Shared rentals can be a great way to save on housing costs, but they also bring practical questions about who cleans what and when. This guide explains common cleaning responsibilities for tenants and roommates in New Brunswick, how landlords are responsible for habitability, and steps tenants can take if cleaning disputes affect health, safety, or the security deposit. It uses clear language for renters and gives practical, step-by-step actions — from creating a cleaning schedule and documenting damage to filing an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal when necessary.
Who is responsible for cleaning in shared rentals?
In most shared rental arrangements the lease and house rules set daily expectations: private rooms are usually each tenants responsibility while shared spaces (kitchen, bathroom, living room) require a clear agreement. If the rental agreement or a roommates written plan assigns tasks, follow that schedule. If there is no written agreement, communicate and create one to avoid confusion. Landlords remain responsible for keeping the unit fit and habitable — they cannot shift major cleaning or repairs that affect health to tenants.
Practical cleaning checklist for roommates
- Keep a weekly cleaning schedule and assign tasks by day.
- Document the condition of shared spaces with photos and a dated log.
- Report maintenance issues like leaks, mold, or broken fixtures right away to the landlord.
- Agree who will deep-clean appliances and communal areas before moving out.
When a shared area becomes unsanitary or a repair is needed, the landlords duty to maintain habitability may require them to act — especially for pest control, plumbing, and heating. If an ongoing problem threatens health or safety, raise it in writing to the landlord and keep copies.
Move-out cleaning and security deposits
Tenants are generally expected to return their private room and any agreed shared areas in the same condition as at move-in, minus reasonable wear and tear. If you paid a security deposit, document the condition before you move out so you can support your claim for a full refund.
Steps before moving out
- Schedule a final clean and mutually agreed inspection date with roommates.
- Take time-stamped photos of cleaned areas and any existing damage.
- Discuss any deductions from the deposit and ask for receipts for professional cleaning if charged.
When cleaning issues become disputes
If roommates wont cooperate or a landlord wrongly charges for normal wear and tear, follow these actions: try to resolve informally, send a written notice describing the problem and requested remedy, and keep records. If the dispute remains unresolved, tenants can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for a decision [1]. Refer to the Residential Tenancies Act for the legal standards that apply in New Brunswick [2].
Required forms and how to use them
To ask the Tribunal to resolve a dispute, tenants must complete the official application or claim form found on the provincial site. Typical paperwork includes an application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and any supporting evidence (photos, receipts, communication logs). Use the form to explain the remedy you want (for example, deposit return or reimbursement for cleaning). File the form as instructed on the provincial page and keep copies for your records [3].
FAQ
- Who cleans shared kitchen and bathroom areas?
- Generally, roommates share responsibility; if the lease specifies tasks, follow it. If not, create a written rota to avoid disputes.
- Can a landlord demand payment for normal cleaning?
- Landlords cannot charge tenants for normal wear and tear, but they can charge for damage beyond reasonable wear; document condition at move-in and move-out.
- What if a roommate wont clean and it creates health risks?
- If unsanitary conditions affect habitability, report the issue in writing to the landlord and, if unresolved, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for a remedy.
How-To
- Document the issue: take dated photos, save texts and emails, and keep a cleaning log.
- Send a written notice to the landlord or lead tenant describing the problem and the action you want.
- If informal steps fail, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and attend any scheduled hearing.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Service New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act - Government of New Brunswick
- How to file an application and forms - Government of New Brunswick
- [1] Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Service New Brunswick
- [2] Residential Tenancies Act - Government of New Brunswick
- [3] How to file an application and forms - Government of New Brunswick
For tenants looking for other rental options while resolving issues, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme. For help with pests specifically, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions. Before moving out, review The Final Inspection: What Tenants Need to Know Before Moving Out.
