Splitting Utilities and Bills in New Brunswick Rentals

Sharing utilities and household bills with roommates can save money but also cause confusion if expectations aren’t clear. This guide explains how tenants in New Brunswick can approach fair cost-sharing for electricity, heat, water, internet and other common services. It covers how to set up agreements, options for splitting bills, what to check in your rental agreement, and practical steps to document payments and resolve disputes. Whether you’re moving into a shared house or subletting a room, these tips focus on clear communication, small written agreements, and knowing when to involve the Residential Tenancies Board or official forms. Use this information to protect your budget and maintain good relationships with co-tenants.

How to split utilities in New Brunswick

There are several common ways roommates divide utilities: equal shares, dividing by number of occupants, apportioning by room size or using usage-based meters. Decide together which method feels most fair and make it part of your written arrangement. Check your lease for clauses about utilities—some agreements require tenants to keep accounts in the landlord's name or to include specific services in rent. See What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for tips on lease clauses.

Agreeing and documenting costs

• Decide who pays which bills and agree any proportions or percentage splits.
• Set payment dates and a calendar for transfers.
• Keep records of payments, receipts and a shared spreadsheet or app.
• Consider usage-based billing where possible, such as separate meters or smart plugs.

Resolving disputes and official options

Start by talking and presenting your records. If you cannot reach an agreement, you can seek help from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal^[1] or refer to the Residential Tenancies Act^[2] to understand rights and responsibilities. A typical example: if a roommate refuses to pay their agreed share for three months, keep dated receipts and copies of messages, then file an application with the tribunal describing the amounts owed and your attempts to resolve the issue.

If you are looking for housing options while resolving shared-billing questions, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to compare listings and find units with included utilities.

Official forms and when to use them

The main form tenants use is the Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, available on the provincial tribunal website. Use this application when a co-tenant or landlord has not followed the tenancy rules and you need a formal decision; for example, when a roommate owes several months of shared utility payments and informal resolution failed. The tribunal page includes the application and guidance on filing and fees.^[1]

FAQ

How should roommates split the cost of utilities?

Common methods include equal split, splitting by number of occupants, apportioning by room size or using usage-based measurement; document the chosen method and set a payment schedule.

Can my landlord require utilities be in their name?

Some leases require utilities to be in the landlord's name or include services in rent; always read your lease and consult the Residential Tenancies Act^[2] for specifics.

What evidence helps if I apply to the tribunal?

Useful evidence includes dated receipts, bank or e-transfer records, copies of messages about the agreement, photos or screenshots of shared bills, and a written copy of any roommate agreement describing who pays what and when.

How-To

1. Agree who pays each bill and which method you will use.
2. Put the agreement in writing with amounts and dates.
3. Set up a simple payment method and schedule reminders.
4. Keep receipts, photos and a payment log.
5. If unresolved, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Key Takeaways

• Agree in writing how utilities will be split to avoid future disputes.
• Keep records of payments and communications related to shared bills.
• If informal steps fail, use the tribunal application process as a last resort.

Help and Support / Resources

• Application and forms: Residential Tenancies Tribunal
• Residential Tenancies Act and legislation
• Service New Brunswick: tenancy information

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1. [1] Government of New Brunswick: Residential Tenancies Tribunal
2. [2] Government of New Brunswick: Residential Tenancies Act