Utilities and Services Checklist for Newfoundland and Labrador Tenants

Setting up utilities and essential services is a crucial part of moving into a new rental home in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a tenant, understanding your rights and responsibilities around power, water, heat, internet, and waste removal can help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. This guide provides a comprehensive utilities and services checklist tailored for tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Key Utilities and Essential Services for Tenants

Before moving in, confirm which utilities and services your landlord provides and which ones you are responsible for, as stated in your lease agreement. The main utilities and services usually include:

• Electricity (power)
• Heat (may be electric, oil, or other)
• Water and wastewater
• Garbage and recycling collection
• Internet and cable
• Telephone

Check your rental agreement for details, or ask your landlord directly. For more details on your rights and obligations after signing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Who Pays for What? Understanding Payment Responsibilities

Your lease should clearly state which utilities are included in the rent and which are your responsibility. In Newfoundland and Labrador, there is no standard requirement—arrangements depend on your specific rental contract.

• If utilities are included: The landlord will handle bills for power, water, or heat. Any service outages or problems should be reported to your landlord right away.
• If utilities are not included: You must set up your own accounts and pay the providers directly. This often applies to electricity, internet, and cable.

Step-by-Step Utilities Setup for Tenants

1. Electricity (Power)

• Provider: Newfoundland Power (Start Service Online)
• New Account: Apply before your move-in date to avoid delays.
• Identification: Be prepared to provide ID and your address details.
• You may be asked for a security deposit, especially if you have no prior NL credit history or are a first-time renter.

2. Water and Sewer

• Usually managed by the local municipality or included in your rent. Check with your landlord and local city office (e.g., St. John’s Water and Sewer).
• If you pay separately, set up your account with the city before moving in.

3. Heat

• Heating may be oil, electric, or another source. If oil, you'll set up an account with a local supplier.
• Electric heat is billed through your electricity provider.
• Ask your landlord about the heating system and any seasonal maintenance.

4. Garbage and Recycling

• Usually provided by the municipality and funded through taxes or local fees.
• Confirm your collection days and rules at your city’s website (e.g., St. John’s Curb It).

5. Internet, Cable, and Phone

• Privately arranged and not typically included in rent.
• Shop around for service providers and compare packages before you move in.

Utility Deposits and Legal Protections

Utility providers may require a deposit before starting service, especially for first-time tenants or those with limited credit history.

If you pay utility deposits directly to the landlord, ensure the amount and refund procedure are clearly stated in the rental agreement. You can learn more about security and utility deposits in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Health, Safety, and Minimum Standards

By law, Newfoundland and Labrador landlords must ensure the rental unit has adequate heat, light, and water, and meets all health and safety standards. If you have persistent issues with essential services (for example, heating breakdowns in winter), you have a right to request prompt repairs.

If utilities essential to health and safety are interrupted, contact your landlord immediately. For health and safety advice, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Official Forms for Newfoundland and Labrador Tenants

While there are no province-specific forms just for utilities, key forms you may need include:

• Application for Orders (Form A)
  Use when you need the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to order repairs or resolve disputes about utility responsibilities.
  Example: If your landlord refuses to restore heat or water, you can apply using Form A - Application for Orders.
• Certificate of Service (Form B)
  Use when you need to prove you have delivered forms or notices to your landlord regarding a utilities dispute.
  Example: After notifying your landlord about a utility disruption, use Form B - Certificate of Service as proof of notification.

Access all forms and guides at the official Residential Tenancies Program Forms page.

The Tribunal for Tenancy Issues in Newfoundland and Labrador

Residential tenancy disputes, including those about essential services, are handled by the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Program. This is your main resource for guidance, forms, and legal help on tenancy issues in the province.

Relevant Legislation

Your rights and responsibilities are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador).¹

For a full overview of tenant and landlord rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Other Useful Steps and Checks

• Request a copy of the most recent utility bills to estimate average costs (especially for heat and power).
• Inspect the property to ensure all outlets, taps, and appliances work.
• If your rental is in a building, clarify if there are shared meters and how charges are split.

If you're searching for a rental, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme easily and compare listings with utilities included or extra.

FAQ: Utilities and Services for Newfoundland and Labrador Tenants

1. What utilities are usually included in rent in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   It varies. Some rentals include heat, water, and electricity, while others require tenants to pay utilities directly. Always check your rental agreement for details.
2. Can my landlord shut off my utilities if there's a dispute?
   No. Landlords are not allowed to disconnect essential services even during a dispute. This is prohibited under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.¹
3. Do I need to pay utility deposits, and are they refundable?
   Yes, providers may require a deposit depending on your credit or rental history. These deposits are refundable (with interest if applicable) at the end of service, provided your account is settled.
4. Who helps resolve disputes about utilities or service interruptions?
   The Residential Tenancies Program handles disputes between tenants and landlords, including those about utilities and essential services.
5. How can I confirm if I am responsible for setting up utilities?
   Your lease should specify which utilities you must set up. If it's not clear, ask your landlord before moving in or consult the Residential Tenancies Program.

How To: Manage Utilities as a Tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador

1. How do I set up electricity in my rental?
   Contact Newfoundland Power before your move-in date, provide your ID and address, and pay any required deposit (if applicable). Your account can be set up online or by phone.
2. How can I request repairs if a utility fails?
   Notify your landlord in writing right away. If repairs aren't made promptly, you can file an Application for Orders (Form A) with the Residential Tenancies Program.
3. How do I provide written notice to my landlord about a utility problem?
   Write a clear letter or email explaining the problem and keep a copy for your records. You may use a Certificate of Service (Form B) to prove delivery if needed.

Quick Key Takeaways

• Utility setup is your responsibility unless the lease says otherwise—always clarify before signing.
• Landlords must not disconnect essential services, and legal remedies exist if this occurs.
• Use official forms and report disputes to the Residential Tenancies Program for fast help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Program (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador): Information, forms, and dispute applications.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission: Free or low-cost legal support.
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (full legislation)
• For community advocacy, connect with the Tenant Rights Project NL.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)

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