Utilities Rules for Tenants in New Brunswick: What You Need to Know

Understanding your rights and responsibilities around utilities can save you stress, money, and disputes as a tenant in New Brunswick. Whether you’re moving in, renewing a lease, or facing issues like unexpected power bills, knowing how utilities and services are handled in New Brunswick rentals helps you avoid surprises and act confidently.

Who Pays for Utilities in New Brunswick Rentals?

In New Brunswick, the law does not automatically require landlords to include utilities (like water, electricity, heat, or internet) in the rent. Your rental agreement or lease will detail who is responsible for which services. Read this section carefully before signing, as it can directly affect your monthly budget.

• If utilities are included: The landlord must ensure continuous supply and cover the costs.
• If tenants pay utilities: You are responsible for setting up accounts, paying bills on time, and contacting utility companies if there are outages or issues.

The agreement should clearly state which party is responsible for each utility. If it doesn’t, ask for clarification—and get it in writing.

What Services Are Essential?

Essential services typically include heat, electricity, hot and cold water, and sometimes fuel (like oil). Lack of these services can impact your comfort and, in some cases, your health and safety.

If you believe a lack of essential services is making your unit unsafe or uninhabitable, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more information.

What Does New Brunswick Law Say About Utilities and Services?

The Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) governs rental housing, including utilities and essential services.¹ In general:

• Landlords cannot cut off or interfere with the supply of utilities if they are included in the rent or required by the lease.
• If the landlord controls utilities, they must maintain continuous service unless there’s a legitimate emergency or required repairs.
• If you pay a utility provider directly, missed payments can result in disconnection—which is your responsibility to avoid.

For a complete overview of tenant and landlord rights, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Common Issues with Utilities

Some typical problems faced by tenants include:

• Unexpected disconnection or reduction in utilities
• Ambiguous responsibility for bills (especially in shared houses or duplexes)
• Disputes over high utility costs

Check your lease, and refer to Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for more on what each party must do regarding services.

What To Do If Utilities Are Interrupted or Not Provided

If a landlord stops or reduces an essential service without a valid reason or notice—as a form of pressure or retaliation—this is not allowed under New Brunswick law. Equally, if you’re responsible for the utility, you must keep bills paid and services active.

Filing a Formal Complaint

If the situation isn’t resolved quickly, tenants can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. This tribunal handles residential tenancy disputes, including those about utilities and services.²

Important Forms for Tenants

• Application for Assistance (Form 5): Use this form if your landlord has cut off an essential service or is refusing to restore it. Submit it to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal when your written requests are ignored. Form 5 – Application for Assistance
• Notice of Complaint (Form 1): If you want to make a general complaint about your unit—including utility or services issues—use this form. Form 1 – Notice of Complaint

Example: If the landlord controls the heating and has turned it off in winter, submit Form 5 with evidence (photos, written requests, and utility bills, if relevant).

Moving In? Set Up Your Utilities Early

If the lease says you’re responsible for utilities, set up your accounts with companies like NB Power, Enbridge Gas NB, and your local water or internet providers before moving in. Doing this early prevents transfer delays or connection fees.

For more, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

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