As a tenant in New Brunswick, you have rights around safety and privacy, including how locks and building security are handled. This guide explains when you can change the locks, when you must tell your landlord, and what to do if a lock change is required for safety or after a break-in. It also covers landlord responsibilities, official forms and deadlines, and practical steps to document issues and protect yourself without assuming legal blame. If you need to apply to the provincial tribunal or use official forms, the steps below are written for renters who want clear, usable guidance.
Can I change the locks myself?
Tenants sometimes want to change locks for added safety. In New Brunswick, whether you can change a lock depends on your lease terms and the reason for the change. If the lease explicitly forbids lock changes without permission, you should seek written consent first; otherwise you risk a dispute. If you are changing locks after a break-in or to protect a vulnerable household member, notify the landlord in writing and keep evidence of the incident and of your communication.[1]
When must the landlord provide or change locks?
Landlords are responsible for providing a unit that meets basic safety and habitability standards and for securing common areas. If a lock is faulty, broken, or creates a safety risk, the landlord must arrange repairs or replacement in a timely way. If the landlord needs to change locks for safety or to regain lawful possession, they must follow the notice and entry rules set out by provincial tenancy law and the tribunal process.[2]
Practical steps before changing locks
- Give written notice to the landlord explaining why you want to change the lock and include your proposed plan and timeframe.
- Contact your property manager or landlord by phone if the situation is urgent, and follow up in writing to create a record.
- Keep written evidence: photos of damage, police reports if relevant, and copies of communications.
- If you change the lock, provide a copy of the new key to the landlord unless the lease or a tribunal decision says otherwise.
What if the landlord changes locks without notice?
If a landlord changes locks without proper notice or prevents you from entering, document the event immediately, try to contact the landlord, and if necessary apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for assistance. Dont force entry that might escalate the situation; use official complaint routes so you preserve evidence and legal options.[2]
When to involve the tribunal and which forms to use
If you cannot resolve a lock or security dispute with your landlord, the tribunal handles tenancy disputes. Common official forms include an application form to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (used to request orders about access, repairs, or wrongful lock changes) and a written notice of entry or repair request form provided by Service New Brunswick. Use the tribunal application when a landlord will not restore your access, refuses necessary repairs, or changes locks without lawful authority. For example: if a landlord changed the locks after a dispute and will not supply keys, file the tribunal application to request an order restoring access and to seek remedies.[2]
Tips for documenting security issues
- Record dates and times of incidents, communications, and any repair delays with a short written log.
- Keep copies of repair requests and responses; follow up if deadlines are missed and note the impact on safety or habitability.
- Save copies of police or emergency reports if a break-in or threat prompted a lock change.
Relevant obligations and where to read more
Landlords and tenants each have duties. For an overview of typical responsibilities that affect lock and entry issues, review landlord and tenant obligations and emergency repair guidance. If the issue is an urgent repair or safety risk, follow the emergency repair process and consider the landlords duty to act quickly. Helpful internal resources include Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
FAQ
- Can my lease stop me from changing the locks?
- If the lease forbids changing locks without permission, follow its terms and request written consent; otherwise you may be in breach.
- What if my landlord wont give me a key after changing the lock?
- Document the refusal, try to resolve it in writing, and apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for an order to restore access.
- Who pays for lock replacement after a break-in?
- Responsibility can depend on cause and lease terms; if the landlord failed to provide reasonable security, they may be responsible, but document the event and seek tribunal guidance if needed.
How-To
- Contact your landlord or property manager immediately to explain the security concern and request action within a clear timeframe.
- Send written notice (email or letter) describing the issue, include photos or police reports, and keep a copy for your records.
- If the landlord does not act, request repairs or lock changes formally and state a reasonable deadline for completion.
- If access is denied or the landlord refuses to cooperate, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and include your documentation.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies information - Government of New Brunswick
- Justice and Consumer Affairs - Government of New Brunswick
