Top 5 Utility Rules All Newfoundland and Labrador Tenants Must Know

Confused about what utilities you’re responsible for as a tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador? From who pays the power bill, to what your landlord must provide by law, understanding your rights around utilities and essential services is vital for a smooth renting experience. This guide explains the five most important things tenants need to know about utilities and services so you’re well prepared—whether you’re signing a new lease or dealing with service issues.

1. Who Pays for Utilities? Review Your Rental Agreement

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the rental agreement should clearly state which utilities (like heat, electricity, water, or internet) are included in your rent and which ones you are responsible to pay directly. This varies from rental to rental—there’s no province-wide rule that makes the landlord always cover basics like heat or water. Common scenarios include:

• All-inclusive rent: Utilities are included in the rent price.
• Partial inclusion: Only some (e.g., water and heat) are covered; you pay the rest.
• Tenant responsibility: You pay for all utilities in addition to your rent.

Always get this in writing as part of your rental agreement before moving in. If you’re unsure about what counts as a utility or what is meant to be included, check your lease or speak to the landlord before you sign. For more on your rights and what to check for after signing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

2. Minimum Standards: Essential Services Must Be Provided

By law, landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador must ensure the property is fit for habitation and provide access to vital services. These usually include:

• Heat (to a minimum temperature required by local by-law or health regulations, generally from September 15 to June 15)
• Running water (hot and cold)
• Reasonable access to electricity and fuel (if supplied by the landlord)

Repeated failure by the landlord to provide required services could be a health or safety violation. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

3. Utility Disconnections and Landlord Obligations

Your landlord is not allowed to deliberately disconnect or interfere with essential services such as electricity, heat, or water as a means to penalize tenants, even if there’s a dispute over rent. Doing so is against the law and can result in penalties under the Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)^[1].

If a utility service is cut off due to landlord non-payment (where the landlord is supposed to pay), you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Section for an order requiring the landlord to restore service.

Forms for Tenants: What to Use and When

• Form RT – Application by Tenant: Use this if you need the Residential Tenancies Section to order your landlord to reconnect utilities or compensate you for service loss.
  Example: If your landlord hasn’t paid the electricity bill and power is cut off, fill in Application by Tenant (Form RT) and submit it to request a hearing.
• Form Q/T – Request for Repairs: Use if there are urgent repairs impacting essential services.
  Example: No running water due to plumbing failure the landlord won’t fix. Access Request for Repairs (Form Q/T).

4. Tips for Tenants: Document Everything and Communicate Early

Utility issues can arise if there is a misunderstanding about responsibilities or in cases of property maintenance problems. To protect yourself:

• Keep a copy of your signed lease and all written agreements about utilities.
• Document any service interruptions with photos, emails, or call logs.
• Contact your landlord immediately if a utility is disconnected or not working.

If problems persist, you may file a claim with the Residential Tenancies Section. For more on dealing with common rental issues, review Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

5. Where to Get Help and Learn More

For official rules on your rights and responsibilities around utilities and essential services, consult:

• Newfoundland and Labrador’s Residential Tenancies Section (provincial tribunal for tenant-landlord matters)
• Local tenant advocacy groups (for advice and support)

For an overview of tenant rights provincially, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

If searching for a place with utilities included, try Browse apartments for rent in Canada for options and details.

1. Are landlords required to pay for all utilities in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   No, landlords are not automatically required to cover all utilities. Which ones are included depends on your rental agreement. Always check your lease and clarify with the landlord.
2. What can I do if my landlord shuts off my heat or electricity?
   This is illegal. Contact your landlord in writing and keep records. If the service isn’t restored, submit Form RT – Application by Tenant to the Residential Tenancies Section.
3. Who do I contact if there are problems with water or essential services in my rental?
   First, notify your landlord in writing. If not resolved, use the appropriate form (see above) and apply to the Residential Tenancies Section for help.
4. Can landlords increase utility costs without notice?
   Landlords can only pass on increased utility costs if your agreement allows it. Otherwise, rent or included services can change only with proper notice according to the law.

1. How do I apply to the Residential Tenancies Section if my utilities are disconnected?
   
   1. Gather evidence (lease, communication, bills).
   2. Fill out Form RT – Application by Tenant.
   3. Submit the form by email, mail, or in person to the Residential Tenancies Section.
   4. Attend your scheduled hearing and present your case.
2. How can I make sure utilities are included before moving in?
   
   1. Read the rental agreement carefully for utility details.
   2. Ask your landlord to specify which utilities are covered in writing.
   3. Take photos of meter readings on move-in day as proof.

Key Takeaways

• Always clarify and get in writing which utilities are included in your rent.
• Landlords cannot legally cut off vital services to your rental, even if there’s rent owing.
• If a disagreement or service cutoff occurs, use the official forms to protect your rights and seek quick remedies.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Section – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (inquiries and forms; phone: 1-877-829-2608)
• Forms, brochures and guides for tenants and landlords
• Local tenant advocacy services (Legal Aid NL; local housing support groups)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (NL)
2. Residential Tenancies Section – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
3. Official forms and guides

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