Top 5 Utility & Service Rules Every Tenant Needs in New Brunswick

Moving into a rental in New Brunswick? Utilities and services can be a confusing area for tenants, especially when you're not sure who pays the bills, what happens if the power is cut off, or how to handle disputes. This guide breaks down the top five most important points every tenant should know about utilities and services in New Brunswick, including your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act and practical action steps.

Top 5 Things Tenants Should Know About Utilities & Services in New Brunswick

1. Who Is Responsible for Paying Utilities?

In New Brunswick, the responsibility for paying for utilities (such as electricity, heat, water, gas, and internet) depends on what your rental agreement or lease specifies. Your landlord must clearly state in the agreement which utilities are included in your rent and which are your responsibility.

• Included Utilities: If your agreement says utilities are included, the landlord must pay those bills directly.
• Tenant’s Responsibility: If the agreement says utilities are not included, you will need to set up and pay for those services yourself.

Always double-check your lease before you sign. Understanding your obligations upfront helps you budget and avoid disputes later.

2. Landlord’s Obligations to Provide Essential Services

Landlords in New Brunswick are legally required to ensure tenants have access to all essential services: heat, hot and cold water, electricity, and any other utility deemed necessary for health and safety. Even if utilities are the tenant’s responsibility, a landlord must keep the rental's systems functioning properly (e.g., the heating system or plumbing).

For more, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

If you experience issues, such as the heat or water being shut off (not because you failed to pay), you can contact the Rentalsman for help, which is the official authority handling residential tenancies in New Brunswick. If you suspect there’s a health or safety risk, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

3. Disconnection and Restoration of Utilities

Utility companies in New Brunswick are within their rights to disconnect service if bills aren’t paid. However, a landlord cannot deliberately cut off your utilities, even if you owe rent. This is considered an illegal method of eviction, and you can file a complaint with the Office of the Rentalsman. If your landlord has shut off utilities without legal authority, report it immediately.

4. Addressing Utility Disputes and Repairs

Conflicts over bills or repairs are common. If you believe you’ve been overcharged or the landlord isn’t making repairs that affect your utilities, keep a record of your communication and bills. Try to resolve the issue in writing first. If this fails, you may file a formal complaint using:

• Form: Application for Assistance (Form 6) – Used to request help from the Office of the Rentalsman for issues such as improper utility shut off or landlord failing to restore essential services. Download from the official Government of New Brunswick page.

Submit your completed form to the Office of the Rentalsman. An officer will review your complaint, possibly interview both parties, and issue a decision.

5. Moving In: Verifying Utility Arrangements

When moving into a new place, confirm with your landlord which utilities are included and make sure account transfers are done if you're responsible for payments. Get all agreements in writing, and take meter readings on move-in and move-out to avoid future disputes on usage.

For a checklist of things to do before and after moving in, read Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

For more information on tenant and landlord rights in New Brunswick, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Want to browse homes with utilities included? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

1. Who pays for which utilities in a New Brunswick rental?
   Check your lease. If utilities are included, your landlord pays. If not, you must pay and set up the accounts yourself. Always review your agreement carefully.
2. What if my landlord turns off my utilities?
   This is illegal. Contact the Office of the Rentalsman immediately and consider filing a complaint if your landlord shuts off utilities.
3. Can my landlord enter my unit to check meters or repair essential services?
   Yes, landlords may enter for repairs or inspections related to utilities, but must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice except in emergencies.
4. Are landlords required to provide heat and water in winter?
   If these services are included in your rent, the landlord must ensure they function. Minimum heat requirements apply during winter months under provincial regulations.
5. Where can I get help with a utility dispute?
   Contact the Office of the Rentalsman or submit an Application for Assistance (Form 6) if you can't resolve the issue directly.

1. How do I file a complaint if my landlord cuts off utilities?
   Fill out Application for Assistance (Form 6) from the Office of the Rentalsman. Attach all relevant details and evidence, then submit it by mail, email, or in person. An officer will investigate your complaint.
2. How can I check what utilities are included in my rental?
   Read your lease carefully or clarify with your landlord before signing. Ask for written confirmation to avoid later confusion.
3. How to protect myself from surprise utility charges?
   Request a move-in meter reading, keep copies of all utility bills, and clarify division of charges in writing. Take photos if possible.

Key Takeaways

• Always get utility arrangements in writing before signing a lease.
• Landlords must provide essential services and cannot cut them off to force tenants out.
• For utility-related disputes, forms and help are available from the Office of the Rentalsman.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of the Rentalsman (New Brunswick): Information, complaint forms, and tenant guidance
• Residential Tenancies Act, SNB 1975, c R-10.2: Full text of the Act
• Government of New Brunswick – Landlord and Tenant Services: Official FAQ and resources

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, SNB 1975, c R-10.2. Read the legislation
2. Office of the Rentalsman. Government of New Brunswick Rental Services
3. Application for Assistance (Form 6): Official Government Download (PDF)

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