Contents Insurance for Renters in New Brunswick: What Tenants Should Know

As a renter in New Brunswick, protecting your personal belongings is just as important as understanding your rights and responsibilities under the province’s tenancy laws. Many tenants believe their landlord’s insurance covers their possessions, but this is rarely the case. Contents insurance, also known as tenant insurance, provides essential protection if your items are stolen, damaged, or lost due to unforeseen events.

What Is Contents Insurance?

Contents insurance for renters covers your personal property—such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and valuables—against risks like fire, theft, water damage, and vandalism. While landlords insure the building itself, their policy does not extend to your belongings.

• Commonly covered events: fire, break-ins, certain types of water damage, vandalism
• Optional add-ons: coverage for high-value items, temporary living expenses if your unit becomes uninhabitable

Why Tenants Should Consider Contents Insurance in New Brunswick

Unexpected incidents can happen in any rental property. If disaster strikes, replacing your possessions out-of-pocket can be overwhelming. Tenant insurance can provide:

• Financial protection for lost or damaged items
• Coverage for accidental damage you may cause to the rental unit or others’ property (liability coverage)
• Support for temporary housing costs after a covered loss

How Contents Insurance Works for Renters

When you purchase a contents insurance policy, you pay a regular premium (monthly or yearly). If your belongings are damaged, lost, or stolen in a covered event, you file a claim with your insurer to get compensated.

• Keep receipts or photos of your possessions—they help prove value when making a claim.
• Ask your insurer if your policy covers replacement cost (new-for-old) or actual cash value (depreciated).

What’s Not Covered?

Standard contents insurance policies have exclusions. Always read the fine print. Typical exclusions include:

• Damage or loss from normal wear and tear
• Flooding (unless you buy specific flood coverage)
• Intentional damage or illegal activity

Check your policy carefully or speak to your insurance provider for details.

Tenant Rights and Insurance Requirements

New Brunswick law does not require tenants to have contents insurance. However, landlords are allowed to make it a term of your lease. If your landlord makes tenant insurance mandatory, this condition must be clearly stated in your rental agreement.

• Your landlord cannot take out an insurance policy in your name or force you to purchase a specific insurer’s policy.
• If you agree to an insurance requirement in your lease and fail to maintain coverage, your landlord may take action under the lease.

For a full overview of your rights and obligations as a renter, visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick page.

Who Handles Tenancy Issues in New Brunswick?

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick oversees rental disputes, including matters related to leases, deposits, and tenant obligations.

Relevant Legislation

Tenancy issues in New Brunswick are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act¹.

Forms and Tenant Actions: What If Insurance Is an Issue?

While there is no specific provincial form required to purchase or cancel tenant insurance, certain tenancy disputes or evidence may involve official forms with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. For example:

• Application for Assistance (RTI-001):
  • Use: To resolve disputes about lease terms—including insurance requirements—apply to the Tribunal.
  • How: Access the official form at RTI-001 Application for Assistance. Complete and submit online or at a Service New Brunswick centre. Example: If a landlord unfairly penalizes you for not showing proof of insurance, use this form to request a hearing.

Moving In, Moving Out, and Protecting Your Belongings

When moving into a new rental, consider securing contents insurance as soon as your lease begins. This ensures your personal property is protected from day one. You can learn more about preparing for your new home in Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Upon moving out, having documentation of your belongings and their condition can help if you need to file an insurance claim, or if there’s a dispute about damages or cleaning. For more on tenants' obligations and exit strategies, see Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.

How to Get Contents Insurance: Step-by-Step

• List your possessions and estimate their value.
• Contact licensed insurers operating in New Brunswick and compare policy options.
• Review coverage types, exclusions, premiums, and deductibles carefully.
• Purchase a policy and keep the certificate as proof for your landlord, if requested.

For a wide selection of rental options, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and see what’s available in your area.

FAQ: Contents Insurance for Renters in New Brunswick

1. Is contents insurance required by law for tenants in New Brunswick?
   No, contents insurance is not mandatory under provincial law, but your landlord can make it a condition of the lease.
2. Will my landlord’s insurance cover my belongings?
   No, your landlord’s policy only covers the building. You are responsible for insuring your own personal property.
3. What happens if I can’t provide proof of insurance?
   If it’s a lease requirement and you don’t provide proof, your landlord may issue a written notice or take steps under the lease terms, including applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if unresolved.
4. Does contents insurance cover roommates?
   Usually, policies only cover belongings owned by the policyholder. Roommates should get their own coverage unless a shared policy is arranged and permitted by the insurer.
5. Can my landlord force me to use a specific insurance company?
   No, you are free to choose your own insurer if contents insurance is required.

Conclusion: Protect Yourself and Your Belongings

• Contents insurance is optional by law but provides valuable protection in New Brunswick.
• Landlords may require proof as part of your rental agreement—always check your lease.
• Shop around, know exactly what’s covered, and contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you face an insurance-related dispute.

Taking proactive steps helps prevent hardship if the unexpected happens during your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – For forms, dispute resolution, and legal advice
• Residential Tenancies Act – Full provincial legislation
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick – Provincial facts and guidance
• Consumer advocate organizations and licensed insurance agents can also provide help with policy questions or claims.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick
3. Application for Assistance (RTI-001) Form

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