When renting accommodation in Edmonton, it is extremely important to clearly understand what is included in the monthly rent and what you need to pay for separately. Lack of such understanding can lead to unpleasant financial surprises when, after moving in, you find that your actual expenses significantly exceed your expectations. There are over 2,100 apartments in Edmonton where utilities are included in the rent, but most rental properties require separate payment for at least some of the services. Understanding the cost structure will help you calculate your budget correctly and avoid misunderstandings with your landlord.
Legal framework for utilities
The Alberta Residential Tenancies Act does not establish clear rules about who should pay for utilities — the landlord or the tenant. This issue is entirely determined by the terms of the lease agreement between the parties. That is why it is critical to carefully read all the provisions regarding utilities before signing the agreement and make sure you fully understand your financial obligations.
The lease agreement must clearly state which utilities are included in the rent and which the tenant must pay for themselves. If the landlord sets a fixed amount to cover utility bills, these terms cannot be changed without the consent of both parties. Some landlords, on the other hand, set a monthly fee based on actual bills, which can vary depending on consumption.
What is usually included in the rent
There are various models for including utilities in the rent in Edmonton, and what is included varies significantly from one landlord to another. Many apartments in Edmonton include water, heating, or electricity in the rent, but you should always check your lease to confirm which services are your responsibility.
The most common model in Edmonton apartment buildings includes heating and water in the rent, while electricity is paid separately by the tenant. This is because in many older apartment buildings, the heating and water systems are centralized, making individual metering difficult or impossible.
Properties marked “utilities included” usually include heating (natural gas), electricity, water, and sewer, as well as garbage and organic waste removal. Some landlords also include internet or snow removal and grounds maintenance services, although this is less common.
When renting with utilities included, the fixed price makes it easier to estimate monthly expenses and saves time on paying separate bills. Your monthly rent may cover water, electricity, internet, and garbage collection in one payment.
What is NOT usually included in the rent
Internet and cable TV are almost never included in standard rent. Tenants must set up these services themselves through local providers. In Edmonton, the main internet providers are Shaw (now Rogers) and TELUS, which often offer packages specifically designed for tenants.
Tenant insurance is also not included in the rent, although many landlords require it as a condition of tenancy. Without tenant insurance, you leave yourself unprotected against financial loss in the event of fire, flooding, weather damage, or theft.
Parking is often not included in the rent and may require a separate monthly payment. This is especially true for housing in city centers and densely populated areas where parking spaces are a limited resource.
Estimated cost of utilities
If utilities are not included in the rent, you should be prepared for additional monthly expenses. The total average cost of utilities in Alberta is approximately $251 per month in 2025. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on the size of the space, the season, and your consumption.
Electricity and gas can cost between $150 and $200 per month. The average cost of electricity in Alberta is around $0.258 per kWh, which is one of the highest in Canada. For large households, utility costs, including gas and electricity, can range from $150 to over $500 per month.
Water, sewer, and garbage collection typically cost around $100-$150 per month. According to EPCOR, most customers pay around $74 per month for water service for an average single-family home, not including fixed fees.
One Reddit renter shared their experience: average utility costs were around $325 per month in 2024, with natural gas (which is seasonal) being the most expensive service, followed by water, then electricity. It is important to remember that heating costs increase significantly in winter compared to the warmer months.
Internet costs
Internet services in Edmonton can cost anywhere from $30 to over $100 per month, depending on the plan and provider you choose. There is also the option of bundling internet, phone, and TV into one package, which costs around $100-$200+ per month.
The main internet providers in Edmonton are Shaw (Rogers) and TELUS. According to Reddit user reviews, $75 seems to be the current market price for gigabit internet in Edmonton if you are looking for deals. Many renters report paying between $50 and $65 for 1 Gbps speed from Shaw or TELUS after negotiating with their provider.
TELUS offers PureFibre plans starting at $75 per month for 250 Mbps, up to $95 for 1 Gbps and $135 for 3 Gbps speed. There are also budget alternatives through third-party providers such as Oxio or Lightspeed, which offer significantly lower prices, although they may have higher latency for online gaming.
Before connecting to the internet, it is recommended to call and find out if your home has fiber optic cable, rather than just registering online. It is also helpful to contact the provider's customer retention department and mention your intention to switch to a competitor — this often leads to better offers.
Parking costs
Parking in Edmonton can be a separate expense, especially if it is not included in the rent. The monthly cost of parking can range from $50 to $150 depending on the location and type of parking. There are over 2,200 rental apartments with parking in Edmonton.
Underground heated parking is the most expensive option, especially in the city center. According to Kijiji listings, heated underground parking spaces in downtown Edmonton cost between $170 and $250 per month. Some buildings offer underground parking spaces for $90 per month, while downtown prices can reach $235 per month.
