenancies Branch: Contact RTB
• If utilities aren’t restored, you may file a complaint. The RTB will review whether the landlord met their legal obligations.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Request to the Director (Form RTB-9): For issues like non-functioning landlord-provided utilities. File with the Residential Tenancies Branch when your complaint to the landlord isn't resolved. Get the RTB-9 form.
• Tenant's Notice to End Tenancy (Form RTB-1T): If a landlord fails to supply an essential service and the issue is severe, a tenant may end their tenancy using this form (subject to rules). Download the RTB-1T.

Steps:

• Fill the correct form completely (available at the RTB site above).
• Attach any supporting documentation (emails, written requests, utility bills).
• Submit in person, by mail, or as directed on the form instructions.

Common Utility Disputes and Tenant Protections

Some frequent issues tenants report include surprise utility charges, mid-lease changes, or disputed responsibility after move-in. For Manitoba tenants, any change to the utility responsibility must be agreed to in writing – a landlord cannot change who pays for what without your consent.

If utility issues lead to health or safety problems (like no heat in winter), read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for your protection and next steps.

Document Everything

For a full look at tenant protections and obligations—including utilities—see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba.

Looking for a new rental with utilities included? View available rentals coast to coast on Houseme - your rental solution in Canada.

FAQ: Manitoba Rental Utilities & Services

1. Who pays for utilities in a Manitoba rental? It depends on your agreement. If the lease says utilities are included, the landlord pays. If your tenancy agreement states otherwise, you are responsible for setting up and paying for utilities.
2. Can a landlord disconnect utilities for late rent? No. Manitoba law prohibits landlords from shutting off essential services like heat or water to force payment or evict a tenant.
3. What happens if a landlord fails to provide agreed utilities? Tenants should notify their landlord in writing. If not resolved, contact the Residential Tenancies Branch and consider filing a RTB-9 complaint form.
4. Should tenants arrange for home insurance as a utility? Although not legally required, tenant insurance is highly recommended to protect your belongings, but it is not considered a utility.

How To: Utility Responsibilities for Manitoba Tenants

1. How to request landlord action on a failed utility? 1) Notify the landlord in writing. 2) Allow reasonable time for repairs. 3) If unresolved, submit a Request to the Director (RTB-9) to the RTB with supporting documentation.
2. How to transfer utilities when moving in? 1) Contact Manitoba Hydro and your municipality or providers to set up accounts. 2) Schedule the transfer to coincide with your move-in date. 3) Confirm that the first meter readings match your lease and take photos for your records.
3. How to prove what utilities are included? Always review and keep a copy of your signed lease. Request written confirmation of anything not clearly stated—all additions should be signed by the landlord and tenant.

Key Takeaways

• Always clarify in writing which utilities and services are included with your rental.
• Promptly address any service interruptions with your landlord, keeping dated records.
• The Residential Tenancies Branch can help resolve unresolved disputes or provide direction on using official forms.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Branch Manitoba: Information, complaint forms, and tenant support.
• Download RTB Forms for utilities complaints or ending a tenancy.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Manitoba – full protections and current laws.
• Contact your local municipal office for water, sewage, and waste billing inquiries.

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

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