Tenant Guide to Utilities & Services in New Brunswick

Utilities are a major factor in every New Brunswick tenancy, impacting both comfort and cost. Knowing whether you or your landlord are responsible for essentials like heat, electricity, and water can help avoid disputes and ensure safe living conditions. This guide breaks down your legal rights and common questions about utilities and services in New Brunswick rental properties.

Who Pays for Utilities? Clarifying Responsibility

Responsibility for paying utilities typically depends on your rental agreement. In New Brunswick, the law does not require landlords to include utilities; instead, your lease or written agreement states who pays for what. Be sure to review your lease carefully:

• Included Utilities: Sometimes rent covers heat, water, electricity, or other services.
• Separate Utilities: If utilities are not included, you (the tenant) are expected to set up and pay for the services.

Clear utility arrangements help avoid misunderstandings. If an issue arises, Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained can provide more details about roles and agreements.

Common Utilities in New Brunswick Rentals

Most rental units in New Brunswick require several essential services:

• Heating: Oil, electric, or gas—maintenance and payment depends on your contract.
• Electricity and Water: Usually separate, unless specified as included in your rent.
• Internet/Cable: Almost always paid by the tenant.
• Garbage and Sewer: Can vary based on municipality or landlord arrangements.

If a utility is listed as "included," your landlord is expected to maintain supply unless a service interruption is beyond their control.

Minimum Standards: Heat, Water, and Repairs

New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Act ensures tenants have access to safe and healthy living environments. This means rental homes must always meet health and safety requirements, especially for heating and running water in winter months.^[1]

If you believe your home is unsafe, including insufficient heat or running water, consult Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for immediate actions and your rights.

Service Interruptions: What Happens If Utilities Are Cut Off?

If your landlord is responsible for utilities and they fail to provide essential services (like running water, electricity, or heat), you may have grounds to contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for help.^[2]

For services under your control (as listed in your lease), it’s your duty to arrange for timely payment to avoid service disconnection. If something goes wrong (like a power outage due to technical issues), contact your utility provider directly.

Official Forms for Utilities & Services Issues

• Form 6 – Application to Director (Residential Tenancies)
  Form 6 – Application to Director allows you to formally request action or dispute matters regarding services and utilities. For example, if your landlord isn’t supplying heat as promised in your lease, you can use this form to have the Tribunal resolve the issue. Download the form from the official government portal, and submit it according to the instructions.

Be sure to keep copies of all documents and correspondence related to your utilities and services situation.

Moving In: Utility Setup and Inspections

When you’re moving into a new rental, arrange for any utilities not included in your lease to begin service on your move-in date. Take initial meter readings and document the property’s condition. For pro tips on settling into your new place, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Your Rights: Where to Learn More

For an in-depth review of tenant and landlord utility rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick. You’ll find details on payment disputes, service minimums, and other standards unique to the province. For those exploring rental options outside New Brunswick, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with interactive tools and up-to-date listings.

1. Who is responsible for paying for utilities in New Brunswick rentals?
   Responsibility is outlined in your lease. If the lease says the landlord covers heat or water, they must pay. Otherwise, it’s up to you as the tenant to handle those bills.
2. Can my landlord cut off utilities if I’m behind on rent?
   No. Landlords are prohibited from cutting off essential services, even if rent is unpaid. Disconnections can only occur through the utility provider for non-payment of your account.
3. What should I do if my landlord fails to supply agreed utilities?
   Communicate first in writing. If that fails, you can submit a Form 6 to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for resolution.
4. Are there minimum heat requirements in winter?
   Yes. During winter, landlords must supply enough heat to maintain healthy temperatures, if they are responsible for heat under the lease.
5. Should I keep utility receipts and records?
   Definitely. Keeping receipts helps prove payment and can resolve disputes quickly.

1. How do I set up utilities for my new rental in New Brunswick?
   Contact local utility providers before moving in. Arrange connection for your move-in date, and take record of meter readings if possible.
2. How can I officially dispute utility service failures by my landlord?
   Complete and submit Form 6 – Application to Director to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, detailing the issue and including evidence.
3. How do I know which utilities I must set up myself?
   Check your lease agreement. If not specifically listed as "included," you are responsible for setting up and paying for those utilities.

Key Takeaways

• Always clarify which utilities are included before signing your lease.
• Promptly report missing or interrupted essential services.
• Understand and exercise your rights if your living conditions are affected.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick): Get official forms, contact information, and tenant resources.
• Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) – Full Text; Review your legal rights and responsibilities.
• For advocacy or urgent issues, contact local legal aid or tenant organizations.

---

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) – Government of New Brunswick
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Services and Info

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