Utilities Laws for Tenants in Saskatchewan: What to Know

As a tenant in Saskatchewan, understanding how utility and service laws impact your rental experience can help prevent surprises and empower you to protect your rights. Canadian tenancy laws vary by province, and Saskatchewan's approach to utilities—including who pays for them, who is responsible for repairs, and what happens during service interruptions—is regulated by clear legal rules. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about utilities in Saskatchewan rentals so you can navigate your tenancy with confidence.

What Are Utilities and Who Is Responsible?

Utilities typically include electricity, natural gas, water, heating, and sometimes garbage collection. Telephone, cable, and internet are usually considered separate services. In Saskatchewan, whether you or your landlord pays for utilities depends on your rental agreement.

• If the agreement says you pay: You must set up and pay the accounts by the move-in date.
• If utilities are included: The landlord is responsible for maintaining ongoing service. Any utility 'included' must be functional at all times during your tenancy.
• Partial arrangements: Sometimes certain utilities are included, while others are not; always refer to your signed lease for details.

If you are unsure what you agreed to, review your rental agreement. For a full overview of lease obligations, check out Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Security Deposits and Utility Accounts

Some utility companies may ask for a deposit if you are setting up a new account. However, landlords cannot require an extra deposit for utilities—only the standard security deposit (equal to one month's rent maximum) is allowed. For more on this, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Service Interruptions: When Utilities Stop Working

Power outages, water disruptions, or heat loss can create serious issues, especially in Saskatchewan's cold winters. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 requires landlords to keep the rental unit "in a good state of repair and fit for habitation," which includes maintaining essential utilities.^[1]

• If the utility is your landlord’s responsibility: Report the issue immediately. Your landlord must arrange prompt repairs or service restoration.
• If you are responsible: Contact the utility provider to resolve the issue. If it's a building-wide problem, inform your landlord as well.
• If an essential service (heat, water, electricity) fails for an extended period and the landlord does not act, you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for an order requiring repairs or even compensation.

Repairs and Access Rights

Landlords must make necessary repairs to ensure all included utilities are working. However, they must give 24 hours written notice before entering your unit to carry out repairs, unless it's an emergency.

Shut-Offs, Disconnections, and Non-Payment

If you are responsible for utilities and fail to pay the bill, the service provider can disconnect your utility. If a landlord includes utilities but fails to pay, tenants can apply for compensation or other remedies under the Act.

Common Utilities Disputes: What Can Tenants Do?

Common issues include ambiguous lease clauses, surprise utility bills, or disputes over who pays for repairs after a malfunction. Always keep written communication and copies of bills. If a dispute cannot be resolved, you can apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for assistance or an official order.

Essential Saskatchewan Forms for Utility Issues

• Application for an Order of the Director (Form 7): Used if you need the ORT to order a landlord to restore utilities, repair, or pay compensation.
  Download Form 7 (Saskatchewan Office of Residential Tenancies).
  Example: If your heat is off in winter and the landlord won't fix it, use this form to request an urgent order.
• Notice to Enter Premises (Form 4): For landlords to give notice before accessing a unit for repairs. Tenants should be aware of their right to notice.
  View Form 4.

Relevant Legislation & Tribunal

Saskatchewan's utility rules are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.^[1] All disputes are heard by the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT).^[2] For a broader look at your regional rights, read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.

More Tips for Saskatchewan Renters

• Ask for all utility arrangements in writing before signing a lease.
• If you are unsure about your responsibilities, confirm with both your landlord and the utility provider.
• Keep records of all utility-related payments and communications for future reference.

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FAQ: Utilities & Services in Saskatchewan Rental Units

1. Who pays for utilities in a Saskatchewan rental?
   It depends on your lease agreement. Utilities may be included in rent or be the tenant's responsibility. Always check your lease and ask for clarification.
2. What happens if my landlord shuts off utilities?
   Landlords cannot legally cut essential services. If this happens, contact the Office of Residential Tenancies immediately to make a complaint or apply for an order.
3. What should I do if a service provider threatens to disconnect my utility?
   If utilities are your responsibility, pay any outstanding balance. If your landlord is responsible and isn’t paying, notify them in writing and contact the Office of Residential Tenancies.
4. Can my landlord charge me for repairs to utility systems?
   The landlord is responsible for repairs to systems like heating, unless damage was caused by your actions or neglect.
5. I have a health or safety concern due to lack of utilities—what now?
   Document the problem, notify your landlord in writing, and if unresolved, contact the ORT or Saskatchewan Health Authority for further assistance.

How To: Handling Utility Disputes in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. How do I apply for an order if my utilities are cut off by my landlord?
   Use Form 7—Application for an Order of the Director. Fill out the form, describing your issue, attach evidence, and submit it to the Office of Residential Tenancies.
2. How do I confirm if utilities are included in my rent?
   Check your written lease agreement or ask your landlord to clarify before signing.
3. How do I set up new utility accounts?
   Contact the utility provider (such as SaskPower or SaskEnergy), provide identification and your lease, and set up billing in your name effective from your lease start date.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Always clarify—and get in writing—who is responsible for utilities before signing a lease.
• The landlord must ensure essential services are provided and maintained as agreed.
• If your utilities are cut off or neglected, apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT): Information, applications, and dispute resolution
• Government of Saskatchewan – Renting and Leasing Overview
• SaskPower: Moving and Setting Up Accounts
• Read more about your rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Government of Saskatchewan)
2. [2] Office of Residential Tenancies (Sk)

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