Who Pays for Utilities in a Newfoundland Rental?
There's no province-wide rule assigning utilities to landlord or tenant -- it comes down to what your lease says.
Last updated: September 2026
No Province-Wide Default
Newfoundland and Labrador's Residential Tenancies Act does not assign responsibility for heat, electricity, or water to either party by default. Whoever's name appears on the lease as responsible for a given utility is who pays it.
In many St. John's apartment buildings, heat is bundled into rent, while tenants handle their own electricity account. Always check your lease rather than assume.
Who Supplies What in St. John's
There is no piped natural gas grid in Newfoundland and Labrador, so heating is typically electric or oil-based. Electricity is supplied by Newfoundland Power in St. John's and surrounding areas, or NL Hydro in other parts of the province. Municipal water is billed by the City of St. John's.
If a Utility Gets Cut Off
A landlord cannot deliberately cut off a utility that's their responsibility under the lease to pressure a tenant to leave or pay disputed rent. A tenant facing this can apply to the Residential Tenancies Division for an order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Newfoundland and Labrador law say who has to pay for heat?
No. There's no province-wide default -- it depends on what your specific lease says.
Who supplies electricity in St. John's?
Newfoundland Power supplies electricity in St. John's and surrounding areas; NL Hydro serves other parts of the province. There is no natural gas grid.
Can my landlord cut off my utilities to force me out?
No, this is illegal if the utility is their responsibility under the lease. You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Division for an order.
Sources
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