As a tenant, it is important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities regarding utilities. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process.
Considerations Before Moving In
Questions to Ask Before You Move In
Considerations Before Moving In:
It may take time to set up services
It's recommended to call a utility company to set up services at least two weeks before taking possession. New customers will need to provide their full name and contact information (phone number and email), service address, and desired service start date. New customers may also be asked to provide some type of identification, such as a driver’s license number.
Use our Cost Comparison Tool to compare plans and rates to find what company works best for you.
Regulated Rate providers can typically set-up services right away, while competitive retailers may take up to 30 days.
If you already have electricity and/or gas in your name, you may be able to transfer accounts from one billing address to another.
If your building has a sub-metering system, you will not have a choice of service provider and will have to buy utilities through a contract arranged by the landlord. More information on sub-metering is located here.
If the services at the property are not active, reconnection may take more time. Call the Regulated Rate provider in your area at least one week before you take possession to set up services to allow time for the service provider to reconnect the services.
There may be fees for setting up new services
The retailer or distributor may request a deposit or connection fees to set up utilities. When setting up services, it is important to ask if these fees need to be paid before services are delivered or if they will be included in the first statement. Be sure to ask your retailer if it is possible to avoid these fees. Some companies will waive deposits for customers who put their account on automatic monthly withdrawal. Ask about your service provider’s policies for keeping/returning deposits.
Rural locations may have separate meters
Ask your landlord for your meter number or site ID. Many rural land locations have separate meters for buildings and yard lights. You want to make sure your services are connected to the correct meter and location
Questions to Ask Before You Move In:
Who is responsible for paying utility bills at the rental property – the landlord or the tenant?
The person responsible for utility payments is different depending on the situation. Shared houses, basement suites and apartments will all have different set-ups and will be agreed upon in the lease agreement. Possible arrangements include:
- Tenant pays all utilities directly to the retailer or sub-metering company
- Tenant pays for a portion or all of the utilities to the landlord, who has the billing in their name
- The landlord pays for all utilities directly to the retailer
Are the utility payment terms in the lease document?
Make sure the lease terms between the landlord and tenant clearly state who is responsible for utility payments.
Some landlords choose to charge a fixed amount every month to cover utility payments, or they determine the cost monthly based upon the bill. If the amount to cover utility payments is fixed, the lease terms cannot be changed unless both the tenant and landlord agree to it.
Alternatively, if the tenant sets up a billing account for utilities in their name per the lease agreement, then no cost for these utilities will be part of the monthly rent.
Who pays for utilities in shared spaces?
This will depend on the landlord and the lease agreement. Tenants should clarify with the landlord how common area utility costs are handled in their building.
Is the building sub-metered?
A sub-meter measures the natural gas and electricity for a specific rental unit.
The bill will either come from the landlord or the sub-meter company. There is a formula that they will use to calculate how much a tenant pays. Tenants have a right to know this formula and should insist that it be in their sub-meter contract. Tenants should also check their bills to make sure they are accurate.
What to Do After You Move In:
Make sure you receive and pay your bills:
Check with your retailer about how you will receive your first bill. Some retailers use paper billing, while others are completely electronic. It’s a good idea to confirm when you will receive your bills and what your billing cycle will be. The account holder is responsible for all charges, even if they do not receive a bill.
Paying your bill is important! If you do not pay your bills, your services may be disconnected. This could nullify your lease and/or create additional charges if utilities need to be reconnected or if there is damage due to disconnection.
Moving Out:
Cancel your account or transfer services when you move out:
It is the account holder's responsibility to close their utility account with their service provider. If the utilities are provided through a regulated retailer, call the provider a week in advance. Some competitive retailers require up to a 30-day notice.
The account holder should provide a date to end services. This date will be the same as the last day of your rent or lease. For example, if the lease or rental agreement ends on May 31, ask the service provider to stop billing for utilities on May 31, even if the tenant is moving out a few days earlier.
It is important to provide a forwarding address to the retailer, so they can send any statements or refunds that may be issued after the move.
Customers may be able to transfer their services from one billing address to another with the same provider. Check if your current provider offers services in the new location.
If an account holder is responsible for two properties at the same time – even for a short period - it is important to tell the retailer that there will be an overlap in billing.
Remember that the bill for both properties will likely be larger than the usual monthly bill.
There may be fees for cancelling services
Some competitive contracts may have exit fees for canceling contracts early, make sure you review the terms and conditions of your contract to see if there are any fees.
Prudential or Security Deposits
The security deposit will be returned to the account holder. If your service provider is holding a deposit for your account, ask them how and when they will return this money to you.
Other Resources:
We have several printable resources for tenants:
More information on tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities:
For more information on a tenant’s rights and responsibilities, please see the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) Handbook for Landlords and Tenants.
How can tenants resolve serious disputes with landlords outside of court?
If tenants have a dispute with a tenant related to termination, unpaid rent or utilities, security deposit, damages, repairs, or other disagreements, they may use the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).
How can the UCA help?
The Utilities Consumer Advocate’s mediation officers can share advice on comparing utility rates, as well as provide information on utility issues and help settle disputes with your provider. Contact us toll-free at 310-4822, email at ucahelps@gov.ab.ca, or visit the Contact a Mediation Officer page for more information.