Newfoundland & Labrador Utilities and Services Guide for Tenants

Moving into a new rental home in Newfoundland and Labrador brings many questions about utilities and essential services. Understanding how utilities work, who pays for them, and your legal rights can help you budget and avoid disputes. This guide breaks down what new tenants should know about utilities and services in this province, based on the latest legislation and best practices.

What Are Utilities and Services in Rentals?

Utilities are basic necessities that make your home livable. In rental housing, these usually include:

• Electricity
• Heat (often oil, electric, or propane in Newfoundland and Labrador)
• Water and sewer
• Hot water
• Other services: garbage removal, cable/internet, parking, or laundry

Your lease should state which utilities and services are included in your rent and which you must set up or pay for yourself. Landlords and tenants can negotiate who is responsible for each item, but the agreement must follow provincial law and be clear in writing.

Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)^[1], landlords must ensure that any service or facility included in your rental agreement is maintained throughout your tenancy. This commonly means:

• If your lease says heat and electricity are included, the landlord must keep them connected and pay any charges.
• If you're responsible for utilities, you must arrange connection and payment in your own name.
• Landlords cannot cut off services to force you to move. It is illegal to disconnect utilities as a form of eviction.

For more on landlord and tenant duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Utility Arrangements in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals

Most rental agreements will state specifically what is included and what is not. Typical arrangements are:

• All-inclusive: Heat, electricity, and water included in rent.
• Partially inclusive: Rent covers only heat and water, while tenant pays for electricity or other services.
• Not inclusive: Tenant pays for all utilities separately.

Always clarify with your landlord and review your written lease before signing.

Setting Up and Changing Utilities

When moving in, ask your landlord which utilities are already set up and in whose name. If you are responsible for a service, contact the provider (e.g., Newfoundland Power for electricity) to open an account and arrange billing.

Security Deposits and Utility Accounts

Utility companies may ask for a deposit, especially if you have no credit history in NL. This is separate from your rental deposit, which your landlord may require. For information about deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What If Utilities Are Interrupted?

If your landlord is responsible for services and they are disconnected (not due to your actions), this may be considered a breach of your rights. Take the following steps:

• Contact your landlord to alert them and request restoration.
• Keep records of communication and any expenses (e.g., temporary housing costs).
• If not resolved quickly, you may apply to the NL Residential Tenancies Office for a remedy (see forms below).

Utility disconnections can sometimes result in emergency repair situations or make your home unsafe. If there is a serious health or safety risk, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Official Forms for Utility-Related Issues

Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador can use specific forms to address utility and service problems.

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 6)
  When to use: If your utilities are disrupted and your landlord will not resolve the issue, use Form 6: Application for Dispute Resolution to ask the Residential Tenancies Office for help. Example: You lose heat in winter and your landlord does not respond to your repair request.
  How to use: Complete and submit Form 6 (online or by mail) with supporting evidence (photos, messages, bills).
• Notice to landlord to remedy a breach
  If you wish to give your landlord written notice to fix a utility/service issue, provide a letter specifying the problem, the required action, and a reasonable deadline. While NL does not provide a specific form for this, documentation is important.

Where to Get Help: NL Residential Tenancies Office

The Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Office is the main government agency for rental issues, including utilities and essential services. They handle formal complaints, applications, and mediation.

Moving In, Inspections, and Utilities

It's a good idea for new tenants to do a walkthrough inspection with the landlord at move-in, noting utility meter readings and the condition of appliances. For more guidance, see Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Other Tips on Utilities in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Review your lease before signing. It should specify all included services and any extra charges.
• Be careful if utilities are "split" with other units. Ask how costs are divided and request written confirmation.
• Protect yourself—get receipts for all utility payments you make directly to your landlord or shared services, and communicate in writing wherever possible.
• Consider energy efficiency and insulation—older homes may have higher heating bills.

Need to find a new rental with included utilities? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

For province-specific details, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

FAQ: Utilities and Services for Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador

1. Are landlords required to provide heat during winter?
   Yes. If heat is included in your agreement, the landlord must maintain a reasonable temperature during the heating season, as required by law.
2. What do I do if a utility is shut off and it isn't my fault?
   Contact your landlord immediately and document the issue. If not resolved, apply to the Residential Tenancies Office to order the service restored.
3. Do I have to pay utility deposits in addition to my rental deposit?
   Yes, some utility companies may require a separate deposit for service connection. Your landlord cannot keep this deposit—it is separate from your security deposit.
4. If a utility cost is shared with other tenants, can my landlord just divide the bill?
   Only if your agreement clearly explains the cost-sharing method. Get the terms in writing to avoid disputes.

How To: Manage Utility Issues as a Tenant in NL

1. How do I apply for help if my landlord won't fix a utility problem?
   1. Try to resolve the issue directly and document your request. 2. If not resolved, fill out Form 6 (Application for Dispute Resolution) from the NL Residential Tenancies Office and submit it with evidence. 3. Attend your hearing to explain the problem.
2. How do I set up my own utility account when moving in?
   Contact the utility provider (e.g., Newfoundland Power), provide your identification and new address, and pay any deposit required. Arrange for service to begin on your move-in day.
3. What steps should I take to avoid disputes over shared utilities?
   Request written details from your landlord on how costs will be divided, keep copies of bills and payments, and communicate about any concerns early on.

Key Takeaways for New Tenants

• Always check your lease to confirm which utilities and services are included with your rent.
• Landlords must provide and maintain all agreed-upon essential services—never accept unlawful disconnections.
• Use official resources and forms to protect your rights and resolve disputes quickly.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Office
  Toll-Free: 1-877-829-2608
• NL Tenancy Forms and Applications
• Legal Aid NL: 1-800-563-9911
• For more about your rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL) - full text

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