Starting a new tenancy in New Brunswick comes with questions about utilities and essential services. Understanding what’s included, who’s responsible for bills, and what to expect can help you avoid surprises and ensure a smooth move-in experience. This guide explains the essentials of utilities and services for tenants, directly based on New Brunswick’s rental laws and best practices for a safe, comfortable home.
What Are Utilities and Services?
Utilities cover the basic services needed to make a rental home livable. Common examples include:
- Electricity
- Water and sewer
- Heating (oil, natural gas, or electric)
- Hot water
- Garbage collection
- Cable, internet, and phone (usually optional)
Some rental agreements in New Brunswick include all or some utilities in the rent, while others require tenants to set up and pay for their own accounts. Read your lease carefully and always clarify before signing. For a full understanding of other important obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Who Pays for Utilities in New Brunswick Rentals?
Responsibility for utility payments depends on your lease agreement. In New Brunswick, landlords must clearly state in writing which services are included. Typically:
- All-inclusive: Landlord covers most or all utilities (often higher rent)
- Partial utility coverage: Rent covers some services (like water) but not all (like electricity)
- Not included: Tenant sets up and pays their own accounts with service providers
If the landlord pays for essential utilities and fails to do so, tenants can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for remedies.
Essential Services: What Must Be Provided?
Under New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Act1, landlords must generally ensure the following are available and in working order:
- Heat (to a minimum standard during winter months)
- Hot and cold water
- Electrical power
- Any other services required by law or in the lease
Setting Up and Changing Utility Accounts
If you are responsible for some or all utilities, you’ll need to contact service providers before moving in. Common providers in New Brunswick include NB Power, local water/sewer departments, and natural gas (where available). Landlords may provide a move-in checklist to help.
Dealing With Service Interruptions
If services are cut off due to issues outside your control (such as landlord non-payment), keep documentation and contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal immediately. Refer to the province’s resources listed below for support.
Relevant Forms for Tenants
- Notice of Termination (Form 1): If essential services are not provided as agreed, tenants may use this form to give notice to the landlord.
Example: If the landlord does not pay for heating as required, you may issue Form 1 to begin the process of ending your tenancy. Download Form 1: Notice of Termination - Application for Assistance (Form 6): Use this to apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you need help resolving a utility or service problem.
Example: If the landlord refuses to reconnect a cut-off service, submit Form 6. Download Form 6: Application for Assistance
Tribunal: New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal
All issues related to landlord and tenant disputes—including utilities and essential services—are overseen by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. Tenants can apply for help, file forms, or seek official guidance here.
For more details on your rights as a renter, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
Utilities, Inspections, and Your Rights
It’s a good idea to check the condition of essential services before moving in. Documenting the status of heat, water, and other utilities helps if you notice problems later. See the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for more tips.
Finding the right place with the services you need? Browse apartments for rent in Canada and easily compare utility options on each listing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Utilities and Services in New Brunswick
- Are landlords required to pay for heat in New Brunswick rentals?
Landlords must provide heat to meet minimum legal standards (often 21°C from October to May) unless your lease clearly says you pay for it. Always check your lease and discuss up front. - What should I do if my landlord turns off my water or power?
Document the problem and contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. You may be able to apply for a remedy if essential services are interrupted without your fault. - Can landlords charge extra for utilities after a lease is signed?
No, landlords cannot add new utility charges or increase what’s included unless the lease is amended and both sides agree in writing. - What if I move into a rental and the utilities aren’t working?
Notify your landlord immediately and keep records. If it isn’t fixed promptly, apply to the Tribunal using Form 6: Application for Assistance. - Who contacts the utility companies to set up accounts?
If your lease says you are responsible, you must contact the providers (such as NB Power) before your move-in date. Confirm start dates to avoid service gaps.
How To: Steps for New Brunswick Tenants to Resolve a Utility Dispute
- Check your lease
Review your signed agreement to see who is responsible for each utility or service. - Document the issue
Take photos, record dates, and keep any written communication about the problem. - Notify your landlord in writing
Explain the issue and request repairs or service restoration. Save copies. - If the issue isn’t resolved, submit a form
File Form 6 (Application for Assistance) with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for help. - If services are not restored, consider ending the tenancy
If the situation is severe, use Form 1 (Notice of Termination) to begin the process of ending your tenancy lawfully.
Key Takeaways for Tenants
- Know which services are included and which you must arrange before signing any lease.
- Landlords are required to provide heat, water, and other essential services as agreed.
- If you experience serious problems, use official forms and contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for support.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal — information, forms, and contact options
- Department of Justice and Public Safety — for serious health or safety issues
- Tenant Responsibilities and Rights in New Brunswick — official provincial government summary
- New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act, current version, regulates rental utilities and essential services for tenants and landlords in the province.
