Utilities & Services in Canada

Learn about your rights as a tenant in Canada regarding Utilities & Services. Understand landlord responsibilities, how to request repairs, and how to resolve disputes effectively to protect your rental home and your legal rights.

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who pays for utilities in Alberta rentals?
It depends on your lease. Your rental agreement should state if you or your landlord pays for each utility.
What utilities must a landlord provide by law?
Landlords must provide essential utilities like heat, water, and electricity unless your lease says you pay for them.
Can my landlord shut off my utilities?
No, landlords cannot cut off essential utilities to a rental property, even if rent is not paid. It’s illegal under Alberta law.
What should I do if my utilities are suddenly disconnected?
Contact your landlord and the utility company, then the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) if needed.
What if the landlord does not pay for utilities they are responsible for?
You can file a complaint with the RTDRS if a landlord fails to provide agreed utilities.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for paying utility bills in BC rentals?
It depends on your lease. If your agreement says you pay, you are responsible. If not, the landlord pays.
Can a landlord stop supplying heat, water, or electricity?
No. Landlords must provide essential services unless you agreed otherwise in writing.
What do I do if my landlord shuts off an essential service?
Contact the landlord first. If unresolved, apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for dispute resolution.
Is internet considered an essential service in BC?
No, only heat, water, and electricity are considered essential by law.
If utilities are included in rent, can the landlord add extra charges later?
No. If utilities are included in the lease, the landlord cannot add extra charges unless you both agree.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for paying utilities in a Manitoba rental?
Responsibility depends on the lease; check your rental agreement for who pays which utilities.
Can a landlord include utilities in the rent?
Yes, many leases include some or all utilities in the rent; this must be stated in the agreement.
What if my landlord suddenly asks me to pay for a utility?
Landlords cannot change who pays for utilities without your agreement or a lawful rent increase process.
Can my landlord shut off my utilities?
No, landlords are not allowed to shut off essential services like heat, water, or electricity.
What can I do if my landlord disconnects utilities illegally?
Contact Manitoba Residential Tenancies Branch; you can file a complaint or apply for an order.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for paying for utilities in my rental unit?
Responsibility depends on your lease; check your rental agreement to see what utilities (heat, power, water) you must pay for.
Can my landlord shut off my utilities if I am late with rent?
No, landlords cannot legally shut off any utility service as a way to collect rent.
Is my landlord required to provide heat in the winter?
Yes, if your lease says heat is included or if it is required by law and your landlord pays for it.
What can I do if my landlord won’t repair a broken furnace or heater?
Notify your landlord in writing. If not fixed quickly, contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for help.
Where do I make a tenant complaint in New Brunswick?
File a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for paying for utilities in a rental unit?
It depends on your written lease; check if utilities are included or if you're expected to pay separately.
What utilities must a landlord provide by law?
Landlords must provide the basic services agreed in your lease and ensure the rental meets health and safety standards.
Can a landlord cut off utilities if I’m late with rent?
No, landlords cannot cut off heat, water, or electricity to force payment; it's illegal under the Residential Tenancies Act.
What should I do if utility services stop working?
Contact your landlord to fix the problem; if unresolved, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Section for help.
Who pays for power or heating oil if not stated in my lease?
If your lease doesn’t specify, the landlord is generally responsible, but always clarify in writing.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for paying utilities in my rental?
Check your lease; either the tenant or landlord can pay. If unclear, ask before signing.
Can my landlord include utilities in the rent?
Yes, if the lease states so. Confirm which utilities are included.
What utilities are usually included in rent in Northwest Territories?
It varies. Often heat and water are included, but electricity or internet may not be. Check your lease.
Can a landlord cut off my utilities if I owe rent?
No, landlords cannot disconnect essential services even if rent is unpaid.
What can I do if my landlord shuts off utilities illegally?
Apply to the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) for an order to restore services and possible compensation. Residential Tenancies Office
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for paying for utilities in Nova Scotia rentals?
Unless stated in the lease, tenants are usually responsible. Always check your lease for details.
What utilities must a landlord provide by law?
Landlords must supply any utility included in the lease, such as heat, water, or electricity.
