Utilities & Tenant Services in Nova Scotia: Your Rights Explained

Moving into or living in a rental unit in Nova Scotia? Tenants often wonder who pays for utilities, what’s considered an essential service, and what to do if there’s a disruption. This guide explains utilities and services for Nova Scotia tenants, including what your landlord must provide, what you’re responsible for, and where to turn when issues arise—all in straightforward language.

What Are Utilities and Essential Services?

"Utilities" means the services necessary for comfortable and healthy living, such as:

• Heat
• Electricity
• Water and sewage
• Hot water
• Natural gas or oil (where applicable)
• Garbage collection

According to Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act^[1], some utilities are considered essential services. It’s critical to know which utilities are included with your rent and which you’re required to connect and pay yourself—these details should be set out in your lease.

Who Pays for Utilities in Nova Scotia Rentals?

Whether the landlord or tenant pays for each utility depends on the rental agreement. Some common arrangements:

• Included in rent: Often, water and heat are included in apartment buildings, while electricity may not be.
• Tenant responsibility: In houses or basement units, tenants may be responsible for all utilities, or just a portion, depending on how meters are set up.

For more details about rights and responsibilities on utilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia.

Landlord & Tenant Responsibilities

• Landlord obligations: Must provide and maintain essential services (heat, hot water, electricity, etc.) unless your agreement states otherwise.
• Tenant responsibilities: Pay for and maintain any services that the tenancy agreement states you are responsible for.

The landlord cannot cut off essential services, even if you are late on rent. For a fuller explanation of rights and obligations, you may want to review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Utility Scenarios

• Shared meters or services: If a utility (like electricity) is shared between units, the landlord must pay unless each tenant has a separate meter and agreement.
• Disputes over bills: Tenants can request proof of payment or written explanation of charges from the landlord.

What to Do if Utilities or Services Are Interrupted

If you lose heat, electricity, or water through no fault of your own, take action immediately. Interruptions can affect your health and safety, particularly in winter. Landlords must respond quickly to restore lost services. You have the right to apply for remedies if a landlord fails to act.

• Contact your landlord in writing and request prompt repair or reconnection of the service.
• If there is no response, you can apply to the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program for an Order to restore services.
• You may also have a right to reduce your rent or make repairs and deduct the cost, in certain circumstances.

Relevant Official Forms

• Form K – Application to Director (General Application): Used if you need to ask the Residential Tenancy Program to resolve a utility dispute or order repairs.
  Example: If your landlord will not restore heat, submit Form K. Form K (PDF)
• Form M – Notice to Quit: If continued lack of essential services makes the place unfit to live, this form is used to end the tenancy. Form M (PDF)

For how to submit forms, see the process outlined on the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program website.^[2]

Moving In and Setting Up Utilities

When you move into a new place, you may need to connect utilities in your name if they are not included. Be sure to:

• Confirm with each provider what documents you’ll need (usually photo ID and proof of address)
• Keep a copy of the meter reading for your records
• Take photos upon move-in for proof

When moving in, don’t forget important steps outlined in Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Summary: Utilities & Services Issues in Nova Scotia

Utilities and service duties often cause confusion between landlords and tenants. Remember, your legal rights are protected under Nova Scotia’s Residential Tenancies Act and enforced by the Residential Tenancy Program.^[1][2]

For reliable rental options and up-to-date listings, Browse apartments for rent in Canada.

1. Do landlords have to provide heat and hot water?
   Yes, unless your lease specifically says you pay these utilities separately, landlords must provide heat, hot water, and other essential services as required by law.
2. What if my landlord turns off utilities for non-payment of rent?
   This is not allowed under Nova Scotia law. Only the Residential Tenancy Program can authorize stopping essential services.
3. How do I prove which utilities I'm responsible for?
   Your written lease should clearly state which utilities you are responsible for. If not, ask for clarification in writing and keep records.
4. Where can I go if my landlord won't fix a utilities issue?
   If first contact doesn’t work, you can apply to the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program for help. Use Form K to file your case.
5. What should I do before moving in regarding utilities?
   Get all meter readings at move-in, confirm responsibilities in writing, and save copies of all utility contracts if applicable.

1. How do I apply to Nova Scotia's Residential Tenancy Program over utilities problems?
   Step 1: Attempt to resolve the dispute in writing with your landlord.
   Step 2: If there's no resolution, download Form K from the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program website.
   Step 3: Complete and submit the form with any supporting documents.
   Step 4: Wait for instructions from the Program regarding your hearing or next steps.
2. How do I end my lease if essential services aren't provided?
   Step 1: Notify your landlord in writing of the issue.
   Step 2: If the situation isn’t fixed, fill out Form M (Notice to Quit) per tenancy law.
   Step 3: Submit the form and follow up with the Residential Tenancy Program as needed.
3. What should I do before placing utilities in my name?
   Step 1: Contact providers in advance and ask which documents you’ll need.
   Step 2: Arrange to transfer service on move-in day.
   Step 3: Take photos of meter readings when you arrive.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program: For advice, forms, and dispute resolution
• Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia): Read the full legislation
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nova Scotia: Province-specific information

---

1. ^[1] Residential Tenancies Act (Nova Scotia, current edition)
2. ^[2] Nova Scotia Residential Tenancy Program

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