Changing a Move-In Date After Signing in New Brunswick

Planning your rental move in New Brunswick can be exciting, but sometimes timing doesn’t go as planned. If you’ve signed a lease and need to shift your move-in date, it’s important to know your rights, your options, and what to expect under New Brunswick tenancy law.

About Move-In Dates in New Brunswick

Once a rental agreement is signed in New Brunswick, both tenant and landlord are generally expected to stick to the start date stated. This is because the lease forms a legally binding contract governed by the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick¹. However, life can be unpredictable—circumstances might make your original move-in date impossible to meet. Here’s what you need to know and do.

Is Changing Your Move-In Date Allowed?

Changing your move-in date after signing a lease is not an automatic right. The date you and your landlord agree to (and write on the lease) is usually fixed. If you want to request a change:

• You must get your landlord’s written consent if you wish to alter the move-in date.
• The landlord is not obligated to agree, unless both parties choose to amend the agreement.
• If you move in later than expected without agreement, you may still be responsible for paying rent from the original date.

This is to protect both tenant and landlord interests—your landlord may have turned away other prospective tenants based on your commitment.

How to Request a Move-In Date Change

Here’s a step-by-step guide for New Brunswick tenants seeking to change their move-in date:

• Contact your landlord as soon as possible in writing (by email or letter).
• Clearly explain your situation and propose a new date.
• Ask for written confirmation if your landlord agrees to the change—never rely on verbal agreements. Both parties should sign a revised agreement if the date is changed.
• If your landlord declines, you are still bound by the lease as originally signed.

If you need help preparing for move-in, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Official Forms and Resources

Unlike lease termination or dispute processes, New Brunswick does not have a specific government form for move-in date changes. Any changes must be mutually agreed and documented in writing, signed by both parties.
If you cannot move in at all, you may have to consider ending the agreement early. In such cases:

• Use the Notice of Termination of Tenancy by Tenant (Form 1) if you want to officially end your lease. Download Form 1 from the Service New Brunswick website.
• This form requires notice periods depending on your lease type. Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick for guidance, or review their FAQ section for more on ending agreements.

Tip: In all communications, keep copies for your records in case a dispute arises.

What Happens If No Agreement Is Reached?

If your landlord cannot or will not accommodate a new date and you cannot meet the original move-in deadline, you may be:

• Responsible for paying rent from the contracted move-in date, even if you have not yet taken possession.
• Subject to potential loss of your deposit or being asked for additional compensation if you do not proceed with the tenancy.
• Required to formally terminate the lease, triggering the usual notice rules.

This highlights why quick, open, and honest communication is so important.

What About Rental Deposits and Move-In Costs?

Most leases require a security deposit up to one month's rent, held by Service New Brunswick. If your tenancy doesn't start or is cancelled, you may wonder about getting your deposit back. For full guidance, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Rights and Responsibilities

Tenants and landlords in New Brunswick each have rights and obligations set out under the Residential Tenancies Act. For a full outline, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Remember: Changing your move-in date is not an automatic option. Planning ahead and friendly negotiation can help prevent problems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord refuse to change my move-in date after I’ve signed the lease?
   Yes. Move-in dates are part of the rental contract. Landlords are not required to adjust this unless you both agree in writing.
2. If I can’t move in on the agreed date, do I still pay rent?
   Usually, yes. Rent is payable from the start date listed in the lease, regardless of whether you physically move in on that day.
3. What if my landlord delays my move-in?
   If your landlord cannot provide the unit by the agreed date, document everything and contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for support. You may be entitled to compensation or to end the lease without penalty.
4. Is there a special government form for changing the move-in date?
   No. You must make a written agreement with your landlord; there is no government-issued form for this in New Brunswick.
5. What happens to my damage deposit if I can’t move in?
   If you properly terminate the agreement before moving in, you may be eligible for a full or partial refund, depending on your situation and notice period. See government deposit rules for details.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Changing your move-in date requires agreement from your landlord and written proof.
• If no agreement is reached, rent is still due from the contract’s original start date.
• Always document any changes in writing and keep copies for your records.

Understanding the lease, open communication, and early planning can help avoid move-in mishaps.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – file complaints, download tenant forms, and review FAQs
• Tenant Advocacy (New Brunswick Legal Aid): www.legalaid.nb.ca
• Government of New Brunswick: Find information on tenancy rules and tenant support
• If you have legal concerns, consider contacting a local legal clinic or tenant support service

1. Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick. Available at New Brunswick e-Laws.
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal, Service New Brunswick. Forms and guides: snb.ca/RTB.