When your rental property in New Brunswick changes owners, you may wonder if the new landlord can raise your rent immediately. Understanding the rights, responsibilities, and provincial rules can help protect you from unexpected rent increases and empower you to respond appropriately.
What Happens When a Property Gets a New Landlord?
When the ownership of your rental unit changes, all existing terms and conditions of your current lease or rental agreement remain valid. The new landlord must honour your current rent, lease duration, and other conditions as set by your original agreement. This is protected under New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Act.[1]
Are New Landlords Allowed to Raise Rent Right Away?
No, a new landlord cannot raise your rent immediately simply because the property changed hands. The rules for rent increases in New Brunswick apply regardless of whether your landlord is new or has had the property for years.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, rent increases are only allowed with proper written notice, and certain timelines and procedures must be followed.
How Rent Increases Work in New Brunswick
- Landlords—including new ones—must give written notice before increasing rent.
- If you have a year-to-year lease, at least three months' written notice is required.
- If you have a month-to-month or week-to-week lease, landlords must still provide three months' written notice.
- Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease until it ends.
This ensures that tenants are not surprised by sudden rent hikes following a change in property ownership.
How Must Notice Be Given for a Rent Increase?
The landlord must give you a written notice (often called a "Notice of Rent Increase"), delivered in person or by mail. Email is not always considered valid unless you have agreed to receive legal documents this way in writing.
For a detailed explanation of how rent increases work, see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.
What Should Tenants Do If They Receive a Rent Increase Notice?
If you receive a rent increase notice from a new landlord:
- Check the date: Has the landlord given you at least three months’ written notice?
- Was the notice delivered in person or by mail as required?
- Are you under a fixed-term lease? If so, rent should not increase until renewal.
- If the notice is not correct or the increase is questionable, you can dispute it.
All rent increases must follow both the law and any terms agreed in your original tenancy or rental agreement.
How to Dispute an Improper Rent Increase
If you believe your new landlord has raised the rent without following the legal process:
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (see resources below) for advice on your situation.
- Submit a formal application to dispute the increase if necessary. The process is tenant-friendly and can often be completed online or in person.
Key Forms and Where to Find Them
- Notice of Rent Increase (Form 3) – This is the official form the landlord must use, giving at least three months' written notice.
Download Form 3: Notice of Rent Increase.
Example: If you get this form in March, your new rent cannot start until at least June. - Application by Tenant to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Form 10) – Use this form to apply for a hearing if you wish to dispute a rent increase.
Download Form 10: Application by Tenant.
Example: If your landlord tries to raise the rent without proper notice, complete and submit this form to formally dispute it.
For more about tenant and landlord obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Your Rights Remain Protected
Even with new ownership, your rights as a tenant stay the same under New Brunswick law. If your rental agreement is month-to-month, year-to-year, or a fixed-term contract, a new landlord cannot change the agreement or raise the rent without proper notice and legal process.
For a thorough summary of provincial rules, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a new landlord raise my rent right after buying the property?
No, they must follow the legal process and provide at least three months’ written notice, regardless of when they acquired the property. - Does my lease stay valid if there’s a new landlord?
Yes, all original terms of your lease or rental agreement remain in effect until they legally expire or are renewed. - What should I do if the new landlord tries to increase my rent without notice?
Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and consider filing Form 10 to dispute the increase. - Are there limits on how much a landlord can raise the rent in New Brunswick?
There are currently no provincial controls on the amount, but all increases require proper notice and process. - Where can I get help if I have questions about my rights?
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal is your primary resource for advice, forms, and dispute resolution.
Key Takeaways
- A new landlord cannot immediately raise rent; legal notice and timelines apply.
- Tenants are protected by New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Act, even after property ownership changes.
- Always check rent increase notices for accuracy and legality; seek tribunal help if in doubt.
Staying informed means you can respond confidently to any unauthorized rent change requests.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – Information, forms, and dispute resolution
- Phone: 1-888-762-8600
- Email: [email protected]
- New Brunswick Legal Aid Services: legalaid.nb.ca
- Tenant advocacy organizations are also available in larger cities for advice on rental rights.
