Utilities & Services Checklist for Saskatchewan Renters

Moving into a new rental in Saskatchewan? Utilities and essential services are key parts of comfortable, safe living. This checklist walks you through what to expect, your legal responsibilities, helpful forms, and practical tips—so nothing falls through the cracks.

Understanding Utilities and Services in Saskatchewan Rentals

"Utilities" typically refers to services like electricity, water, heat, and sometimes garbage collection. "Services" can also include internet, phone, or cable. Your rental agreement should clearly outline what is included in your rent. If you’re unsure, ask for details in writing before you sign.

Who Pays for Utilities?

• Check your lease—some rentals include utilities in the rent, others require tenants to set up and pay their own accounts.
• Common utilities: electricity, natural gas (for heating), water, sewer, and garbage pickup.
• Other services: internet, cable, and phone are usually the tenant’s responsibility.

In Saskatchewan, your obligations as a tenant—and those of your landlord—are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006^[1].

Utilities & Services: What to Set Up and Confirm

• Electricity & Heat: SaskPower or city utility providers. Be sure to set up your account before you move in.
• Natural Gas: Delivered by companies like SaskEnergy.
• Water/Sewer: Usually the city or municipality. Confirm who will be billed and when.
• Trash Pickup: Often included, but check if you need a city pass or account.
• Internet & Cable: Research providers for the best deals based on your location.

Whenever you move in or out, always record meter readings and keep copies for your records.

Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords in Saskatchewan have specific obligations around utilities and services. Landlords are required to provide a home that meets health, safety, and minimum service standards.

• If utilities are included in your rent, your landlord cannot disconnect them for late rent unless permitted by law.
• If you pay directly, you must maintain timely payments to avoid service disruptions.
• Unresolved problems with essential services, like heat during winter, may require urgent action. For tips on handling urgent issues, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Key Forms for Saskatchewan Tenants

The Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) Forms are critical for utility-related disputes and other tenant issues:

• Form 7: Application for an Order
  Use this when applying to the ORT if, for example, your landlord is not supplying utilities as agreed. Describe the problem, attach supporting documentation (lease, correspondence), and submit the form via mail, in person, or online. Download Form 7: Application for an Order (PDF).
• Form 11: Application for Immediate Hearing
  If there's an emergency (like loss of heat in winter), use this form for an expedited hearing at the ORT. See Form 11 (PDF).

Keep copies and follow up with the ORT’s instructions for timelines and required information.

Before You Move In: Utilities & Safety Checklist

• Confirm which utilities are included and which are not. Get this in writing.
• Collect all account numbers or instructions for setting up services where needed.
• Take meter readings (water, gas, electricity) and photos as proof.
• Test smoke alarms, electrical outlets, heating, and water flow for safety. Learn more about key safety checks by visiting Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
• Ask for guidance on garbage and recycling days.

Staying organized minimizes surprises and helps you act quickly if problems arise.

Changing, Cancelling, or Transferring Utility Services

Moving out? Notify service providers in advance to close or transfer accounts. Record final meter readings on move-out day. Returning keys is not enough—you may remain responsible for charges unless you inform utility providers.

If a Utility Is Interrupted

If a utility is interrupted and it is not your direct responsibility (e.g. heat during winter but you’ve paid rent on time), notify your landlord immediately in writing. If they don’t resolve the issue promptly, you may apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) for help.

More Resources and Support

• Read more about your general rights for Saskatchewan tenants at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Saskatchewan.
• For a full run-down on life after the lease is signed—including topics like rent, repairs, and common issues—visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.
• Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for your next move or to compare rental options.

Frequently Asked Questions about Utilities in Saskatchewan Rentals

1. Are utilities always included in Saskatchewan rental apartments?
   No, utilities are not always included. Your rental agreement must specify which services are included and which are your responsibility.
2. What happens if my landlord does not provide heat in winter?
   If your landlord is responsible for heat and does not supply it, you can apply urgently to the Office of Residential Tenancies for an order to restore critical services.
3. How do I set up my own utility accounts?
   Contact the relevant service provider (e.g. SaskPower for electricity) with proof of address, ID, and move-in date. Set up accounts before your move-in date whenever possible.
4. Can my landlord disconnect utilities for late payment of rent?
   No. Landlords cannot legally disconnect essential utilities due to late rent alone under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006.

How To: Take Action on Utility Issues as a Tenant

1. How do I apply to the ORT if my essential utility is disconnected?
   Complete Form 7 (Application for an Order) from the ORT website, describe your issue, and submit it with all supporting documents as soon as possible. Consider Form 11 for urgent/emergency cases.
2. How do I transfer utility accounts when moving out?
   Contact each service provider in advance of your move. Provide your final meter reading and forwarding address.
3. What should I check for at move-in to avoid disputes?
   Take date-stamped photos of meter readings, ensure all services work, and confirm account responsibilities in writing.

Key Takeaways

• Always confirm in writing which utilities and services are included in your rent.
• Set up or transfer utility accounts promptly, and keep records.
• If you lose an essential service, act quickly—apply to the ORT if needed with the correct form.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies, Saskatchewan: Applications, guidance, and dispute resolution for tenants and landlords.
• City or municipal offices: For water, waste, and local bylaw issues.
• Legal Aid Saskatchewan: Tenant legal information and support.
• Public Health or municipal inspectors: For unresolved safety, heat, or hygiene concerns.

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1. See: Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (Government of Saskatchewan)
2. Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) Forms: Saskatchewan ORT Application Forms

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