Landlord and Property Owner Support

Tips

Landlord and Property Owner Support

When a rental property becomes vacant, utility services still need an account holder. Landlord Agreements help property owners manage electricity and municipal services (if applicable) until a new tenant moves in.

Landlord Agreements

A Landlord Agreement or Vacancy Premises Agreement keeps services active during vacancies by automatically moving Rate of Last Resort electricity and/or municipal services into the landlord’s name.

Benefits

No Deposit required for customers that have an active Landlord Agreement.
$10 water application fee is waived.
Services are automatically transferred to the landlord’s name during gaps between tenants.
No Owner Search Charge.
Email notifications sent (if a valid email was provided at signup) when the agreement is activated or changed.

Setting up an an agreement

Contact the Customer Care Centre to set up a Landlord Agreement in Calgary, Red Deer, Cardston or Ponoka

Live Chat
Phone: 310-2010 (Toll Free in Alberta) or 1-877-571-7111 (Toll Free in Canada)

*Landlord Agreements do not cover natural gas or competitive electricity rates. 
*For properties outside of our service areas, contact your local Default Regulated Provider.

If electricity and/or municipal services are not set up within 14 days, ENMAX may limit or disconnect power at the property.
If services remain inactive, ENMAX will request a Land Title Certificate to identify the legal owner and begin billing them for unpaid service. Additional fees may apply, including owner search and reconnection or disconnection charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vacant premises?

A vacant premises means there is no customer identified to pay for utility services at the property, even if the property is still occupied.

Who is responsible for services?

The property owner is ultimately responsible for electricity and/or municipal service at their property. While a lease agreement may exist between the landlord and tenant, which assigns responsibility of utility services to the tenant, this is a private agreement. If no active utility account is set up, the property owner may be billed for usage at the property.

If a property is sold, the original owner is responsible until the property is legally transferred.

What happens if a tenant cancels utilities before their lease ends?

If a tenant cancels early, the property becomes vacant and the owner is responsible for utility services until a new tenant sets up their account. ENMAX does not resolve billing disputes between landlords and tenants.

 Why did I receive a bill when my tenant is responsible for utilities?

If the property is vacant, responsibility returns to the owner. This can happen if the tenant cancels services before their lease ends or hasn’t set up all required utility services.

 How do I end or cancel a Landlord Agreement?

The agreement stays active until the landlord cancels it. To cancel, contact ENMAX Customer Care Centre with at least 3 days’ notice. If the agreement is not cancelled or ownership changes are not reported, the landlord may continue to be billed.

Am I responsible for a tenant’s unpaid bills after they move out?

No. Bills under the tenant’s name are their responsibility. Owners are only responsible for charges during vacancy periods.

Can ENMAX move charges from a landlord’s account to a tenant’s account?

No. Charges billed to a landlord can’t be transferred to a tenant’s account, even if the tenant has set up services. ENMAX doesn’t resolve landlord–tenant billing disputes, so any adjustments need to be resolved between the landlord and tenant.

Can I set up or cancel services for my tenant?

No. Tenants must set up and cancel their own utility services.

Will I be notified if my tenant doesn’t pay their bill?

No. Only the account holder receives disconnection notices. ENMAX cannot share account information due to privacy laws.

How can I check if my tenant has set up billing?

ENMAX cannot share account information with anyone not authorized on the account.  

We recommend:

Consider including a lease clause requiring tenants to provide proof of utility enrollment.
Signing up for a Landlord Agreement can help ensure coverage during vacancy periods.

Additional resources

Frequently asked questions (AUC)

Tips for Landlords (Utilities Consumer Advocate)

Tips for Tenants (Utilities Consumer Advocate)

Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) (Alberta.ca)

Still need help?

Call us at 310-2010 or 1-877-571-7111 (Outside Alberta).