Utilities and Services: Tenant FAQs for Saskatchewan

If you’re renting a home or apartment in Saskatchewan, questions about utilities and services are common—and vital. Knowing who pays for heat, water, and power, or what to do if your service is interrupted, gives you vital peace of mind. This guide answers frequent questions for tenants in Saskatchewan, drawing on the most up-to-date provincial rules and government resources.

Who Pays for Utilities in Saskatchewan Rentals?

Whether the landlord or tenant pays for utilities depends on your rental agreement. Always read your lease carefully to see what’s included. Utilities typically refer to:

• Electricity
• Heat (gas, oil, or electric)
• Water and sewage
• Garbage collection
• Cable and internet (if provided)

In Saskatchewan, there is no law requiring landlords to provide utilities unless the lease says so. If your rent "includes utilities," they must be provided without interruption except for necessary maintenance or emergencies¹. If you pay your own, you’re responsible for setting up accounts with providers.

Handling Utility Shut-Offs and Service Interruptions

Landlords must keep the rental unit in a condition suitable for living. This means they cannot disrupt utilities they’ve agreed to provide. Even during disputes, a landlord cannot shut off water, heat, or power to force a tenant out—it’s illegal and can lead to penalties.¹

If your utilities are suddenly stopped and the landlord was responsible, write to your landlord immediately and keep records. If the problem isn’t resolved, you may apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT)—Saskatchewan’s official housing dispute board—for help.

What to Know About Rent and Utility Payment Changes

If your landlord wants you to take over a utility that they previously covered, or change who pays for which service, this cannot happen without your agreement. Changes to responsibility for utilities must be in writing and agreed to by both parties. Such changes may also affect your rent and should be documented in an amended lease.

Required Forms for Utility Issues

• Form 5: Application for Resolution of Dispute — Use this to apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies if your landlord wrongfully shuts off a utility or fails to restore service after you notify them.
  Practical Example: If heat is turned off in winter without your fault, fill out a Form 5 and include proof of the outage and your communication efforts.

Keeping Your Rental Safe and Habitable

Utilities aren’t just a comfort; they’re essential for a safe home. If lack of heat, water, or electricity creates health issues (such as no heat during a Saskatchewan winter), this may breach your right to a habitable home.

Learn more about health-related concerns and responsibility by visiting Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What to Do When Moving In or Out Regarding Utilities

When moving in, check your agreement to confirm which utilities you’ll need to set up. Take meter readings and request a move-in checklist. When moving out, arrange to transfer or disconnect your accounts as required. This can help prevent unwanted billing or disputes. You can also review Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home for a smooth move-in or move-out process.

Quick Tips for Managing Utilities as a Tenant

• Always confirm which services are included in your rent before signing
• Keep a copy of utility provider agreements and payment proof
• Report interruptions to your landlord promptly, then in writing
• Know that illegal shut-offs can be challenged at the ORT
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan has more local legal information

If you’re exploring new rentals, you can browse apartments for rent in Canada with helpful map tools and filters.

1. Can my landlord charge for utilities separately from the rent in Saskatchewan?
   Yes. Your landlord can require you to pay utilities directly or as a separate charge, if your lease says so. Always check your rental agreement to see what’s included—and never pay for utilities unless your responsibility is clearly stated.
2. What should I do if my rental loses heat, water, or power?
   First, notify your landlord immediately (ideally in writing). If they do not take prompt action to resolve the issue and they are responsible for the utility, you can apply to the ORT for a remedy using Form 5.
3. Is a landlord allowed to include or remove utilities from my lease after I move in?
   No. The terms about utilities can only change if both parties agree in writing. If you're asked to start paying for services that were originally included, get it in writing and consider adjusting the rent as appropriate.
4. Can a landlord shut off utilities to force me to move out?
   No. This is illegal in Saskatchewan and considered an unlawful eviction tactic. Only the Office of Residential Tenancies or a court can end your tenancy for valid reasons.
5. Who handles rental disputes or complaints about service interruptions?
   The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) deals with official complaints, disputes, and applications regarding tenancy, utilities, and habitability concerns in Saskatchewan.

1. How do I apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies if my utilities are shut off?
   
   1. Document the utility issue and your communications with the landlord.
   2. Download and fill out Form 5: Application for Resolution of Dispute.
   3. Submit the form and copies of your evidence to the ORT by mail, in person, or online as permitted.
   4. The ORT will set a hearing to decide the complaint.
2. How do I check which utilities I’m responsible for in my new rental?
   
   1. Read your lease agreement carefully for a section on utilities.
   2. If anything is unclear, ask your landlord for clarification in writing before signing.
   3. Keep a copy of the finalized, signed agreement.
3. What steps should I take before moving out to close my utility accounts?
   
   1. Contact each utility provider to schedule shut-off or transfer of service, giving them advance notice (usually a week or more).
   2. Record meter readings (take photos if possible) on your last day in the unit.
   3. Notify your landlord of the shut-off/transfer dates to avoid any disputes over unpaid bills.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Saskatchewan Renters’ Rights and Responsibilities – Official provincial resource for renters.
• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Handles rental disputes, applications, and enforcement of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan).
• Saskatchewan Tenant Hotline – Call 1-888-215-2222 for advice and support (Mon–Fri).
• For information about your local area, or finding a new home, browse apartments for rent in Canada.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Saskatchewan)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies – Saskatchewan

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