Utilities & Services: Tenant FAQs for New Brunswick Rentals

Dealing with utilities and services is a key part of any rental experience in New Brunswick. Whether you’re unsure who pays for heat, water, or electricity—or what to do if there’s a problem—understanding your rights and responsibilities will help you avoid disputes and enjoy a more comfortable home. This guide answers the most common questions about utilities for tenants across New Brunswick, including official forms to use and where to get help.

Who is Responsible for Paying Utilities in a Rental?

In New Brunswick, the rental agreement (lease) should clearly state whether the landlord or the tenant is responsible for specific utilities, such as heat, electricity, water, or internet. If your lease says utilities are included, the landlord must pay them. If not included, it is up to the tenant to arrange and pay for each utility in their name.

• Review your lease for specific details. Always get utility agreements in writing.
• For heat, landlords must supply it if it’s included in the rent or in cases where doing otherwise would break health/safety laws.

For more on your ongoing rights, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

What Utilities Must a Landlord Provide by Law?

New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Act says landlords cannot interrupt the supply of vital services—such as heat, water, and electricity—if they are responsible for them under your lease.^[1]

• If a landlord is providing heat, it must keep the home at a minimum indoor temperature (usually 20°C) during the heating season.
• If utilities are included, landlords cannot cut off services due to rent disputes.

What Happens if There’s a Utility Outage or Interruption?

If you lose heat, water, or electricity and it’s the landlord’s responsibility, contact your landlord immediately. Document the outage. For urgent loss of essential services, the dispute can be resolved by New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Tribunal, who can order repairs or compensation.^[2]

Tip: If your health or safety is at risk, it is important to call your landlord in writing and keep records of all correspondence.

Common Utility Problems and Quick Tips

• If you pay for utilities directly, connect with the utility provider about outages or billing.
• If a landlord is responsible and refuses to fix, you may file Form 6—Notice of Application for Assistance with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Form 6).

Getting Utilities Set Up When Moving In

If you’re responsible for some or all utilities, contact service providers (electricity, water, heating fuel, etc.) as soon as your lease is signed. You’ll need your new address, move-in date, and sometimes a security deposit.

Read additional Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home for moving day checklists and setup advice.

Can a Landlord Shut Off My Utilities?

No. Under the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick), landlords cannot disconnect vital services even if you are late on rent.^[1] Contact the Tribunal or local authorities if this happens.

Official Forms for Utility Disputes

The main form tenants use for utility problems in New Brunswick is:

• Form 6: Notice of Application for Assistance
• When to use: If the landlord fails to repair, restore, or pay for utilities as required.
• How to use: Fill out details about your rental, describe the problem, and send the form to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. They will investigate and may order action or compensation.
• View and download Form 6

This form is suitable for service interruptions, unaddressed repairs, or unlawful utility disconnections.

Key Legislation for Utilities in Rentals

• Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)

This Act details all rules about landlord and tenant responsibilities and who pays for utilities. It is recommended you review the relevant section if you face a utility dispute.

Useful Rental Platforms

Looking for a new place where utilities are included or clearly outlined? Browse apartments for rent in Canada to view updated listings and utility details.

For more on your rights and responsibilities, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are utility costs usually included in the rent in New Brunswick?
   It depends on your lease. Some rentals include heat or water in the rent while others require tenants to set up and pay bills separately. Always check your contract.
2. What do I do if my landlord threatens to disconnect utilities?
   Landlords cannot legally disconnect utilities if they are included in your rent. If this happens, contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and document the situation.
3. How can I dispute an incorrect utility bill?
   Start by contacting your service provider. If you believe your landlord is at fault for a high or incorrect bill and utilities are included, submit Form 6 to the Tribunal.
4. Who fixes utility-related repairs?
   If the utilities are included in your rent, the landlord must arrange repairs. If you pay the provider directly, you must arrange with that company for repairs, but contact your landlord about issues affecting the rental’s habitability.
5. What official board handles tenancy disputes related to utilities?
   The Residential Tenancies Tribunal is responsible for utility-related rental disputes in New Brunswick.

How-To: Solve Common Utility Disputes as a Tenant

1. How to file a complaint if a landlord isn’t providing necessary utilities?
   Complete and submit Form 6 (Notice of Application for Assistance) to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Include details and any evidence.
2. How do I set up utilities if I’m responsible?
   Contact local providers before move-in, provide your address and date, and arrange payments. Ask the landlord for provider contact info if unsure.
3. How to legally request a rent adjustment if you take on new utility costs?
   Discuss with your landlord if a service arrangement changes mid-lease and, if needed, apply to the Tribunal for a rent review using Form 6.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Check your lease for clear utility responsibilities before moving in.
• Landlords cannot disconnect essential services illegally.
• Use official forms and the Tribunal to resolve persistent disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal — Dispute resolution and official forms
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB) — Tenant & landlord info
• Local tenant advocacy groups can help with negotiation and complaints

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy