Living with roommates in New Brunswick means balancing privacy, chores and shared responsibility. This guide explains how tenants can agree on cleaning schedules, set fair chore rules, document expectations and handle repairs or habitability problems. It uses plain language for renters and includes practical examples for negotiating agreements, performing inspections, and resolving disputes without escalating. You will also find steps for filing a complaint with the province's Residential Tenancies Tribunal and where to find official forms so you can protect your rights and keep common areas hygienic and safe.
Who is responsible for cleaning?
Responsibility usually depends on your rental agreement and any shared-house rules tenants agree to. If the lease names each tenant as responsible for common-area upkeep, that creates a clear expectation; otherwise roommates should make a written plan. Landlords remain responsible for basic habitability and major repairs.
Making a fair chore agreement
Put agreements in writing to avoid confusion. A short chore chart should include who cleans what, how often, how supplies are paid for, and what happens if someone repeatedly misses duties. Use realistic schedules and agree on a method for swapping or trading tasks.
- By the end of each week, rotate kitchen cleaning duties so no one is stuck with all tasks indefinitely.
- Agree on shared supplies and how costs are split, such as a shared fund for cleaning products.
- Keep a shared log of completed chores and receipts for shared purchases.
Common rules and examples
Examples help set expectations. Common rules include taking out trash by a specific day, washing dishes within a set number of hours, and cleaning the bathroom weekly. Use objective language (dates, times, frequency) and avoid vague terms like "regularly."
- By 10pm each day, wash and put away dishes used in common areas.
- Before the weekend, empty all common-area trash and recycling.
- Report plumbing or heating issues to the landlord as soon as they appear so repairs can be scheduled.
Handling stains, damage and end-of-tenancy cleaning
Distinguish between ordinary cleaning and damage. Normal wear and tear is different from damage that may justify deductions from a deposit. Take photos during move-in and before move-out so you can show the original condition.
Before moving out, follow any move-out cleaning checklist in the lease and book a walk-through with roommates and the landlord when possible. For practical moving and inspection steps, see the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants and Moving Out Tips: A Tenant''s Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.
Repairs, pests and habitability
If a cleaning issue is actually a maintenance or pest problem, report it to the landlord in writing and request prompt action. If the landlord does not respond, tenants can file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for New Brunswick to seek remedies.[1]
What to do if roommates don’t follow the agreement
- Talk first: raise the issue in a calm house meeting and propose a solution or swap.
- Document missed chores, dates and communications so you have a clear record.
- If unresolved, consider a written warning or mediation; for official action, file an application with the tribunal.
FAQ
- Who pays for shared cleaning supplies?
- Tenants usually split the cost. Put an agreement in writing that specifies amounts and a payment method to avoid disputes.
- Can a landlord force tenants to follow a roommate chore chart?
- A landlord can enforce lease terms. If the lease contains obligations about cleanliness, the landlord may issue notices for breaches and pursue remedies through the tribunal.
- What if a roommate causes damage and refuses to pay?
- Document the damage, get repair estimates, and try mediation. If needed, the injured tenant or landlord can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for compensation.
How-To
- Gather evidence: date-stamped photos, messages and your written chore agreement.
- File a written request to the landlord asking for repair or enforcement, keeping a copy as proof.
- If unresolved, submit an application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with your documentation and attend the hearing if scheduled.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies information (Government of New Brunswick)
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal (how to apply and forms)
- Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
