Living in an older rental can raise worries about asbestos, and tenants in New Brunswick need clear, practical steps to stay safe and hold landlords to account. This guide explains how asbestos can appear in rental homes, common places to look, how to report suspected materials, and what to expect during inspections, repairs, or removals. It focuses on tenant rights, health precautions, and realistic actions you can take right away — from documenting evidence to getting official testing and requesting timely repairs. If you have health concerns or imminent exposure, follow public health guidance and contact provincial authorities listed below for formal complaints and help.
What is asbestos and why it matters
Asbestos is a group of natural minerals that were widely used in building materials until the late 20th century. When intact and undisturbed, many asbestos-containing materials pose low immediate risk; the hazard increases if materials are damaged, cut, sanded or otherwise disturbed and fibers become airborne. Tenants should treat suspected asbestos cautiously and avoid DIY disturbance.
Common places to find asbestos in older rental homes
- Vinyl floor tiles and the backing under older floors.
- Textured ceiling materials and ceiling tiles.
- Pipe and boiler insulation in basements and mechanical rooms.
- Roofing and siding materials on older buildings.
- Old furnace and duct insulation.
Immediate steps for tenants who suspect asbestos
If you suspect asbestos in your rental unit, take calm, practical steps to reduce risk and document the situation.
- Document what you see with dated photos and notes; keep a record of any conversations with your landlord.
- Tell your landlord in writing about the suspected material and ask for an inspection or assessment.
- If the landlord does not respond, file a formal complaint or application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for New Brunswick.[1]
- Avoid disturbing the area; do not attempt to remove or repair suspected asbestos yourself.
- If there is possible exposure, seek medical or public health advice and follow guidance on testing and monitoring.
Testing, removal and who pays
Testing must be done by a qualified laboratory. In New Brunswick, landlords are usually responsible for ensuring the unit is safe and habitable; that can include arranging professional testing and, if needed, licensed removal or abatement. If your landlord refuses, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for orders requiring inspection, testing, or repairs.[1]
How asbestos work is handled safely
Licensed contractors follow specific provincial occupational safety rules and containment practices to prevent airborne fiber release. Tenants should get clear instructions about temporary relocation, timelines, and who pays for any necessary accommodations.
Reporting, disputes and legal steps
When requesting action, be clear and factual. Provide your documentation, request testing or abatement, and set a reasonable deadline. If the landlord does not act, you can file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to seek an order for repairs or other remedies.[1]
- Write a dated request to the landlord asking for testing or removal and keep a copy.
- If the landlord fails to act, gather your documentation and submit an application to the Tribunal explaining the harm and the remedy you want.
- Attend any hearing prepared with photos, messages, receipts, and witness statements where relevant.
For guidance on how health risks are assessed and safe handling of asbestos, see national public health advice from Health Canada.[2] For occupational and contractor regulations, consult WorkSafeNB and licensed abatement requirements.[3]
Tenant resources and related topics
For broader health and safety tips when renting, read the province-appropriate guidance on Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. For an overview of tenant and landlord rights in this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick. You can also use third-party listing tools when searching for safer, modern rentals like Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to prioritise newer buildings with documented renovations.
FAQ
- How can I tell if a material contains asbestos?
- Only a qualified laboratory test can confirm asbestos; visible age and type of material can suggest risk, but do not rely on appearance alone.
- Who must pay for testing and removal?
- Generally the landlord is responsible for ensuring the rental is safe and habitability standards are met; tenants should request action in writing and may apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if the landlord refuses.[1]
- Is it safe to stay in my unit while testing or removal happens?
- That depends on the work plan and containment measures; licensed abatement contractors will advise whether temporary relocation is needed and for how long.
How-To
- Document suspected asbestos with photos, dates, and notes.
- Notify your landlord in writing asking for inspection and testing.
- If you do not get a timely response, submit an application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal describing the issue and requested remedy.[1]
- Coordinate with your landlord and contractor on safe containment, relocation if needed, and written timelines.
- Keep all reports, invoices, receipts and communications to support any tribunal application or insurance claim.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Service New Brunswick
- Health Canada - Asbestos information for homeowners and tenants
- WorkSafeNB - Asbestos safety and regulations
