Tenants in New Brunswick often need clear steps when requesting accessibility repairs or reasonable modifications to live safely and with dignity. This guide explains tenant rights under provincial human rights protections, practical ways to ask a landlord for repairs or adaptations, and how to document problems such as mobility, visual, or hearing accessibility barriers. You will find examples of reasonable accommodation requests, what a landlord must consider, and when to escalate to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or human rights office. The language is plain and practical so renters can act confidently, preserve evidence, and meet key deadlines while aiming for an early, cooperative resolution.
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What counts as accessibility repairs in New Brunswick?
Accessibility repairs or modifications remove barriers so a tenant can access, use, or live in a rental home. Common examples include:
- Installing a ramp or modifying doorways for wheelchair access.
- Adapting bathrooms with grab bars or walk-in showers.
- Altering light switches, visual alarms, or doorbells for sensory needs.
- Fixing or replacing uneven thresholds that create tripping hazards.
Requesting repairs and reasonable modifications
Start with a written request to your landlord describing the accessibility need, the work requested, and any medical or professional support that explains why it is required. If the change is a reasonable accommodation under human rights law, landlords must consider it and cannot refuse without a valid reason. If the repair is urgent, mention safety or health impacts and follow up by phone.
For routine and emergency repairs, follow provincial expectations: see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for practical timelines and examples.
Documenting problems and gathering evidence
Good evidence improves outcomes. Collect clear photos or videos, dated messages, medical or occupational therapist notes, and any landlord replies. Keep a repair log with dates and actions taken.
- Take dated photos or video of the barrier or defect.
- Save emails, texts, and signed delivery receipts for written notices.
- Obtain a short note from a health professional if it explains why a modification is needed.
When to escalate: Tribunal and human rights complaints
If a landlord refuses a reasonable accommodation or fails to make necessary accessibility repairs, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal[1] or file a human rights complaint. The Tribunal enforces tenancy rights and can order repairs or compensation; the human rights process handles discrimination or accommodation refusals under the provincial human rights code[2].
Start by asking for the official forms or filing instructions from the Tribunal site and follow the form's steps carefully. Commonly used forms include the application to the Tribunal and specific notice forms for repairs and breaches; official forms and guidance are available from the provincial tribunal website[3].
FAQ
- Can I make accessibility changes myself if a landlord refuses?
- You may do urgent safety repairs, but you should notify the landlord in writing first and keep receipts; check the Tribunal rules before deducting costs from rent.
- What if my landlord says the modification is too expensive?
- Landlords must consider reasonable accommodations; cost can be a factor but does not automatically excuse refusal—seek the Tribunal or human rights office for mediation or a ruling.
- How quickly can I expect a decision from the Tribunal?
- Timelines vary by caseload; use mediation if available and prepare complete evidence to speed the process.
How-To
- Write a clear, dated written request describing the accessibility change and why it is needed.
- Gather evidence: photos, medical notes, and copies of communications with the landlord.
- Call or meet the landlord to attempt a cooperative solution and follow up in writing.
- If unresolved, file the Tribunal application form and any required supporting documents.
- Attend any scheduled mediation or hearing and bring organized evidence and a concise statement.
Key Takeaways
- Start with a clear written request and keep dated records.
- Access repairs and reasonable modifications can be required under human rights protections.
- Good evidence and timely action improve your chance of resolution.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act - Government of New Brunswick
- New Brunswick Human Rights Commission