Can the landlord shut off utilities if I owe rent?
No, it's illegal for a landlord to disconnect or threaten to disconnect utilities for non-payment of rent.
Where do I complain about utility disconnection?
File an application with the Residential Tenancy Program.
Can the landlord change utility providers without my consent?
Only if they pay for utilities or the lease allows this. If tenants pay, consent is generally required.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for paying for utilities in Nunavut rentals?
It depends on your lease agreement. Your lease must clearly state whether you or the landlord pays for utilities.
Which utilities are usually included in rent in Nunavut?
Commonly included utilities are heat, water, and sometimes electricity. Check your lease for details.
What if my rental agreement is silent on utilities?
If not clearly stated, utilities are typically considered the landlord’s responsibility. Ask your landlord to clarify in writing.
Can my landlord shut off my utilities?
No, landlords cannot shut off utilities as a way to force you to move or for any other reason. This is illegal in Nunavut.
What should I do if there's a utility interruption?
Contact your landlord immediately. If not resolved, notify the Rental Office (Nunavut Rental Office).
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for paying for utilities in my rental unit?
Responsibility depends on your lease. If your lease says you're responsible, you must pay. Otherwise, the landlord pays by default.
Can my landlord increase utility charges during my tenancy?
Only if your lease allows it or if you agree in writing. Otherwise, charges can't increase without your consent.
My landlord suddenly wants me to start paying for utilities. Is this allowed?
No. Your responsibility can't change unless you agree in writing.
Are utilities included in the rent by default in Ontario?
Not by default. Check your lease to see if utilities are included.
What happens if I don't pay my share of the utilities?
Your landlord may treat it as unpaid rent and apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board for eviction.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for paying utilities in a PEI rental?
It depends on your lease. If the lease says you pay, you’re responsible; otherwise, the landlord must pay.
Should utility responsibilities be stated in my lease?
Yes, your lease should clearly list which utilities are included or excluded.
Can my landlord charge me for utilities if it’s not in the lease?
No. You are only responsible for utilities mentioned in your lease agreement.
What if a landlord tries to change utility responsibilities mid-tenancy?
Changes require your written agreement or an order from the Director of Residential Rental Property.
What should I do if my landlord shuts off utilities?
It’s illegal for landlords to shut off vital services. You may file a complaint with the Office of the Director. You can use Form 6: Application by a Tenant (link).
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who usually pays for utilities in Quebec rentals?
It depends on your lease; either the landlord or tenant may be responsible. Check your written lease for details.
Can my landlord include utility costs in my rent?
Yes, utilities can be included in the rent if specified in your lease agreement.
What if my lease says utilities are not included?
You are responsible for setting up and paying utility accounts if your lease excludes utilities.
What can I do if my landlord stops providing agreed utilities?
You can file a complaint with the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).
Is heat always included with my rent in Quebec?
Not always. Check your lease; if included, landlord must provide heating per municipal bylaws.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who is responsible for paying utility bills in Saskatchewan rentals?
This depends on your lease agreement. If your lease says you pay, you are responsible; if not, the landlord must pay.
What utilities are usually covered in rent in Saskatchewan?
It varies. Sometimes heat, water or electricity are included; always check your rental agreement for details.
Can a landlord shut off my utilities?
No. Landlords are prohibited from shutting off essential services even if you owe rent. This is illegal.
What should I do if my landlord turns off my utilities?
Contact the Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) right away to file a complaint.
Is my landlord responsible for repairs to utility systems?
Yes, landlords must repair and maintain utility systems, unless the damage was caused by the tenant.
See more questions and answers

Top 5 Most Utilities & Services Asked Questions in

Who pays for utilities in Yukon rental units?
Unless your lease says otherwise, tenants usually pay for utilities, but check your rental agreement for details.
Can my landlord make me pay for all utilities?
Only if it is stated in your written tenancy agreement.
What if my rental agreement does not mention utilities?
By default, the landlord is responsible unless utilities use is individually metered and agreed for you to pay.
Can a landlord disconnect my utilities?
No, landlords cannot disconnect your utilities except for emergency repairs or for safety reasons.
Is the landlord required to provide heat?
If the tenancy agreement says heat is included, the landlord must provide it at all times during the heating season.
See more questions and answers

More Articles About Utilities & Services