Many renters in the Northwest Territories face bills based on submetering or landlord-supplied utilities. This guide explains what submetering means for tenants, how to check your meter and billing records, and clear steps to dispute incorrect or unexpected utility charges. It is written for tenants who want practical advice about communication with landlords, collecting evidence, and using territorial procedures to resolve disputes. If you are moving or comparing rental options, consider your utility arrangement when signing a lease and where to find listings and tools to compare homes. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme can help you spot listings that include utilities so you can avoid surprise bills.
How submetering works and common billing problems
Submetering means the landlord installs individual meters for each unit but bills tenants directly or prorates a master-metered bill. Problems often include unclear billing methods, no access to meter readings, apportioned common-area charges, or charges that do not match consumption. Tenants have a right to clear information about how charges are calculated and to see meter readings and supporting invoices from the utility provider.[1]
Before you dispute: check your lease and gather evidence
Start by reviewing your rental agreement to see what it says about utilities and billing. If the lease is silent or ambiguously worded, territorial rules and past practice may matter. For help with interpreting lease terms after signing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.
- Gather copies or photos of bills, meter readings, and any emails or notes about past charges.
- Record dates and amounts: keep a simple written log of readings and payments.
- Contact the landlord in writing to ask for a full breakdown, receipts, or utility invoices.
Communicating with your landlord
Always make requests in writing (email or text) and keep copies. Ask for the meter serial number, reading dates, and copies of the utility supplier invoice that corresponds to your billing period. If the landlord refuses or does not respond, send a formal written notice describing the issue and the remedy you seek, and keep proof of delivery.
Filing a formal complaint or application
If informal communication fails, you can file a formal dispute with the territorial body that handles residential tenancy disputes or civil claims, depending on local procedure. Typical steps include completing an application form, attaching evidence, and paying any required filing fee. Confirm which form to use and where to file by checking official territorial resources for tenancy legislation and forms.[2]
What to expect at a hearing
Hearings are usually informal but bring ALL evidence: meter photos, dated bills, logs, and communication with the landlord. You’ll explain your dispute, the landlord will respond, and an adjudicator will make a decision. If the decision orders a refund or adjustment, it will state the amount and how it will be paid or applied.
When to get legal help or advocacy
If the amounts are large, if the landlord retaliates, or if you need help preparing a case, contact local legal aid, tenant advisory services, or a community legal clinic. Official territorial court or registry pages list filing steps and fee waiver options for low-income applicants.[3]
FAQ
- Who is responsible for utility charges under submetering?
- Responsibility depends on your lease and territorial law, but tenants billed by submeter are normally responsible for the usage recorded on their unit meter unless the landlord has agreed otherwise.
- Can my landlord charge an administrative fee for delivering utility bills?
- Some territories limit extra charges; any administrative fee must be allowed by the lease or territorial rules and must be reasonable and documented.
- What evidence helps win a utility billing dispute?
- Photographs of the meter showing serial numbers and readings, copies of invoices from the utility provider, dated payment records, and written requests to the landlord are most useful.
How-To
- Gather evidence: take dated photos of the meter and collect all bills and communications.
- Request a written breakdown from your landlord and keep a copy of the request.
- If there is no satisfactory reply, complete the territorial dispute application form and attach your evidence.
- Attend the hearing and present your evidence clearly and calmly.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Act (Northwest Territories)
- Government of the Northwest Territories — housing and tenancy information
- NWT Courts and filing information
