Changing Locks: Tenant Rights and the Legal Process in New Brunswick

Feeling secure in your rental home is essential, and many tenants in New Brunswick wonder if they can change the locks for added privacy and safety. This guide explains your rights as a tenant, the steps involved if you decide to change locks, and how the law protects both your privacy and your landlord’s interests. Whether you’re worried about lost keys, maintenance, or privacy, understanding the legal process helps avoid conflicts and ensures your home remains a safe space.

Your Right to Security and Privacy in New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s tenancy laws recognize that tenants deserve privacy and should feel secure in their homes. However, there are clear rules about changing locks—both to protect tenants and to ensure landlords can fulfill their responsibilities. The main legislation overseeing these rights is the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick).^[1]

Can Tenants Change the Locks?

As a tenant in New Brunswick, you cannot change the locks on your rental unit without your landlord’s consent. According to the Residential Tenancies Act, both parties must agree before any locks are altered, added, or removed. If you have concerns about your safety or believe there is a good reason to change the locks, it’s important to communicate with your landlord and request permission in writing.

Why Are There Restrictions on Changing Locks?

• Landlord access: Landlords need to be able to enter in emergencies or to conduct lawful repairs and inspections.
• Health and safety: Emergency personnel or maintenance staff may need entry during urgent situations.
• Maintain tenancy rights: Both landlord and tenant rights are protected under the Act to prevent misuse or lockouts.

When Might a Tenant Need to Request a Lock Change?

There are legitimate reasons for asking to change the locks, such as:

• You have lost your keys or believe someone unauthorized has access.
• You are experiencing harassment or safety threats.
• The lock is broken and needs replacing for security reasons.

Always seek written consent from your landlord before any changes. If the landlord refuses and your request is reasonable (such as after a break-in), you can contact New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Tribunal for guidance or dispute resolution.^[2]

Required Forms and How to Use Them

If your landlord agrees to a lock change, get the approval in writing. New Brunswick does not have a specific standard form for lock change consent, but you and your landlord may use written letters or email as documentation.

• Example: If your landlord agrees to a lock change after you’ve lost your keys, ask them to confirm their permission in an email or signed letter. You should also provide your landlord with a copy of the new key within a reasonable time frame, so they maintain lawful access to the unit if needed.

If you believe your request for a lock change is unreasonably denied, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for a hearing or dispute resolution. Use the ‘Application for Dispute Resolution’ form available on the official forms page.^[3]

• Form Name: Application for Review of a Director’s Decision
• When to Use: If the landlord or tenant disagrees with a decision about the tenancy, such as being denied a reasonable lock change request, this form can initiate a hearing.
• How to Use: Fill out your information and details about the dispute, attach supporting documents (like email requests and landlord replies), and submit as directed on the form’s instructions.

Obligations & Best Practices

As a tenant, you have responsibilities when changing locks:

• Never change the locks without written landlord permission.
• If consent is granted and you change the locks, provide the landlord with a copy of the new key right away.
• Keep all communications in writing for your records.

For a broader overview of what tenants and landlords are expected to do during a tenancy, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

It’s always best to have open, documented communication with your landlord about privacy and lock changes to avoid misunderstandings and potential disputes later on.

Staying informed about your privacy rights in New Brunswick will help you avoid accidental breaches of your lease agreement. For more on tenant rights in this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick. To browse listings locally or nationwide, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Locks and Tenant Privacy in New Brunswick

1. Can my landlord change the locks without telling me?
   No, landlords may only change locks with your agreement or for legitimate reasons (like maintenance), and must provide you with a key immediately.
2. What if I feel unsafe and my landlord won’t let me change the locks?
   Document your safety concerns in writing and seek help from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if the request is reasonable but denied.
3. My lock broke—do I pay for the replacement?
   If the lock breaks due to normal wear and tear, your landlord is responsible for repairs or replacement. If you caused the damage, you may be held responsible. See Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for more information.
4. Do I have to give my landlord a copy of the new key?
   Yes, if you change the locks with permission, you must give your landlord a copy of any new keys right away.
5. What should I do if I lost my keys?
   Notify your landlord immediately, explain the situation, and discuss solutions (such as a lock change or key replacement).

Key Takeaways

• You can’t change locks in New Brunswick without your landlord’s written permission.
• If your safety is compromised, make your request in writing and keep all communication.
• Legal forms and support are available if your reasonable request is denied.

Following these steps and best practices protects your privacy and keeps your tenancy on good terms.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick) – Tenant Resources
• Landlord and Tenant Forms (Province of New Brunswick)
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick: Tenants & Landlords

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) - Official Site
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal New Brunswick
3. Application Forms for Landlord-Tenant Disputes

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