Living with roommates or in shared accommodation is common in New Brunswick. Whether you're splitting costs in a two-bedroom apartment or living in a rooming house, understanding your rights and responsibilities helps you avoid conflicts, protect your deposit, and enjoy a safe home environment. Here are five key points every tenant should know about having roommates or living in shared housing in New Brunswick.
1. Who Is Legally Responsible: Joint vs. Individual Tenancy
When renting with others, it's crucial to know whether you're all on one lease or have separate rental agreements. If everyone signs the same lease, you're usually jointly responsible for rent and damages. This means the landlord can ask any one tenant for the full rent if others don't pay.
- If you're just a roommate (not named on the lease), you may have fewer rights or protections.
- Changes in household (roommates leaving) may require landlord approval.
Always ask for a written agreement and clarify with your landlord who is recognized as a tenant. For a full overview, see the Residential Tenancies Act and confirm in writing who is listed as a tenant.
2. Deposits and Payment Rules for Shared Units
Security deposits in New Brunswick are governed by provincial law. Each tenant is typically individually responsible for their part of the deposit, but this can change if your names are all on the same agreement.
- The total deposit cannot exceed one month's rent for the entire unit.
- Keep records of your payments—this protects you if a roommate moves out early.
- Ask for a receipt when paying your share.
For more details on deposits, including rules on returns and interest, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
3. Division of Responsibilities: Rent, Repairs, and Cleaning
Splitting costs and keeping shared spaces tidy is a major roommate challenge. Clarify early how you'll share rent, utility bills, and cleaning duties. Some useful best practices include:
- Have a written roommate agreement for household chores and bill payment responsibilities.
- Agree who will contact the landlord if something breaks.
- Know that each legal tenant is responsible for meeting all obligations under the lease and law.
For a deeper look at tenants’ and landlords’ legal responsibilities in New Brunswick, check Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
4. Health, Safety, and Dispute Resolution in Shared Housing
Everyone in shared housing deserves a safe, healthy home. Issues such as mold, broken appliances, heating, or even pests can be common—especially with several people sharing one space.
- Report health and safety concerns to your landlord as soon as they arise.
- Keep copies of communication with your roommates and landlord to track concerns and responses.
- If disputes arise, try to resolve them calmly, in writing when possible, before escalating.
For more practical info and suggested steps for resolving disputes, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.
5. Ending Your Part of a Shared Lease: Notices and Moving Out
If you or your roommate want to move out early, laws around notice and subletting apply. In New Brunswick, ending a lease usually requires all tenants’ agreement if everyone is on one contract. If you have a separate agreement, you may be able to give notice on your own.
- Give proper written notice to the landlord and follow the terms in your lease.
- If disputes over deposits or damages arise, contact the Rentalsman—the provincial authority for tenant-landlord disputes.
If moving out and ending your tenancy, find helpful advice in Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.
For additional information on your rights in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
Official Forms for Shared Housing Issues in New Brunswick
- Form 1: Application for Assistance – Used if you have a dispute with your landlord or need help resolving shared housing matters. Download from the Rentalsman. Example: Use Form 1 if your security deposit is not being returned because of a roommate’s damages.
- Form 2: Notice to Terminate a Tenancy – Submit this if you wish to officially end your tenancy, alone or as a group. Official form here. For example, if you are moving out but your roommates are not, discuss with your landlord if this form applies to your situation.
New to renting or looking for your next place? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and find shared housing or private rentals in your area.
- What should I do if my roommate stops paying rent?
If you both signed the same lease, you're still responsible for ensuring the entire monthly rent is paid. Speak with your roommate and try to resolve the issue in writing. If payment remains unpaid, notify your landlord. For further dispute resolution, you may contact the Rentalsman using Form 1: Application for Assistance. - Can a landlord evict one roommate but not others in New Brunswick?
Typically, eviction procedures apply to all tenants named on a joint lease. However, for individual leases, the landlord may only end tenancy for the specific person involved. Always check your lease details and seek legal advice if you receive an eviction notice. - How is a security deposit handled when roommates move out at different times?
If the deposit was paid jointly, the landlord is not required to return partial deposits when just one person leaves. The full deposit is usually returned at the end of the tenancy. It's important for roommates to work out a fair agreement between themselves if someone leaves early. - Are there noise or guest rules for shared rentals?
All tenants must comply with local bylaws and any quiet hours or guest rules in the lease. Discuss and document house rules with your roommates to avoid disputes. - Is it legal to sublet my room in a shared house?
Subletting is allowed with landlord approval in most cases. Always get written permission and follow the rules under the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act.
- How do I file a complaint about my landlord or roommate in shared housing?
Use Form 1: Application for Assistance from the Rentalsman’s office. Fill out the details of your issue and submit the form online, by mail, or in person. - How can I end my portion of a joint lease if I want to move out?
Give written notice to your landlord, and discuss with your roommates and landlord whether you will be replaced or if the lease needs to be updated. Use Form 2: Notice to Terminate a Tenancy if required. - How do I divide utilities and cleaning duties fairly with roommates?
Set up a written roommate agreement outlining payment dates and task splits. Update it as needed if household members change.
Key Takeaways for Tenants
- Clarify your tenancy type and all names on the lease to avoid confusion.
- Keep written records of deposits, agreements, and communication with roommates and the landlord.
- Contact the Rentalsman for help with disputes or ending your tenancy in shared housing.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Office of the Rentalsman (Residential Tenancies Tribunal): Official website | Phone: 1-888-762-8600
- Legal Aid New Brunswick: www.legalaid.nb.ca
- Find rental forms and fact sheets: Landlord and Tenant Forms
- Know your rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick
