Questions to ask about utilities before renting

Utilities can add significantly to your monthly housing costs. Knowing exactly what's included in your rent and what you'll be responsible for before you sign a lease helps you budget accurately and avoids surprises.

Why This Matters

A unit listed at $1,800 per month with all utilities included is a very different proposition from one at $1,600 per month where you pay heat, electricity, and internet separately. In Canadian cities, utility costs vary significantly by season, building type, and province. Getting clarity upfront is essential.

Questions to Ask Your Landlord

About what's included:

• Which utilities are included in the rent?
• Are heat, electricity, water, and hot water all covered, or only some of them?
• Is internet included or is that separate?
• Is parking included, or is there an additional monthly charge?
• Are laundry facilities included and are they coin-operated or free?

About metering and billing:

• Is the unit individually metered or does the whole building share one meter?
• If individually metered, whose name will the account be in?
• How are utilities billed, directly to you or through the landlord?
• If billed through the landlord, how is your share calculated?

About costs:

• What have previous tenants typically paid for utilities not included in the rent?
• Are there any known issues with heating or insulation that affect energy costs?
• What type of heating system does the unit use (electric baseboard, forced air, gas, radiant)?

About increases:

• Can utility costs be increased during the tenancy?
• Under what circumstances can a landlord pass through increased utility costs to tenants?

Get the Answers in Writing

If a landlord tells you utilities are included or gives you an estimate of typical costs, ask for that confirmation in your lease or in a written message. Verbal assurances are difficult to enforce if a dispute arises later.