Utilities and essential services are a major part of renting in New Brunswick. Whether you're just moving in or facing issues about heating, water, or electricity bills, knowing your tenant rights helps you avoid unexpected costs or disruptions. This article covers what you need to know about which utilities are your responsibility, what your landlord must provide, and the action you can take if something goes wrong under New Brunswick law.
What Are Utilities and Services?
Utilities typically include electricity, heat, water, gas, and sometimes internet or cable. Essential services are legally required to keep a rental safe and habitable—like running water, heat in winter, and working smoke detectors.
Who Pays for Utilities in New Brunswick?
There’s no standard rule: responsibility for utilities depends on your rental agreement. Some leases include all bills in rent; others require tenants to set up and pay utilities themselves. Always check your written lease for the details.
- If the lease is silent, landlords are responsible for basic services like heat, water, and electricity.
- Tenants must not be required to pay for services not mentioned in the lease.
For a broader understanding of rights and duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Minimum Requirements: Heat, Water, and Power
In New Brunswick, the landlord must maintain the rental in good, livable condition and provide any utilities required by law unless your lease says otherwise.
- Heat: Must provide at least 20°C (68°F) in all living areas during the heating season (usually September through June).
- Water: Must have safe, running water at all times.
- Electricity: Power for lighting, appliances, and safety features must remain connected.
If problems arise—like no heat or water—you can request emergency repairs. See Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for more details on how to handle urgent breakdowns.
Common Utility Disputes and Tenant Solutions
It’s not uncommon for tenants to face disputes over who pays a specific bill or what happens if a utility gets shut off. Typical issues include:
- Landlord discontinuing service to force a tenant out (not permitted).
- Disagreement over who is responsible for an unpaid bill.
- Essential service interruptions due to needed repairs or emergencies.
For tips on addressing general maintenance or safety problems, check Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
What If Utilities Aren't Provided?
If your landlord fails to provide an essential service, you can file a formal complaint with New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Urgent repairs and loss of utilities are treated seriously and prioritized.
Official Forms and How to Use Them
Here are official forms related to utility and service issues in New Brunswick, offered by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal:
- Tenant’s Application for Assistance (Form 6): If your landlord is not providing heat, water, electricity, or another essential service, you can use this form to ask the Tribunal to order the service restored.
Form 6 – Tenant’s Application for Assistance (PDF)
Example: If your landlord has not fixed the heating on a cold day, fill out this form and submit to the Tribunal to request urgent action.
- Notice of Complaint (Form 3): Used to start many official complaints with the Tribunal, including service interruptions.
Form 3 – Notice of Complaint (PDF)
Example: If you and your landlord can’t resolve a dispute over a utility bill, submit this form for Tribunal review.
Submit your completed form in person or by email to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Include copies of your lease and any bills or written notices.
Where to Get Help and Who to Contact
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick is the official body handling rental disputes, including those about utilities and services. Their office can offer guidance, legal interpretations, official forms, and steps for further action.
Relevant Legislation
Utility rights for tenants in New Brunswick are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick[1].
For a full overview of tenancy rights in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
- What utilities must my landlord provide by law in New Brunswick?
Landlords must provide and maintain heat, running water, and electricity unless your lease says you are responsible for these. If any of these are interrupted, landlords must arrange prompt repairs. - Can my landlord charge me extra for utilities after I sign the lease?
No. If utilities are included in the rent or not mentioned, your landlord cannot add extra utility charges after the lease is signed. - What should I do if my landlord shuts off essential services?
Document the issue and submit Form 6 to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal immediately for urgent action. - Are phone, cable, or Internet considered essential utilities?
No. Only heat, water, and electricity are considered essential under New Brunswick law. Other services like internet or cable are up to the rental agreement. - Can I withhold rent if utilities aren't working?
No. Always pay full rent unless Tribunal orders otherwise. Use the appropriate complaint form and keep evidence of the issue.
- How do I file a complaint about a utility outage in my rental?
Download Form 6 or Form 3 from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal website. Fill in your details and a description of the problem, then submit it by email or in person. Attach any evidence you have (e.g., lease, bills). - How can I check if my lease makes me responsible for a utility?
Review the “services and utilities” section in your rental agreement. If you’re unsure, consult the Tribunal or local tenant resources. - How should I document a recurring utility problem?
Keep a written log of outages or issues (dates, times, impacts). Take photos, collect copies of bills, and save any communication with your landlord. - How do I escalate a utilities dispute?
If talking to your landlord doesn’t resolve things, submit an official complaint and supporting documents to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for review.
Key Takeaways
- Check your lease to confirm who is responsible for utilities; when in doubt, landlords typically must provide heat, water, and power.
- If essential services are interrupted, use official Tribunal forms and contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal quickly for help.
- Always keep written records of problems and communication to protect your rights.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Guidance, forms, and dispute resolution
- Download forms and read tenancy guidelines: Official Tribunal Forms and Resources
- Find housing or report rental issues: Housing for All New Brunswick
- Affordable homes for rent in Canada: Easily search for rentals that suit your needs
