Can my landlord make me pay for shared utilities if there is no separate meter?

Only if your written lease clearly specifies your responsibility and the arrangement is fair and reasonable. Otherwise, landlords should not pass on costs arbitrarily.

What should I do if a roommate does not pay their share of utility bills?

Tenants are jointly responsible if all their names are on the lease. Try to resolve it directly; if not, speak to your landlord or seek mediation through the Residential Tenancies Office.

Can my landlord shut off utilities if I am late on payments?

No. Landlords cannot legally disconnect vital services for reasons like late rent; this is prohibited by law and may result in penalties.

How should utilities be divided if several tenants share a unit?

It depends on your agreement. Many leases specify an even split, but always clarify with your landlord and document the arrangement in the lease.

Where do I file a complaint if my landlord is not honoring the utility agreement?

You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using Form 6 to request an official ruling.

Shared Utilities in NL Rentals: Who Pays, Rules & Tenant Rights

Utilities & Services Newfoundland and Labrador published: June 20, 2025

Navigating utility bills can be confusing for tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador, especially when utilities like heat, electricity, or water are shared. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help prevent disputes and unexpected costs. This article outlines who pays what, how these arrangements should be documented, and steps you can take if issues arise.

How Shared Utilities Work in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals

In many rental homes and apartments, utilities (like heat, water, or electricity) may be shared among multiple units or with the landlord. Whether you pay for all, part, or none of these costs depends on several factors:

Your rental agreement – Should clearly state who pays which utilities.
Metering and sub-metering – If utilities are not individually metered, sharing often happens.
Legal obligations – Newfoundland and Labrador's laws set standards for how landlords can allocate utility charges.

Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador cover detailed information on legislation and typical rental scenarios across the province.

What Does the Law Say?

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)^[1] sets out the rules for utility payment in rentals:

If your rental agreement says you must pay all or part of a utility, ask if there is a separate meter for your unit. If not, your obligation depends on what is fair and reasonable.
Landlords are required to provide adequate heat, water, and other vital services unless your agreement says otherwise.
If utilities are shared, the agreement should explain how costs are divided.

Common Shared Utility Arrangements

Landlord pays all utilities: This is common in some multi-unit homes. The cost is often reflected in higher rent.
Tenant pays all utilities: More common in single houses or units with separate meters.
Utilities are shared: In duplexes or older homes, tenants may split costs for oil, electricity, or water, usually according to usage or agreed terms.

For details on your responsibilities and rental payment practices, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Documenting Utility Arrangements in Your Lease

Every detail about utilities – who pays what, how amounts are calculated, and how disputes are handled – should appear in your written lease.

Ask for clear statements about each utility (electricity, water, heat, internet, etc.).
If utilities are shared, the lease should say how costs are divided (for example: "electricity is split evenly between upper and lower tenants").

After you sign, keep a copy of this lease for future reference. It is a key piece of evidence if a disagreement occurs. For more information on what you should know after signing a rental agreement, review What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Tip for Tenants: Never accept a handshake-only agreement. Always get shared utility details in writing to avoid confusion and protect your rights.

Steps to Take if Utility Issues Arise

If you are asked to pay a larger share than agreed, or if your service is cut off, it’s important to act promptly:

Talk to your landlord: Clarify your agreement and try to resolve the issue directly.
Document everything: Keep records of bills, conversations, and the rental agreement.
Contact the Residential Tenancies Office: This is the official tribunal that handles disputes. Learn more or file a complaint at Residential Tenancies Office – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Relevant Forms and When to Use Them

Tenant’s Application (Form 6): Use this to apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for a formal decision about a utilities dispute or if the landlord is not honoring the rental agreement.
Download Form 6 here. File it with supporting documents after trying to resolve the issue informally.
Notice to Remedy Defect (Form 2): Use this if you want to officially notify your landlord of a problem (e.g., utility shutoff or not providing required services) and give them a deadline to fix it.
Download Form 2 here.

Make sure to read the instructions on each form and contact the Residential Tenancies Office if you need assistance.

Preventing Utility Disputes: Best Practices

To avoid future issues over shared utilities:

Have a written lease spelling out all utility details.
Ask about separate metering before moving in.
Keep records of all payments and utility bills.
Communicate with housemates and landlords clearly and promptly.

Ready to find your next place? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and see rental options across Newfoundland and Labrador and the rest of Canada.

FAQ: Shared Utilities in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals

Can my landlord make me pay for shared utilities if there is no separate meter?
Only if your written lease clearly specifies your responsibility and the arrangement is fair and reasonable. Otherwise, landlords should not pass on costs arbitrarily.
What should I do if a roommate does not pay their share of utility bills?
Tenants are jointly responsible if all their names are on the lease. Try to resolve it directly; if not, speak to your landlord or seek mediation through the Residential Tenancies Office.
Can my landlord shut off utilities if I am late on payments?
No. Landlords cannot legally disconnect vital services for reasons like late rent; this is prohibited by law and may result in penalties.
How should utilities be divided if several tenants share a unit?
It depends on your agreement. Many leases specify an even split, but always clarify with your landlord and document the arrangement in the lease.
Where do I file a complaint if my landlord is not honoring the utility agreement?
You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using Form 6 to request an official ruling.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

Always get utility-sharing arrangements in writing in your lease.
If there’s a dispute, document everything and seek help from the Residential Tenancies Office using the appropriate forms.
Be proactive—clarify who pays for what before you sign any agreement or move in.

With clear communication and knowledge of your rights, you can avoid most utility-related disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador rentals.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Office – Newfoundland and Labrador: Call 1-877-829-2608 for support, forms, and dispute help.
Government of NL’s Consumer Affairs: Renting and Your Rights
Local tenant organizations or legal aid; check with your municipality or public legal information providers.

See: Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)