Tenants in New Brunswick need clear, practical information about carbon monoxide (CO) risks and what landlords must do to keep rental homes safe. This guide explains common landlord duties—such as providing and maintaining CO detectors, ensuring safe heating and fuel-burning appliances, and completing urgent repairs—along with steps tenants should take if they smell exhaust, feel symptoms, or suspect a leak. It covers how to document problems, who to contact, and when to involve the tribunal or emergency services. Written for renters, the language is plain and action-focused so you can protect your household and assert your rights in New Brunswick.
Landlord duties under New Brunswick rules
Landlords in New Brunswick must ensure rental units are safe and meet basic habitability standards. Key duties related to carbon monoxide include installing and maintaining CO alarms where required, keeping fuel-burning appliances in safe working order, and responding promptly to urgent reports of potential CO leaks. If an appliance or venting system is unsafe, the landlord is responsible for repair or replacement unless the tenant caused the damage.
CO detectors and placement
CO detectors are essential safety devices. Landlords should supply functioning detectors and replace batteries or units as needed. Tenants should check detectors regularly and report non-functioning units immediately.
- Report a faulty detector to your landlord as soon as you discover it and follow up in writing.
- Request repairs for fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, gas stoves) promptly if you notice exhaust odors or strange performance.
- Keep a dated record of tests, findings, and landlord responses to create evidence if the issue escalates.
When to call emergency services
If anyone has headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or fainting and you suspect CO exposure, leave the building immediately and call 911. Do not re-enter until first responders clear the unit.
Tenant steps after discovering a CO concern
Follow these practical steps to protect health and preserve your rights:
- Call emergency services if anyone is unwell or if you suspect an active leak.
- Contact your landlord immediately and put the request for urgent repair in writing (email or text preferred).
- Document everything: photos of detectors, appliance labels, times you reported the issue, and any medical notes.
If the landlord does not respond or refuses to make necessary repairs, tenants in New Brunswick can apply to the tribunal that handles residential tenancy disputes for resolution and orders [2]. Consider asking the landlord for temporary relocation or alternative heating if the unit is unsafe.
Forms, tribunal and legislation
To pursue a formal complaint or application, tenants typically use an official application form for the residential tenancy dispute process in New Brunswick. The name and number of the form vary by program year; use the Service New Brunswick tenancy pages to find the current application form and filing instructions [2]. The provincial Residential Tenancies Act sets out landlord and tenant rights and obligations for repairs and safety [3]. For health guidance about CO risks and symptoms, see Health Canada resources [1].
FAQ
- Who is responsible for providing carbon monoxide detectors in a rental unit?
- Landlords are generally responsible for supplying and maintaining required CO detectors; tenants should notify landlords if a detector fails.
- What should I do if my landlord won’t fix a suspected CO leak?
- Leave the unit if anyone is ill, call emergency services, document your reports, and apply to the residential tenancy tribunal for orders if the landlord fails to act.
- Can I refuse to pay rent if the unit is unsafe because of carbon monoxide?
- Do not withhold rent without legal advice; instead, document the issue and use the tribunal process to request repairs, rent reductions, or temporary relocation.
How-To
- Call 911 immediately if anyone is symptomatic or you suspect a dangerous CO leak.
- Notify your landlord in writing, describe symptoms and observations, and request urgent repair or inspection.
- Gather evidence: photos of alarms, appliance labels, dated messages, and any medical notes.
- If the landlord does not act, file the official residential tenancy application form with the tribunal and include your documentation [2].
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must keep rental units safe and supply functional CO detectors where required.
- Document reports and repairs carefully to protect your rights and support tribunal applications.
Help and Support / Resources
- Service New Brunswick - Residential Tenancies
- Health Canada - What you need to know about carbon monoxide
- New Brunswick Department of Public Safety - Fire Prevention
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