Many renters in New Brunswick wonder which utilities they must pay and which remain the landlord's responsibility. This guide explains common lease clauses, how provincial rules affect utility billing, and practical steps tenants can take when meters, submetering, or shared utilities are involved. You will learn how to check your lease, collect documentation, and use official provincial processes if a dispute arises. The aim is to help tenants protect their rights, avoid surprise charges, and understand when to involve the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or request official forms from the provincial service office.
Who usually pays for utilities?
There is no single rule that covers every tenancy: what a tenant pays usually depends on the written rental agreement. Leases commonly assign responsibility for certain services to the tenant (for example electricity or internet) while landlords often cover heating, hot water, or municipal water in multi-unit buildings. If the lease is unclear, ordinary practice and provincial rules will guide who ultimately pays.
Common arrangements
- Tenant pays electricity when the meter is in the tenant's name or the lease says the tenant will pay.
- Landlord often pays heating and hot water for buildings with a central system, unless the lease shifts that cost.
- Tenant pays internet, cable, and phone services directly to providers when they set up accounts.
- Water and sewer can be paid by the landlord or tenant depending on whether the building has individual meters or a bulk municipal account.
- Garbage and recycling fees are sometimes included in rent or billed separately by landlords.
- When utilities are shared, leases should state the method used to divide bills (submetering, flat fee, or proportionate split).
What provincial rules say
The governing legislation and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal set the rules for disputes and what counts as an allowable charge for tenants in New Brunswick. If a landlord tries to add a utility charge not specified in the lease, you can raise the issue with the tribunal or request official guidance from provincial services.[1][2]
How to handle utility billing disputes
When you believe a utility charge is incorrect or unfair, follow a step-by-step approach to increase your chance of a quick resolution.
- Check your lease and any written notices to confirm what you agreed to pay.
- Gather evidence: copies of bills, meter readings, photos of meters, and written communications with the landlord or building manager.
- Contact the landlord in writing to request a clear billing breakdown and a correction if needed.
- If the landlord does not resolve the issue, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and include your evidence.
- Meet all tribunal deadlines for filing paperwork and serving notices to preserve your rights.
Practical example
If your landlord charges you a monthly water fee but the property has separate water meters and your name is not on a meter, ask the landlord for proof of meter readings. If they cannot provide transparent evidence of how the charge was calculated, you can apply to the tribunal for a hearing and request an order to correct overcharges.[3]
Repairs and utility-related habitability issues
When a utility problem affects habitability — for example loss of heat in winter or no hot water — the landlord is typically responsible for prompt repairs. Tenants should report the issue in writing, allow reasonable access for repairs, and if necessary follow the steps in the tenancy tribunal process to seek remedies. For guidance on repair responsibilities and emergency repairs, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
FAQ
- Who pays utilities if the lease is silent?
- If the lease does not say, normal practice and the facts determine who pays; raise the issue in writing and use tribunal processes if necessary.
- Can a landlord add a utility charge after I sign?
- Not usually; new charges must be agreed to in writing or supported by law. A unilateral change may be disputed through the tribunal.
- How do I get official help in New Brunswick?
- Contact the Residential Tenancies service and review the Residential Tenancies Act to find forms and filing instructions.
How-To
- Read your lease carefully to identify which utilities you agreed to pay.
- Collect bills, meter photos, and any communications that show how charges were calculated.
- Send a clear written request to your landlord asking for a billing explanation and correction if needed.
- If unresolved, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and attach your evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Always check and keep a copy of the utility clauses in your lease.
- Document bills, readings, and communications to support any dispute.
- Use the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if your landlord will not correct improper charges.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
- New Brunswick legislation and legal resources
- Official tenancy forms and filing instructions
