Utilities and Services: Tenant Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

Understanding who is responsible for utilities and essential services is vital for tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador. Whether you’re moving into your first rental or resolving an issue, knowing your rights can help you avoid disputes and maintain a safe, livable home. This guide breaks down utility responsibilities, key forms, and steps to take when problems arise.

Which Utilities Must Be Provided?

The basic utilities in most Newfoundland and Labrador rentals include:

• Heat
• Electricity
• Hot and cold water
• Fuel (for oil or propane heating, if used)
• Sewer and waste removal

Your lease or rental agreement should spell out which services the landlord must provide, and which are your responsibility. If the agreement is unclear, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets minimum requirements^[1].

Who Pays for Utilities?

Responsibility for utility bills depends on your rental contract. Common arrangements include:

• All inclusive: Landlord pays all utilities.
• Split bills: Some utilities included, others paid by tenant.
• Tenant pays all: Utilities registered in tenant’s name (be sure this is specified in your contract).

If you’re unsure, clarify before signing. For a full picture of post-lease expectations, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Landlord Obligations and Service Interruptions

By law, landlords must keep essential services (such as heat, water, and electricity) running and promptly resolve disruptions, unless the lease expressly states the tenant is responsible. If a landlord fails to provide these services, tenants have options for recourse under the RTA.

If you ever experience a prolonged loss of an essential service, it can also become a Health and Safety Issue Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. Such problems may affect your right to safe and healthy living conditions.

Emergencies and Repairs

If you lose heat in winter, water, or electricity, contact your landlord immediately. In urgent cases, you may be able to arrange an emergency repair yourself and seek reimbursement. Always document the issue and your correspondence.

If your landlord does not restore a vital service within a reasonable timeframe, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Division for a remedy.

Relevant Forms for Utilities Disputes

• Application for Dispute Resolution (RT - Application Form) — Use this form to apply to the Residential Tenancies Division if your landlord fails to provide services or if there’s a disagreement over responsibility. Find it on the official government forms page.
  Example: If your landlord turns off your heat in January and does not respond, you can file this application to have the Residential Tenancies Division intervene.
• Notice to Landlord of Repairs Required (Form RT - 2) — Use this form to notify your landlord in writing that a repair or restoration of essential services is required. Available here.
  Example: If you’ve reported a leaking water tank and the landlord hasn’t fixed it, serve this notice to trigger your legal rights under the RTA.

Where to Get Help: Residential Tenancies Division

For disputes involving utilities or services, contact the Residential Tenancies Division of Newfoundland and Labrador. They oversee landlord-tenant relations, applications, and hearing processes.

Utilities and Your Safety

Lack of essential utilities can risk your health and safety. Notify your landlord as soon as possible and keep records. You may also consider reaching out for support to ensure your rental meets provincial requirements.

To better understand your broad rights as a tenant, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Looking for a new place with all utilities included? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to compare available options and pricing.

FAQ: Utilities & Services in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals

1. Who is responsible for paying for utilities in my rental?
   The responsibility depends on your lease agreement. It will outline whether the landlord or tenant pays each specific utility. Ask for clarification in writing before signing your lease.
2. What should I do if my landlord shuts off essential services?
   Contact your landlord immediately and document the issue. If services aren’t restored promptly, serve a Notice to Landlord of Repairs Required, then apply to the Residential Tenancies Division if unresolved.
3. Can my landlord include utility charges as part of the rent?
   Yes, this is common. Your agreement should state which utilities are included and which are separate so you know exactly what’s covered by your monthly payment.
4. What if I am responsible for utilities and I can’t pay?
   You risk disconnection and possible lease violations. Communicate quickly with your landlord if you’re facing payment issues. They may agree to payment arrangements, but late or unpaid utilities could result in further action.
5. Are there rules about heating requirements in the winter?
   Yes. The RTA requires landlords to provide adequate heat. If you lose heat in winter and your landlord does not act, you may apply for dispute resolution to restore service.

How To Handle Utilities Issues as a Tenant

1. How do I formally notify my landlord about a utility or service problem?
   Fill out the Notice to Landlord of Repairs Required (Form RT-2) and deliver it according to the instructions. Keep a copy for your records.
2. How do I file a dispute if my landlord doesn't respond or fix the issue?
   After serving written notice, complete the Application for Dispute Resolution and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Division. Attach copies of your communications and forms.
3. How do I check what utilities I’m responsible for?
   Review your lease or rental agreement. If it’s not clear, ask your landlord for clarification and request any additions in writing.
4. How do I protect myself when moving in?
   Document existing utility meters and confirm all services are working during your initial inspection. Keep utility account setup receipts and photos when possible.

Key Takeaways

• Check your lease for clear utility responsibilities and ask for clarification if needed.
• Landlords must provide vital services like heat and water unless your agreement states otherwise.
• Use official forms and the Residential Tenancies Division to resolve ongoing utility disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Division of Newfoundland and Labrador — applications, contacts, and tenant rights information
• Forms for tenant applications — download utility and repair dispute forms
• Tenant Support Services — tenant helplines and counselling

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, RSNL 1990 c R-14, Newfoundland and Labrador
2. Residential Tenancies Division — Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

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