Utilities and Services for Saskatchewan Tenants: What to Know

Understanding how utilities and services work in Saskatchewan rentals is a key part of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Whether you’re new to renting or facing a utility dispute, it’s important to know what’s included, how billing works, and what landlords must provide by law. This article gives Saskatchewan tenants practical guidance on utilities—from what the legislation says, to dealing with utility shut-offs or disagreements.

Your Rights: Who Pays for Utilities in Your Rental?

Utility arrangements in Saskatchewan depend on your rental agreement. 'Utilities' typically include electricity, heat, water, gas, garbage removal, and sometimes internet or cable. The Office of Residential Tenancies oversees issues related to utilities, bills, and habitability for tenants across the province.

• Check your lease: Leases in Saskatchewan must state which utilities are included and which are your responsibility.
  If a utility is not listed as included, you may be responsible for setting up and paying that bill.
• If utilities are included in the rent, landlords can only change that in future leases or with your agreement.
• Disputes over utilities or surprise charges can be brought before the Office of Residential Tenancies.

For more about ongoing responsibilities in your rental, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Minimum Services the Law Requires

Under The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, Saskatchewan landlords must ensure your unit is “fit for habitation.” That means heat, running water, and hot water must always be available unless the tenancy agreement clearly states otherwise and you’ve accepted that arrangement. In most typical rentals:

• Landlords must supply and maintain heat from September 1 to June 15 (at least 22°C as per local bylaws, but check your municipality).
• The rental must have a supply of hot and cold running water.
• Essential repairs to these services must be done promptly.

Problems supplying these basics can be considered a breach of the tenancy agreement and can be grounds for a complaint.

What Happens if Utilities Are Disrupted?

If utilities that should be provided by the landlord are shut off (for example, the power or heat is cut because a bill wasn’t paid), landlords generally cannot interrupt those services except for necessary repairs or emergencies. If your utilities are cut off unlawfully, you have a right to file a complaint through the Office of Residential Tenancies. For urgent repairs, refer to Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

If you are facing unsafe living conditions—such as no heat in winter—call local health authorities or Saskatchewan HealthLine (811) in addition to contacting the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Setting Up and Closing Utility Accounts

When you move in, you may need to set up accounts for electricity, gas, water, or internet. Usually, if you are paying directly for a utility, you will sign up with the provider and be responsible for the bill. When moving out, remember to close or transfer these accounts to avoid extra charges.

1. Get a copy of your lease and confirm which utilities are in your name.
2. Contact the utility company to start or stop service, providing the move-in or move-out date.
3. Give final meter readings where required to ensure you’re only billed for your usage.

Utility Deposits

Some utility companies may require a deposit or credit check for first-time customers. This is separate from your rental security deposit. If you’re unsure about deposit rules for your rental itself, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Common Utility Disputes and Solutions

Confusion about what’s included, sudden disconnections, high charges, or lack of repairs can all cause disputes. To resolve these issues:

• Document all communication with your landlord and utility providers.
• Refer to your lease and the provincial legislation for your rights.
• If a landlord refuses to resolve utility problems or cuts off services, you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for an order to restore service or for compensation.

For more on common rental issues, visit Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Relevant Forms for Saskatchewan Tenants

• Form 7 – Application for an Order of the Director:
  This form is used by tenants if they need to ask the Office of Residential Tenancies for an order—for example, to restore a vital utility, seek compensation, or resolve a landlord-tenant dispute about services.
  Download the official form at Form 7. Use this form if your landlord is not providing an essential service, like heat or water, as required by law.
• Form 5 – Notice to Landlord of Breach of Agreement or Repairs Required:
  Tenants use this to notify their landlord in writing about a breach of the lease, such as not supplying utilities.
  See Form 5. For example, if your apartment loses heat in winter, complete this form to formally request repairs or restoration of service.

Where to Find the Law

Saskatchewan’s rental law is set out in The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. The Office of Residential Tenancies interprets and enforces this law, including all matters related to utilities, repairs, and essential services.^[1]

For a broader look at rental rights and laws in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

If you are searching for a new place where utility arrangements suit your needs, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ for Saskatchewan Tenants on Utilities

1. Can my landlord shut off my utilities if I’m behind on rent?
   No. In Saskatchewan, landlords are never allowed to cut off essential utilities for non-payment of rent. Only lawful eviction or emergency repairs may temporarily disrupt these services.
   
2. What should I do if utilities that are supposed to be included in my rent are not working?
   First, notify your landlord in writing (consider using Form 5). If the issue isn’t resolved promptly, you may apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for help.
   
3. Do landlords have to provide internet or cable?
   No. Only heat, hot and cold water, and essential services are required by law unless otherwise promised in your lease.
   
4. Who chooses the utility provider if I pay the bill directly?
   If you’re responsible for a utility, you can usually select the provider, so long as you comply with local service availability and your lease terms.
   
5. Can a landlord increase my rent because utility prices have gone up?
   Landlords can only change rent with proper notice and according to the rules in the Act. Changes to what’s included in your rent also require your agreement or must be part of a new lease.

How To Resolve Utility Issues as a Saskatchewan Tenant

1. How do I file a complaint if my landlord won’t restore essential utilities?
   Complete Form 7 and submit it to the Office of Residential Tenancies with evidence, like emails or photos showing the shut-off or unsafe condition.
2. How do I set up or transfer a utility account when moving?
   Contact the utility provider before your move-in or move-out date. Provide any required documentation (lease, ID) and schedule service changes to align with your tenancy.
3. How do I give proper written notice of a utility problem?
   Fill out Form 5 and deliver it to your landlord, keeping a copy for your records. You must clearly state the issue and request a timeline for repair.

Key Takeaways for Saskatchewan Renters

• Read your lease carefully—utility responsibilities differ by agreement and must follow Saskatchewan’s laws.
• Landlords can never cut off essential services to force payment or eviction.
• If service is disrupted, follow official complaint procedures for a timely resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Government: Rental Housing Rights & Responsibilities
• Office of Residential Tenancies (complaints, dispute resolution, forms)
• Saskatchewan HealthLine: Call 811 for emergency health and safety concerns in your rental
• For more about your rights and obligations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

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1. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)
3. Government of Saskatchewan: Rental Housing Rights & Responsibilities

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