Surface (street) parking is usually cheaper, ranging from $50 to $100 per month depending on the location. Some landlords include one parking space in the rent, especially in the suburbs where parking is more affordable.
When choosing a place to live, keep in mind that heated underground parking is especially valuable in Edmonton due to the harsh winters. It protects your car from the cold, snow, and catalytic converter theft, and eliminates the need for an engine block heater.
Renters Insurance
Although renters insurance is not legally required in Alberta, many landlords require it before you move in. Even if your landlord does not require it, insurance is a smart decision to protect your personal belongings and provide liability coverage.
The average annual cost of renter's insurance in Edmonton is about $217, which works out to about $18-$20 per month. Some providers offer policies starting at $13-$17 per month. The cost can vary depending on the type of dwelling, location, claims history, and level of coverage selected.
Renter's insurance covers three main areas: personal property (protects your belongings from theft, fire, vandalism), liability protection (covers legal costs if someone is injured in your home), and additional living expenses (provides financial assistance for temporary housing if your apartment becomes uninhabitable).
How to set up utilities
If utilities are not included in your rent, you will need to set them up through local providers. In Edmonton, the main utility providers are EPCOR (electricity, water) and ATCO Gas (natural gas).
It is recommended that you contact the regulated rate provider in your area at least one week before receiving your keys to allow time for services to be connected. A retailer or distributor may request a deposit or connection fee to set up your utilities.
EPCOR allows you to set up services online through your My Account portal, where you can start, transfer, or stop electricity and natural gas services. Some companies waive deposits for customers who sign up for automatic monthly bill payments.
If the previous tenants canceled their account and the new tenants have not registered for utilities, the property owner becomes responsible for all utility payments from the date the previous account was closed. Therefore, it is important to set up services in your name in advance.
Submetering systems
Some homes in Edmonton use a submetering system, which measures natural gas and electricity consumption for each individual rental unit. If your home has a submetering system, you will receive a bill from either your landlord or the submetering company.
With submetering, there is a formula used to calculate how much the tenant pays. Tenants have the right to know this formula and should insist that it be included in their contract. You should also check your bills to make sure they are accurate.
It is important to know that with submetering, you will not have a choice of service provider and will have to purchase utilities through a contract arranged by the landlord.
Utility limits and surcharges
Some landlords set a monthly limit on utilities, such as “electricity and gas included up to $250; tenant pays the excess.” This may be a fair compromise, but it is important to understand the terms before signing the contract.
If the amount to cover utility payments is fixed, the terms of the lease cannot be changed unless both the tenant and landlord agree to it. Alternatively, if the tenant sets up utilities in their name according to the lease agreement, none of the cost of these services will be part of the monthly rent.
Tenants who do not pay directly for utilities may be less economical in their consumption. Therefore, some landlords prefer a model where the tenant pays for utilities themselves, as this encourages more responsible consumption.
Questions to ask before moving in
Before signing a lease and moving in, it is recommended to clarify several key questions regarding utilities. First, who is responsible for paying utility bills on the rented property — the landlord or the tenant? Responsibility for utility payments varies depending on the situation, and the terms must be clearly stated in the lease agreement.
Are the terms of utility payments included in the lease document? Make sure that the lease terms clearly state who is responsible for utility payments. Who pays for utilities in common areas? This depends on the landlord and the lease agreement, and tenants should clarify how utility costs for common areas in their building are handled.
Does the building use submetering? If so, you will not have a choice of service provider. Also, ask for 12-24 months of utility payment history before moving in, as levelized/budgeted billing can mask actual consumption. Ask for actual consumption (kWh, m³ of gas, and m³ of water) and note any repairs that could have changed consumption.
Tips for saving on utilities
Understanding your utility costs is important, especially for first-time renters. Electricity costs can vary from month to month depending on consumption, so be mindful—unplug electronics or turn off lights when not in use.
Heating costs vary significantly throughout the year, with additional costs in winter. Water bills are usually fairly stable from month to month, although you should still remember not to leave the water running when it is not needed and make sure that all taps are completely closed.
For internet, compare offers from different providers before choosing. Contact your provider periodically and mention the possibility of switching to a competitor — this often leads to lower prices or additional bonuses.
Total budget for housing in Edmonton
In summary, in addition to rent, tenants should consider the following additional costs. The security deposit is usually equal to one month's rent and is refundable at the end of the lease. Utilities (electricity, water, heating, and internet) can add $100-$200 per month if they are not included. Parking, if not included, can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per month. Renter's insurance typically costs around $20-$50 per month.
In total, additional expenses beyond rent can range from $200 to $500 per month, depending on what services are included, your consumption, and the location of your accommodation. Proper budget planning and understanding the cost structure will help you avoid financial surprises and ensure a comfortable stay in Edmonton.