Who Pays Shared Utilities in New Brunswick Rentals?

Utilities & Services New Brunswick published: June 20, 2025 Flag of New Brunswick

Moving into a rental in New Brunswick may bring questions about who pays for utilities like electricity, heat, water, or internet—especially if they're shared between tenants. Understanding how shared utilities work can help you avoid disputes and ensure you know your rights under New Brunswick law.

How Utilities Are Handled in New Brunswick Rentals

In New Brunswick, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal oversees rental rights and obligations. Shared utility costs depend on your lease and the terms you agreed to with your landlord or co-tenants. Utilities can include:

  • Electricity and heating (oil, natural gas, or electric)
  • Water and sewer
  • Internet, cable, and phone (if provided)
  • Garbage collection or municipal fees

It's essential that your rental agreement specifies who is responsible for which utilities. If it's not clear, always ask and get clarification in writing before signing.

Typical Utility Arrangements

There are a few common ways landlords and tenants split utility expenses in New Brunswick:

  • All-inclusive: Landlord covers all utilities and includes the cost in rent.
  • Tenant pays: Tenants are responsible for utilities, either in their own name or shared among roommates.
  • Mixed: Some utilities (often heat and water) are included, while others (like electricity or internet) are paid by tenants.
  • Shared meters: Utilities are measured for more than one unit, and tenants split the cost.

Check your lease for these arrangements. Shared meters can be tricky—if billing isn’t transparent, disagreements may arise.

Legal Requirements: Utility Responsibility and Your Lease

Under New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must provide essential services such as heat, electricity, and water unless your lease states otherwise.[1]

  • If your lease says utilities are included, the landlord can't remove or stop providing them—even for non-payment of rent.
  • If you're paying some or all utilities, make sure it’s specified in the lease. Verbal agreements may not be enforceable.
  • For shared houses or apartments, clarify exactly how costs are divided—especially when utilities are not individually metered.

It's a good idea to review your Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for a complete picture of your responsibilities and protections.

Security Deposits and Utilities

Landlords in New Brunswick can't ask for utility deposits beyond the legal limit for regular security deposits. For more details, read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

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Disputes Over Shared Utilities

If you and your landlord or roommates disagree about utility payments, here’s what you can do:

  • Check your written lease or rental agreement for clear instructions.
  • Ask for written bills or receipts to see how costs are calculated, especially for shared meters.
  • Communicate concerns directly and keep records of any discussions or agreements.
  • Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you cannot resolve the issue.
Consider documenting utility meter readings and bill payments when moving in and out. This helps prevent misunderstandings later.

Filing a Utility Complaint: Forms and Process

If you believe your landlord is not meeting their responsibilities, you can formally apply for assistance or dispute resolution through New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

  • Form Name: Application for Assistance (Residential Tenancies Act) – Form 6
  • When to use: If your landlord has stopped providing essential utilities or you are being charged incorrectly for shared utilities.
  • How to use: Download Form 6, Application for Assistance from the Tribunal’s website. Complete and submit it online, by mail, or in person. Be sure to include copies of your lease and utility bills as evidence.

For a walkthrough on what to expect after filing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Tips for Tenants Sharing Utilities

  • Clarify all utility arrangements in writing before signing your lease.
  • Request copies of utility bills if you’re sharing costs with other tenants.
  • Keep a record of payments and communications.
  • Discuss a plan with roommates for how to split and pay ongoing bills.

Transparency and communication are key to preventing conflicts about utility costs.

Common Utility-Related Pitfalls

Be cautious of these issues:

  • “All-inclusive” rentals that later charge you extra for unexpected utility overages
  • Unclear agreements about how shared meters are split among tenants
  • Landlords who turn off utilities to force a tenant to leave – this is illegal

If you face an urgent loss of heat or power, remember that emergencies are taken seriously by the Tribunal and can be reported promptly.

FAQ: Shared Utility Costs in New Brunswick Rentals

  1. Can a landlord charge tenants for utilities if the lease says 'all included'?
    No, if your lease says utilities are included, your landlord covers those costs. Any changes require your written agreement.
  2. What if roommates don’t pay their share of the utility bill?
    If the utility is in your name, the utility company will hold you responsible. It’s best to have a written agreement among roommates. For serious disputes, you may need legal advice.
  3. How do I file a complaint if my landlord turns off utilities?
    Use the Application for Assistance (Form 6) to report service interruptions to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Attach supporting evidence.
  4. Are there rules about shared meters in New Brunswick?
    There are no strict rules, but cost-sharing must be agreed in advance and clearly outlined in the lease to avoid conflict.
  5. Where can I find more information about my rights regarding utilities?
    Visit the Residential Tenancies Tribunal website or read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

  • Always clarify and document who is responsible for utilities before signing a lease.
  • If you share utilities, clear agreements and good communication are essential.
  • Disputes can be brought to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using Form 6.

Understanding your rights around shared utilities will help you avoid costly mistakes and maintain a positive rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Read the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick
  2. Official New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal
  3. Download Form 6 (Application for Assistance)

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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