Can a Landlord Ban Tenant Meetings in New Brunswick?

Many tenants in New Brunswick want to know: can a landlord legally stop residents from holding meetings in their building or unit? Understanding your rights to organize and communicate with neighbours is essential—especially if you want to discuss maintenance issues, rent increases, or upcoming changes to your rental agreement. This guide breaks down the law, your options, and the steps you can take if you're facing restrictions.

Tenant Rights to Meet and Organize in New Brunswick

Under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick, tenants have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their rental home. This typically includes the ability to invite guests and meet with fellow tenants, as long as these activities do not disturb others or break reasonable house rules.^[1] However, the law does not always spell out tenant meeting rights in detail, so understanding both your protections and possible building rules is important.

What “Peaceful Enjoyment” Means for Tenant Meetings

The legal principle of peaceful enjoyment prevents landlords from interfering in normal activities that don’t damage property or bother other residents. Organizing or attending a tenant meeting, whether in your own unit or a common area (with permission), usually falls under this right—unless it causes excessive noise, blocks exits, or breaches safety rules.

• Tenants can generally hold meetings in their units without landlord interference.
• Use of common areas may depend on building policies; landlords cannot unreasonably prevent access but may set fair guidelines for noise, cleanliness, or bookings.

Can Landlords Legally Ban Tenant Meetings in New Brunswick?

While landlords can make reasonable rules to protect property and safety, outright bans on tenant gatherings are generally not enforceable if meetings are peaceful and do not damage the property or disturb others. Blanket bans may be challenged as interfering with a tenant’s right to peaceful enjoyment.

In New Brunswick, any restrictions should be reasonable, specific, and applied fairly to all tenants—not just to prevent tenant organizing. The Residential Tenancies Tribunal can review disputes if you believe a rule is unfairly infringing on your rights.

Practical Example

For example, if tenants want to meet in the laundry room to discuss maintenance issues, a landlord may ask that the area not be blocked or that the meeting finish by a certain hour. However, a rule stating “no tenant gatherings of any kind” is likely overbroad.

What To Do If Your Rights Are Restricted

If you believe your landlord is unreasonably stopping you from meeting other tenants, you can:

• Review your tenancy agreement and building policies to check the exact wording.
• Explain to your landlord—preferably in writing—how the meeting will be safe, quiet, and respectful of property and neighbours.
• Document any refusals or communications.
• If needed, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for a determination.

If a dispute arises, keeping written records of all requests and responses will help support your complaint if you apply to the Tribunal.

How To Bring Your Dispute to the Tribunal

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles rental disputes in New Brunswick. Tenants can file a complaint if they believe their rights under the Act have been violated. Use the online tribunal system or download the official form for "Application by Tenant" (available here [Form RT-en-005]).

• Purpose: To request a hearing and have a tribunal officer determine whether the rule or action by the landlord is reasonable.
• Example: You tried to hold a quiet meeting in your unit but were threatened with eviction for organizing. You submit Form RT-en-005 to the Tribunal, attaching copies of your correspondence and details of the incident.

Emphasize why the activity was reasonable and how it did not break any rules or disturb others.

Other Key Tenant Rights After Signing a Lease

Meeting other residents is just one part of understanding your rights. Learn about your Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained when living in a rental property, including peaceful enjoyment, privacy, and dispute processes. You can also read about all Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for a complete overview.

For information on moving in, deposits, inspections, and more, see additional guides or Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to search for units with amenities and policies that suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my landlord stop me from meeting with other tenants in my apartment?
   No, as long as you’re not disturbing neighbours or violating building rules, you have the right to meet with other tenants in your rented unit.
2. What should I do if the landlord says all meetings are banned?
   Politely ask for the rule in writing, clarify your intent (for a peaceful meeting), and if the ban is unreasonable, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
3. Are there any forms I need to use to resolve disputes about tenant meetings?
   Yes. You can use the Application by Tenant (Form RT-en-005) to ask the Tribunal to review your complaint.
4. Does building policy override tenant rights under provincial law?
   No. Building rules must comply with New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Act. Unreasonable policies can be challenged at the Tribunal.
5. Who handles disputes about tenants’ rights in New Brunswick?
   The Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick is the official authority for landlord-tenant disputes.

Key Takeaways for New Brunswick Tenants

• You have the right to meet with other tenants in your own unit, provided you respect building rules and neighbours.
• Unreasonable blanket bans on tenant gatherings may violate your right to peaceful enjoyment of your home.
• If a dispute arises, use Form RT-en-005 and contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – File complaints, access forms, and get dispute resolution support.
• Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick – Official provincial legislation.
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick – Free information for tenants.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick – Comprehensive overview of tenant protections in the province.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick. Available at: New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. Dispute process and forms: Rental Tribunal Resources

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy