If you’re renting in Ontario, understanding how utilities are shared — and who pays what — can help prevent confusion and disputes. Whether you’re moving into an apartment, a house, or a multi-unit home, knowing your responsibilities is key. This article explains shared utilities in Ontario rental properties, referencing the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and official government resources.

What Are Shared Utilities in Rentals?

Shared utilities are costs like electricity (hydro), heat, water, and gas that can be divided among tenants or included in rent. How costs are split depends on what your landlord and lease agreement state, as well as the property's setup.

Common Utility Arrangements

• Utilities Included in Rent: All or certain utilities are covered in your monthly rent.
• Utilities Excluded (Tenant Pays): Tenants pay for all or specific utilities directly to the service provider or reimburse the landlord based on usage.
• Shared Among Tenants: Utilities are split (often evenly or by room), either between tenants or with landlord, especially in houses with separate rooms rented out.

Review your rental agreement to see which type applies to you. For more on what your lease covers, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Who Pays for Each Utility in Ontario?

Your lease should specify who is responsible for paying utilities.

• Heat: If your rental must be kept at minimum temperatures (typically 20°C from September 1 to June 15), the landlord usually pays — unless specified otherwise and each unit is separately metered.
• Electricity/ Hydro: Can be tenant- or landlord-paid, depending on metering and lease terms.
• Water: Responsibility often falls to the landlord, unless the units are individually metered.
• Internet/Phone/Cable: Generally, tenants arrange and pay for their own services.

If your lease is unclear or you’re dealing with a change in utility payments, always ask for clarity in writing.

Shared Metering and Ontario Law

Under Ontario law, if you pay for utilities based on a shared meter (where one meter services more than one rental unit or a common area), your landlord must disclose this before you sign the agreement. They can only require you to pay for utilities through a shared meter if:

• You are the only occupant on that meter and it does not affect common areas or other units, or
• It’s specifically agreed in your lease and the landlord has given required disclosures (source).

If your landlord suddenly asks you to pay for utilities not listed in your lease, you are not required to pay unless you agree to the change in writing.

Important: Landlord and Tenant Board Oversight

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Ontario handles disputes about utility charges, rent, and lease obligations. Always keep records of payments and communications for your protection.

Key Forms for Utility Disputes in Ontario

• Tenant Application about Maintenance (Form T6): Use this form if your landlord is not providing essential services (like heat or water) as required by law or your lease. If, for example, your home is too cold in winter and the landlord is obligated to pay for heat, you can apply to the LTB using Form T6.
  Action steps:
  • Collect evidence (photos, temperature logs, bills)
  • Complete Form T6
  • File it with the LTB and serve a copy to your landlord
• Notice to End your Tenancy for Non-Payment of Utilities (Form N8): If your lease requires you to pay utilities and you don’t, the landlord may give you Form N8. This is the first step before seeking eviction due to unpaid utilities.

For more details on tenant responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Can Utility Costs Affect Rent Increases?

Utility charges are separate from rent unless they are included as part of your rent amount. If your utilities are excluded from rent, your landlord cannot increase what you pay for them unless you sign an agreement, or if it's needed to comply with Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act. Always request confirmation in writing before agreeing to changes in payment structures.

What Tenants Should Do When Moving In

Before you move in:

• Clarify which utilities are included and which are shared
• Request a written breakdown in your lease
• Take meter readings with your landlord for accuracy
• Make sure common areas are accounted for in shared arrangements

For more, view Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

You can compare homes with utilities included or excluded when you Browse apartments for rent in Canada.

For more information about your local rights and laws, see Tenant Rights in Ontario.

1. What happens if my landlord doesn't provide agreed utilities?
   If your landlord fails to provide heat, water, or hydro as promised in your lease (or as required by law), you can file a complaint through the Landlord and Tenant Board using Form T6. Keep a record of the issue and any communication.
2. Can my landlord start charging me for utilities that were previously included in rent?
   No, not without your written agreement. Changes to utility arrangements generally require a new signed agreement. If you don't agree, your current terms remain unless required by law.
3. What if I share utilities with other tenants and someone doesn't pay their share?
   If you all signed the same lease, you may be jointly responsible. Try to resolve the issue together; otherwise, contact the LTB if bills go unpaid or the landlord tries to evict everyone.
4. Does sharing utilities mean my landlord can enter my unit to read meters?
   Your landlord may need to access meters occasionally, but they must follow Ontario’s rules for notice of entry (usually 24 hours written notice).
5. Can a landlord evict me for unpaid utility bills?
   Yes, if paying utilities is your responsibility and you do not pay, the landlord can serve Form N8 and apply to the LTB for eviction after proper notice.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) Ontario: Rental disputes and forms
• Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing – Renting in Ontario
• Tenant advocacy: Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO)
• For local support, check your city’s legal clinic or housing help centre

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, SO 2006, c 17. Read the official legislation
2. Landlord and Tenant Board Ontario. Visit the LTB site
3. Government of Ontario – Renting in Ontario: Your Rights. Official provincial resource
4. Ontario Guide to Shared Metering. Official government guide

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