Resolving Utilities and Services Problems for New Brunswick Tenants

If you’re renting in New Brunswick, dealing with utility and service problems—like heat not working, water shutoffs, or unresolved Internet issues—can be frustrating and stressful. As a tenant, it’s important to know that New Brunswick law protects your right to essential services. This guide explains, in clear steps, how to handle these problems, what your landlord must provide, and how you can take action if issues aren’t fixed.

Understanding Your Utilities and Services Rights as a Tenant

In New Brunswick, the Residential Tenancies Act sets out the rights and duties of both tenants and landlords regarding utilities and services. Your lease agreement may include provisions specifying who is responsible for paying for heat, water, electricity, or other vital services. If these arrangements are not followed, tenants have legal options to ensure their rights are respected.

• Vital services are services that are necessary for a rental to be livable, like heating during winter, hot and cold water, and electricity.
• Landlords cannot shut off, restrict, or deliberately interfere with vital services, even if you’re behind on rent.
• If utilities are included in your rent, your landlord has a duty to ensure they remain connected and functional.

For more details on broader rights and obligations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Common Utilities and Services Problems in Rentals

• No heat during required months (usually October to April)
• Loss of water, electricity, or hot water
• Internet or cable issues (if included in your lease)
• Sudden restriction, interruption, or reduction of a service by the landlord
• Bills in the landlord’s name left unpaid (causing a shutoff)

When Are Repairs or Service Restorations Required?

Landlords must act promptly to restore any interrupted utilities that are essential for healthy living in your unit. Failing to do so may also be a health and safety violation. You can learn more about concerns like dangerous cold, unsafe water, or other risks in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Have Utility or Service Problems

1. Document the Issue
   • Take photos, record dates and details (for example: "No water since February 12").
   • Keep copies of any utility bills if services are in your name.
2. Contact Your Landlord in Writing
   • Send a written notice (email or letter) describing the problem and requesting immediate action.
   • Mention how the issue is affecting your daily living—this shows urgency.
3. Allow a Reasonable Time for Repairs or Restoration
   • New Brunswick law expects landlords to fix loss of vital services as soon as possible (same day or within 24–48 hours, depending on severity).
   • Always keep a copy of your request and any landlord replies.
4. If Not Fixed, File a Formal Complaint
   • You can apply to the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal if your landlord does not restore essential utilities within a reasonable time.
   • Use the appropriate official form: "Application for Assistance (Form 6)" available here.
   • Complete and submit the form to the Tribunal with copies of your communications and any supporting documents.
5. Follow Tribunal Directions
   • The Tribunal will review your complaint, may contact the landlord, and can order repairs or restoration of services (and in some cases, require a rent reduction).

Where to Get the Right Official Forms

• Application for Assistance (Form 6): Use this when your landlord does not resolve a utilities/services issue after you have notified them in writing. Get the official form here. Fill it out with details, attach evidence, and submit to the Tribunal by mail, in person, or by email as instructed on the form.
• Notice of Condition (Form 2): Use to alert your landlord about a property or services problem up front (e.g., heat or water out during initial move-in). Find the official form and send a copy to both landlord and keep one for your records.

Always use official forms and keep proof of submission for your protection. If you’re unsure which form fits, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal can help direct you.

Your Landlord’s Responsibilities for Utilities and Services

Your landlord’s obligations depend on your lease, but in general, the following apply:

• Utilities included in rent: Landlord must ensure they remain paid and on.
• Tenant-paid utilities: Landlord must provide safe, functioning systems for electricity, water, and heat.
• Repairs to utility infrastructure (pipes, wiring, heating): The landlord is responsible for repairs unless your actions caused the issue.

For further details on your and your landlord's roles, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Special Note on Rent and Utilities

If lack of utilities makes your rental unlivable, ask the Tribunal about possible rent reductions or abatement. Never withhold rent unless a Tribunal or court orders it—it could risk eviction.

Other Practical Tips

• Contact local health or building authorities if a lack of service poses a health risk.
• If you must pay a bill to restore an essential service (e.g., oil or water), keep receipts—you may be entitled to reimbursement.

Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings if you’re looking for rental homes where utilities and service arrangements are clear from the start.

FAQ: Utilities and Services for Tenants in New Brunswick

1. Who is responsible for paying utilities in my rental?
   Check your lease agreement. If utilities are included in rent, your landlord must pay and ensure continued service. If not, you are typically responsible, but the landlord must provide safe and working systems.
2. What should I do if my landlord disconnects heat or water?
   Document the issue, notify your landlord in writing, and if not fixed, apply to the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal using the "Application for Assistance (Form 6)."
3. Can my landlord shut off utilities if I owe rent?
   No. Landlords are not allowed to withhold or interrupt vital services as leverage for unpaid rent.
4. How fast must utility repairs be completed?
   Essential services (heat, water, electricity) must be restored very quickly, often within 24–48 hours, depending on the situation’s urgency.
5. How do I contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal?
   You can visit their official site for contact details, forms, and support.

How To: Step-by-Step Solutions for Utilities and Services Issues

1. How to report a problem with utilities in your apartment: Write to your landlord explaining the issue, then fill out the "Application for Assistance (Form 6)" if it isn’t fixed.
2. How to request a repair for heating or water: Use the "Notice of Condition (Form 2)" to formally notify your landlord of the specific problem.
3. How to submit an application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal: Download the correct form, fill it in with details and evidence, then send it by email or mail as instructed.
4. How to prepare evidence for your complaint: Collect written communications, utility bills, photos, and logs of service outages.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants in New Brunswick are legally protected against loss of essential utilities and services by provincial law.
• Always document problems and communicate clearly with your landlord first.
• If issues aren't fixed quickly, use the official Tribunal forms to get help—and never withhold rent without tribunal direction.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Forms, complaint process, guidance, and support for tenants (including French versions)
• Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick (official text)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick – Overview of all provincial tenant rights
• For urgent health concerns due to loss of services, contact your local public health authority.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick).
2. New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

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