Are landlords in Saskatchewan required to provide utilities?

Landlords must ensure the property is habitable (with adequate heat and water) unless the written lease clearly states the tenant is responsible. Always check your rental agreement for utility arrangements.

If I pay for utilities, can the landlord still enter my unit to check meters?

Yes, but in most cases, landlords must provide 24 hours’ written notice before entering, except in emergencies or if agreed otherwise.

Does my landlord need to notify me before shutting off utilities?

Landlords cannot lawfully shut off your essential utilities as a means of eviction or to pressure payment. This is prohibited by Saskatchewan law.

What should I do if my landlord won’t address a utility outage?

Notify your landlord in writing first. If the issue isn’t resolved, file an Application for Hearing (ORT Form 5) with the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Am I responsible for damages to meters or utility infrastructure?

Tenants are responsible for damage they cause, but not normal wear and tear. Always report known issues promptly.

Utilities & Services for Tenants in Saskatchewan: A Complete Guide

Utilities & Services Saskatchewan published July 01, 2025

Understanding how utilities and services work in rental housing is essential for new tenants in Saskatchewan. This guide explains what utilities are, who pays for them, how to get connected, and which responsibilities rest with tenants and landlords under Saskatchewan law.

What Are Utilities and Rental Services?

"Utilities" generally refer to essential services like heat, electricity, water, and sometimes waste removal or internet. These services keep your rental home comfortable and safe. The details of who is responsible for arranging and paying for utilities can vary between rentals—check your lease agreement for specific terms.

Who Pays for Utilities in Saskatchewan?

The question of responsibility for utilities is usually answered by your lease or rental agreement. In Saskatchewan, landlords can include some or all utilities in the rent, or they may require tenants to pay some or all utility bills directly. Always clarify these points before signing any rental agreement.

If utilities are included in your rent, the landlord handles billing and payment.
If utilities are not included, you as the tenant must set up accounts and pay service providers directly.

It's common in Saskatchewan for tenants to pay for electricity and natural gas, while the landlord pays for water and garbage collection, but always confirm before signing.

Where Is Utility Responsibility Stated?

By law, your rental agreement should state which utilities are included and which are your responsibility. If you're unsure, ask your landlord for written clarification before moving in. For more tips after you’ve signed your rental agreement, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Setting Up Utilities: Step-by-Step

If you are responsible for some or all utilities, you'll need to set up service accounts before moving in:

Contact utility providers (e.g., SaskPower for electricity, SaskEnergy for natural gas, local water utility for water) as soon as you know your move-in date.
Provide your address, move-in date, and identification. Some providers may require a deposit or credit check for new tenants.
Always record meter readings at move-in. This protects you if there’s a billing dispute later. Taking photos with a date stamp is strongly recommended.

For additional move-in tips, consult Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

What If Utilities Aren't Working When You Move In?

If you move in and the essential services (like power, water, heat) are not functioning—or are unsafe—you have rights as a tenant. The landlord is generally required to maintain basic services under Saskatchewan law. If there’s an urgent issue, such as no heat in winter, you may contact the Office of Residential Tenancies for guidance. You should also refer to your lease and consider documenting the problem for your records.

If utilities are not working as promised, notify your landlord in writing immediately and document the problem with photos and dates.

Legal Rights: Heat, Water, and Essential Services

Under the Saskatchewan Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords must provide and maintain the residential property in a good state of repair and fit for habitation—including providing adequate heat and water unless your rental agreement states otherwise.^[1] If your landlord fails to supply essential services, you may apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for remedies.

Relevant Official Forms for Tenants

Application for Hearing (ORT Form 5)
Use this to request a tribunal hearing if your landlord fails to provide essential utilities or services required under the Act. Example: You applied after your landlord did not restore water service despite multiple requests. Official ORT Form 5 (PDF)

Submit completed forms to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).

Other Utility-Related Responsibilities and Tips

Do not disconnect utilities without your landlord’s permission when moving out.
Damaging utility infrastructure (like water pipes or meters) can make you responsible for repair costs.
Ask your landlord how repairs or routine maintenance related to utilities (like furnace filters) are handled. For more on rights and repair responsibilities, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Clear communication and documentation are key to avoiding disputes about utilities or services.

Moving In? What to Check

Confirm which utilities are included and which you must arrange—and get it in writing.
Read your lease for details about billing cycles and payment dates.
Consider scheduling a joint move-in inspection with your landlord to check the state of appliances and meters.

For comprehensive tips about your rights and obligations when renting in this province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

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FAQ: Saskatchewan Utilities & Services for Tenants

Are landlords in Saskatchewan required to provide utilities?
Landlords must ensure the property is habitable (with adequate heat and water) unless the written lease clearly states the tenant is responsible. Always check your rental agreement for utility arrangements.
If I pay for utilities, can the landlord still enter my unit to check meters?
Yes, but in most cases, landlords must provide 24 hours’ written notice before entering, except in emergencies or if agreed otherwise.
Does my landlord need to notify me before shutting off utilities?
Landlords cannot lawfully shut off your essential utilities as a means of eviction or to pressure payment. This is prohibited by Saskatchewan law.
What should I do if my landlord won’t address a utility outage?
Notify your landlord in writing first. If the issue isn’t resolved, file an Application for Hearing (ORT Form 5) with the Office of Residential Tenancies.
Am I responsible for damages to meters or utility infrastructure?
Tenants are responsible for damage they cause, but not normal wear and tear. Always report known issues promptly.

How To: Setting Up Utilities as a New Tenant in Saskatchewan

How do I set up utilities before moving into my Saskatchewan rental?
Contact utility companies (electricity, natural gas, water) with your address and move-in date. Confirm whose name the bills should be in. Arrange for accounts and provide any required information such as ID or deposit.
How can I prove I paid for utilities if a dispute arises?
Keep copies of bills and receipts, and photograph meter readings at move-in and move-out.
What steps should I take if utilities are not working on move-in day?
Notify your landlord immediately in writing, document the issue with photos, and request urgent repairs. If the landlord doesn’t respond, consider applying to the ORT using ORT Form 5.
Should I arrange to disconnect utilities when moving out?
Only disconnect utilities after confirming with your landlord and following the process in your lease agreement. Give providers the required notice.

Key Takeaways for Tenants in Saskatchewan

Carefully review your lease to understand who pays for utilities.
Document meter readings and keep utility receipts.
If essential services are at risk, contact the Office of Residential Tenancies for help.

Preparation and good communication will help you avoid most utility problems as a new tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Main tribunal for rental disputes, official forms, and information.
Saskatchewan Renting and Leasing Portal: Guides, resources, and contact information.
Local tenant advocacy services or legal clinics: For free or low-cost advice about rental issues.