Who Pays for Utilities in a Manitoba Rental?

Your Tenancy Agreement Decides

Manitoba's Residential Tenancies Act does not set a fixed rule for who pays utilities -- that's determined by what you and your landlord agree to in your tenancy agreement. Some rentals include heat, water, or electricity in the rent; others require the tenant to set up accounts directly with a utility provider.

Before signing, confirm in writing exactly which utilities are included and which aren't, since this materially affects your real monthly cost.

What Your Landlord Must Still Provide

Regardless of who pays the bill, a landlord must ensure the rental unit has working connections for essential services like electricity, water, and heat. A landlord cannot leave a unit without functioning utility hookups even if the tenant is financially responsible for the usage.

Municipalities can also set minimum-heat standards for landlord-supplied heat. Check with your city (for example, the City of Winnipeg) for the specific minimum temperature bylaw that applies to your building, since this is set locally rather than by the RTA itself.

If a Utility Is Cut Off or Withheld

If a landlord who is responsible for a utility fails to pay it, resulting in service being cut off, this is treated seriously under the Act -- it can be grounds for a tenant to seek a remedy through the Residential Tenancies Branch, including in some cases an early termination of the tenancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Manitoba law require heat and water to be included in rent?

No, the law doesn't mandate this either way -- it depends on what your specific tenancy agreement says. Always confirm this in writing before signing.

Can my landlord shut off my heat if I don't pay my share?

This depends on who is contractually responsible for the utility. If it's a landlord-supplied utility, they generally can't simply cut it off as a remedy -- there is a formal process for non-payment through the RTB instead.

Is there a minimum temperature my landlord has to maintain?

Municipalities can set minimum-heat bylaws for rental buildings. Check with your local city government (Winnipeg, Brandon, etc.) for the exact standard that applies to your address.

Utilities in a Manitoba Rental