Condo Conversions in New Brunswick: Tenant Rights and Next Steps

If your rental building in New Brunswick is being converted into condominiums, you may wonder what this means for your housing situation. Condo conversions are when a landlord changes a rental building or units into separate condominiums — often to sell them. In New Brunswick, specific rules protect tenants during this process. Understanding your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act and knowing how to respond can help you make informed decisions and reduce stress.

Understanding Condo Conversion and Tenant Rights

In New Brunswick, when a landlord wants to convert a rental property into condominiums, they must follow strict legal steps to end tenancy agreements and provide tenants with proper notice. The law is designed to make sure tenants are not left without a home on short notice.

• Notice Requirement: Landlords must give tenants at least six months written notice before ending a tenancy for a condo conversion. This notice must be provided in the correct format and delivered properly.
• Protection Against Eviction Without Cause: Tenants cannot be evicted for the sole purpose of selling a unit as a condo unless all legal processes are followed.
• Early Termination: If you wish to move before the six months is up, you can often negotiate a mutually agreed early end to your lease with the landlord.

It’s important for tenants to review their notice carefully to confirm it follows New Brunswick law. If you are unsure, consider reaching out to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick, which oversees rental disputes and protects both landlord and tenant rights.

Official Notice and Required Forms

The landlord must serve a Form 10: Notice to Quit for Landlord to Tenant (View official form), which informs you of the intention to terminate tenancy for the purpose of conversion.

• When is Form 10 Used? This form is used when a rental unit is being converted to a condominium and the tenancy needs to end for that purpose.
• How Should it Be Served? The notice must be given to each affected tenant in writing, either personally or by another legal method — such as delivering it to the rental address.
• Example: If your landlord is converting your apartment building into condos, they must provide you with at least six months’ notice using Form 10.

What Happens After Receiving Notice?

Receiving a condo conversion notice can be stressful, but knowing your next steps will help you prepare:

• Check if the notice was given with at least six months’ lead time and uses Form 10.
• Start planning your move. You may wish to review tips for moving out to make the process smoother.
• If you choose to leave before the end of the notice period, try to work out an early ending with your landlord in writing.
• Make sure all deposit and rent matters are clarified — understanding Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know will help ensure you get your money back.

Keep lines of communication open with your landlord and document all correspondence for your records. You are not required to move out before the notice period ends unless you want to and an agreement is reached.

Can You Stay or Buy Your Unit?

Some tenants may be offered the chance to purchase their current unit once it becomes a condo. In these cases, you are not obligated to buy. If you choose not to buy, your rights to the full notice period and other protections remain intact.

Your Responsibilities Before Leaving

As you prepare to move, you are expected to:

• Leave the unit in a reasonably clean and undamaged condition
• Arrange a final inspection if required
• Provide your forwarding address for the return of your deposit

For a smooth transition, be sure to understand How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

Legislation and Oversight

All processes around condo conversions, evictions, and notices in New Brunswick are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick.^[1] This ensures tenants are protected from unfair loss of housing and are given enough time to relocate.

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal investigates disputes and provides guidance on tenant and landlord rights.

Additional Support for Tenants

If you’re searching for your next home, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to explore options and plan a stress-free move. For more on your rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

FAQ: Tenants and Condo Conversions in New Brunswick

1. How much notice does my landlord have to give for a condo conversion?
   The landlord must provide a minimum of six months' written notice using the official Form 10 in New Brunswick.
2. Do I have to move out before the end of the notice period?
   No. You are allowed to stay until the end of the notice period unless you and your landlord agree in writing for an earlier move-out date.
3. Can my landlord evict me for a condo conversion if I am on a fixed-term lease?
   Yes, but only with appropriate notice and legal procedures. The conversion process applies to both month-to-month and fixed-term leases.
4. Am I entitled to compensation if my rental is converted to a condo?
   New Brunswick law does not require compensation beyond proper notice in most cases; always check the specifics with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
5. What should I do if I think my landlord's notice is invalid?
   Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal immediately for advice and clarification.

Conclusion: Your Key Takeaways

• If your building is being converted to condos, you're entitled to at least six months' notice and must receive the correct form.
• Always verify legal notices and ask for help from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you're unsure.
• Plan your move early and make sure any deposits are properly returned.

Remember, knowing your rights can help you navigate this change with confidence and security.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Offers information, dispute resolution, and forms.
• Residential Tenancies Act: Full provincial legislation governing tenancies and condo conversions.
• New Brunswick Tenants’ Rights groups and local legal clinics can provide personalized support and guidance.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)

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