Nova Scotia Utilities & Services: A Guide for New Tenants

Moving into a new rental can be exciting, but understanding which utilities and services are included—and which you need to arrange yourself—can be confusing, especially for first-time tenants in Nova Scotia. This guide explains everything you need to know about utilities, from what’s typically covered in your rent to how to set up or transfer accounts. You’ll also learn about your responsibilities, necessary forms, and where to go for help if issues arise.

What Are Utilities and Services in Nova Scotia Rentals?

Utilities usually include electricity, heat, water, and sometimes Internet or cable. Essential services are those required for a rental to be safe and suitable for living, such as power for heating in winter, clean running water, and safe waste disposal. Your rental agreement should clearly state which utilities and services are included in your rent and which are your responsibility to arrange and pay for.

Common Utility Arrangements

• Included in rent: Some rentals, especially apartments, may include heat and hot water.
• Tenant responsibility: Electricity accounts (Nova Scotia Power), Internet, cable, sometimes oil or propane heat.
• Partial inclusion: In some cases, only some utilities are included.

Always confirm in writing what’s included before you sign. This helps prevent disputes and surprises later.

Who Pays for What? Your Rent and Utilities

Your lease or rental agreement will specify which utilities are included in your monthly rent. In Nova Scotia, landlords are required under the Residential Tenancies Act¹ to maintain services agreed upon in the lease. If a landlord wants to change what is included, they must provide proper notice. For guidance on what happens after you sign your rental agreement, you may find the page What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement helpful.

Setting Up Utilities: Tenants' Checklist

If utilities are not included in your rent, you are usually responsible for establishing accounts with service providers. Here’s how to get started:

• Electricity: Contact Nova Scotia Power to set up or transfer your account.
• Water: For apartments, water is usually included. In houses, check with your city or municipality.
• Heat: Oil, electric, propane, or natural gas—ask your landlord what system your building uses and how to arrange billing.
• Internet & Cable: Choose a local provider and arrange installation or transfer.

Service providers may require a security deposit or a copy of your lease before setting up a new account.

What If Utility Services Stop or Aren’t Provided?

Landlords must maintain the agreed-upon utilities to keep your rental healthy and safe. If you experience an interruption in a required service (like heat or electricity), contact your landlord in writing right away. The Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program is the official body handling tenant-landlord issues, including essential service complaints.

• If your landlord fails to restore utility service, you can file an application with the Residential Tenancy Board. This may include requesting a rent abatement or permission to complete repairs and deduct the cost.
• In emergencies (such as loss of heat in winter), tenants should document all communications and act quickly to ensure their safety.

You can learn more about resolving disputes and routine repairs on our page Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Relevant Official Forms for Tenants

• Form: Application to Director (Form D)
  Use this form to request a hearing to resolve disputes about utilities, repairs, or essential services. For example, if your landlord does not supply heat in winter as required, you would submit Form D.
  Download Application to Director (Form D)
• Form: Notice to Quit (Form C or D)
  If you need to end your tenancy because the landlord has failed to provide essential services, you may use a Notice to Quit. Check the latest form instructions.
  Notice to Quit Form C

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities Around Utilities

Under the Residential Tenancies Act of Nova Scotia¹:

• Tenants are entitled to services expressly included in the lease.
• Landlords must keep the property in a condition that meets health, safety, and housing standards.
• Tenants must pay for any utilities not included in their rent directly to the provider.

For a province-wide overview, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

When Can a Landlord Disconnect Utilities?

Landlords cannot legally disconnect essential utilities as a way of forcing a tenant out or for non-payment of rent. Doing so is considered an illegal eviction tactic and should be reported to the Residential Tenancies Program right away.

Finding Rentals in Nova Scotia

If you’re looking for a new rental and want to compare which utilities and services are included, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and filter your search based on included amenities.

Summary

Understanding your utilities and services as a new tenant in Nova Scotia is key to a stress-free renting experience. Review your lease carefully, clarify what’s included before you sign, and act promptly if service issues arise. For ongoing support, the Residential Tenancies Program is your main resource.

FAQs: Utilities & Services for Nova Scotia Tenants

1. Are utilities usually included in Nova Scotia rentals?
   It depends—some rentals (especially apartments) include heat and water, while others require tenants to pay some or all utilities separately. Always check your lease.
2. What should I do if the landlord won’t repair a broken furnace or loss of heat?
   Notify your landlord in writing and give them a reasonable time to fix it. If repairs aren’t made, you can apply for a hearing with the Residential Tenancy Board using the Application to Director (Form D).
3. Can my landlord shut off utilities if I don’t pay rent?
   No. This is not allowed under Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act and is considered an illegal eviction tactic.
4. How do I set up electricity and other utilities in Nova Scotia?
   Contact the relevant utility provider (Nova Scotia Power, your municipality, etc.) and have your lease and ID ready to set up or transfer accounts.
5. Where can I get help with a serious utility or service dispute?
   Contact the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program for advice and to file a complaint if needed.

How To: Taking Action When Facing a Utility Problem in Your Nova Scotia Rental

1. How do I report a loss of essential services (like heat or power)?
   Contact your landlord immediately in writing, describing the issue and asking for urgent repair.
2. What if my landlord doesn't restore an essential utility?
   After written notice and a reasonable wait, download and complete the Application to Director (Form D), then submit it to the Residential Tenancy Board.
3. What documents will I need when filing a utility complaint?
   Keep copies of your lease, utility bills, and all communications with your landlord as evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Always clarify which utilities and services are included in your rent before signing a lease.
• If a landlord fails to provide required services, act quickly—there are official forms and steps to protect your rights.
• The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia page and the Residential Tenancies Program are your primary resources for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program – Information, official forms, and dispute resolution.
• Nova Scotia Legal Aid Self-Help Guides – Free resources and guides for tenants.
• Nova Scotia Power – Set up or manage your electricity account online.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, Nova Scotia. See the full text at Residential Tenancies Act.
2. Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program. Visit official program website.
3. Official Forms: All current forms for tenants and landlords can be found at Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Forms.

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