Can Landlords Charge for Increased Electricity Use in NB?

Many renters in New Brunswick worry about surprise electricity charges. Whether a landlord can charge you for increased electricity use usually depends on your written rental agreement, how utilities are metered, and provincial rules. This guide explains common scenarios tenants face, how to check your lease, what evidence to collect, and practical steps to dispute a bill or ask for an explanation. It also points to the official board and forms you can use if you need a formal decision. The goal is to give you clear, tenant-focused steps so you can protect your rights and avoid unexpected costs while living in New Brunswick.

How utility billing usually works in New Brunswick

Landlords and tenants can agree in writing who pays for electricity. If the lease says the tenant pays for electricity, the tenant may be responsible for their own usage; if utilities are included in the rent, the landlord normally cannot bill extra unless the agreement allows it. Provincial tenancy rules set minimum standards and the tribunal can resolve disputes about whether a charge is fair or permitted under the lease or the law^[1]. Always start by checking your signed rental agreement.

Common scenarios landlords use to charge tenants

• Utilities included in rent: no separate electricity bill unless the lease specifically allows an extra charge.
• Tenant pays the account directly to NB Power or another supplier: tenant is responsible for their meter usage.
• Landlord bills tenant based on submetering or a flat utility fee stated in the lease; this must be disclosed in writing.
• Landlord seeks reimbursement after the fact for unexpected high use — this is disputed if it wasn’t in the lease or supported by clear meter records.

What to do if your landlord says you owe more for electricity

If you receive a new or increased electricity charge, follow these tenant-friendly steps to understand and, if needed, dispute it.

1. Collect documents: gather your lease, past rent receipts, copies of electricity bills and any messages about utilities.
2. Check the lease: look for clauses that say who pays utilities, whether a flat fee applies, or if the landlord may charge extra for high use.
3. Ask the landlord for an itemized explanation and copies of meter readings or invoices used to calculate the charge.
4. Compare bills: check past usage and the timing of the charge to see if it matches your occupancy and behaviour.
5. If the answer is unsatisfactory, request the landlord in writing to cancel or justify the charge; keep the message for records.
6. If unresolved, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to have a decision made; the tribunal handles disputes about utility charges and lease terms in New Brunswick^[2].

Filing a tribunal application and official forms

When informal requests don’t work, tenants can file an application with the provincial tribunal. Typical official forms include an application for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal; this form asks you to summarize the dispute, attach copies of your lease and bills, and explain the remedy you want (for example, removal of the charge or reimbursement). Use the tribunal application form whenever the landlord and tenant cannot agree on whether a utility charge is permitted or correctly calculated^[3].

FAQ

Can my landlord add an extra electricity charge mid-tenancy?

Only if your lease allows it or you sign a new written agreement; unilateral mid-lease charges that contradict the agreement can be disputed at the tribunal.

What proof should I collect if I plan to dispute a utility charge?

Keep your lease, all electricity bills, meter readings, dated photos or records of occupancy, and written messages about utilities between you and the landlord.

How-To

1. Gather your lease, bills and any written communication about utilities.
2. Ask the landlord in writing for an itemized explanation and copies of meter readings.
3. Compare usage over time to spot billing errors or sudden spikes not explained by occupancy.
4. Send a formal written request to the landlord asking to cancel or adjust the charge if it wasn’t authorized by the lease.
5. If unresolved, complete and file the tribunal application with copies of your evidence and wait for a hearing decision.

Key Takeaways

• Check your written lease first to see who is responsible for electricity.
• Document bills, meter readings and all communications before disputing a charge.
• If informal steps fail, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with your evidence.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies information - Government of New Brunswick
• Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Service New Brunswick
• NB Power customer information (official utility)

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) - official statutes
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Service New Brunswick
3. [3] Residential Tenancies forms and applications - Government of New Brunswick