Shared Utilities in PEI Rentals: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Understanding who pays for shared utilities is a common concern for tenants renting in Prince Edward Island (PEI). The responsibility for utility bills—like heat, electricity, water, and internet—can vary by building and rental agreement. This guide explains the laws and best practices around shared utilities in PEI, so you know your rights and obligations as a tenant.

How Shared Utilities Work in Prince Edward Island Rentals

In PEI, rental units may have utilities either included in rent or paid separately by tenants. Shared utilities occur when more than one rental unit uses the same meter (for electricity, water, etc.) or when services are split among tenants living together. Determining who is responsible depends mainly on your written lease and PEI’s tenancy laws.

Key Considerations for Shared Utilities

• Check your rental agreement: The lease should clearly state which utilities are included and which must be paid by tenants.
• Are utilities separately metered? If not, the landlord must specify how charges will be divided and calculated.
• Landlord must provide details: If a utility is shared and tenants are expected to pay a portion, the landlord must show how costs are determined.
• Rule of reasonableness: Charges must reflect only the actual amount used for your space, not other units or areas.

For a full overview of tenant and landlord rights, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Prince Edward Island.

What the Law Says in PEI: Residential Tenancy Act

Prince Edward Island’s Residential Tenancy Act outlines rules for utility responsibility. The rental agreement (oral or written) must state if utilities are included. If not, tenants are usually responsible for utility payments. However, when a utility service (like heat or power) is shared between multiple rental units and tenants are asked to pay, the landlord must:

• State in writing how the tenant’s share is calculated
• Provide documentation supporting the division of costs, if the tenant asks
• Ensure charges are for the tenant’s benefit only, not for common areas or other tenants, unless clearly agreed in the lease

Disagreements can be taken to the Prince Edward Island Residential Rental Office, the tribunal responsible for landlord-tenant issues in the province¹.

Examples of Shared Utility Arrangements

• If your apartment’s heat is supplied by a single furnace for the whole building, your landlord cannot charge you for the whole bill unless your lease specifically says so and the charges are reasonable.
• For Wi-Fi or cable, costs should only be split among those who receive the service.
• If renting with roommates and the utilities are not included, your group must decide how to split bills fairly. This is not regulated by PEI law but should be set out clearly among tenants.

Utility Billing, Deposits, and Protections

Landlords cannot require you to pay a security deposit for utilities if the service is billed directly to you by the utility company. If utilities are included in rent and you pay a rental deposit, the deposit covers the unit, not extra services. If utility charges are separate, always ask for copies of bills and a clear written breakdown of what you owe.

What To Do If You Disagree With a Shared Utility Charge

If you think the charges are unfair or not as agreed upon in your lease, you can file a complaint with the PEI Residential Rental Office. Use Form 2 – Application by Tenant (available on the official government website) when:

• Challenging unfair utility charges
• Seeking clarification or correction on shared utility arrangements

Practical example: If you receive a bill for shared heating that is much higher than your expected share, fill out Form 2 and submit it to the Rental Office. Attach copies of the bill and your lease agreement.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues with Shared Utilities

• Unexpected charges or fees for utilities not mentioned in your agreement
• Disputes over usage estimates or division among tenants
• Landlord failing to provide documentation for utility costs
• Utilities being disconnected due to unpaid bills not your responsibility

For a broader list of rental challenges, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Moving In? Utility Setup Essentials

• Confirm with your landlord which utilities are included and which you must set up in your name
• Document the meter readings at move-in for shared utilities
• Keep copies of all utility agreements and bills

For more help when starting a new rental, review Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Finding Rental Homes with Fair Utility Policies

If you prefer homes with utilities included or want to compare rental options across PEI and Canada, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme offers customizable searches and clear rental listings for your convenience.

FAQ: Shared Utilities for PEI Tenants

1. Can my landlord charge me for shared utilities if there’s no separate meter?
   Your landlord can only charge you if the arrangement is in your lease and the charge is reasonable and based on your actual usage or fair estimate.
2. What can I do if my utility costs seem unfair?
   You can ask your landlord for documentation showing how your share was calculated. If you’re unsatisfied, you can apply to the PEI Rental Office using Form 2.
3. Do I have to pay for utilities in common areas?
   No, unless your lease specifically states this and you agreed. Charges must only reflect services to your rental unit.
4. What happens if one roommate doesn’t pay their share of the utility bill?
   This is a private matter between tenants unless the lease says otherwise; PEI law governs tenant-landlord relationships, not roommate arrangements.
5. Where can I find official forms or get help with utility disputes?
   The PEI Residential Rental Office’s forms page offers applications and information for tenants’ concerns, including utility issues.

Key Takeaways for PEI Tenants

• Review your lease closely regarding utilities before moving in or signing
• Your landlord must provide written details and documentation for shared utility charges
• If in doubt or a dispute arises, you can contact the PEI Residential Rental Office for support

Being proactive and asking questions upfront helps prevent misunderstandings and protects your rights as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• PEI Residential Rental Office: Get advice, official forms, and dispute resolution support
• Residential Lease Forms Page: Access Form 2 and other forms
• PEI Human Rights Commission: Support for discrimination or rights-based concerns in housing

---

1. See: Residential Tenancy Act, PEI

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