Who Pays for Utilities in a PEI 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
PEI's Rental of Residential Property 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 Charlottetown 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 Charlottetown
There is no piped natural gas grid on Prince Edward Island, so heating is typically electric or oil-based. Electricity is supplied by Maritime Electric across the Island. Municipal water is billed by the City of Charlottetown.
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 Rental Property Tribunal for an order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PEI 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 Charlottetown?
Maritime Electric supplies electricity across Prince Edward Island. 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 Rental Property Tribunal for an order.
Sources
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