As a tenant in New Brunswick, your right to privacy in your rental home is protected by law. However, some tenants experience frequent or repeated landlord entry notices which may feel intrusive—or even escalate into harassment. This guide explains your legal rights, what counts as proper notice, and what to do if you suspect your landlord has crossed the line.
When Can a Landlord Enter Your Rental in New Brunswick?
According to the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)[1], landlords must respect your right to quiet enjoyment of your home. Landlords can only enter a rental unit for limited reasons, such as:
- Carrying out repairs or maintenance
- Showing the unit to prospective buyers or tenants
- Inspecting the condition of the unit
- Dealing with emergencies (e.g., burst pipes, fire)
The landlord must generally provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering, stating the reason, date, and time (which must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.). There are exceptions for emergencies, when no notice is needed.
Proper Notice Requirements
The written notice must:
- Be delivered at least 24 hours before entry
- State the reason for entry
- Specify the date and time (within normal hours)
Receiving notice more often than necessary, or for vague reasons, may be a red flag. For an overview of your general rights and obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
What Counts as Harassment by a Landlord?
Harassment can involve any repeated or unreasonable entries—or entry notices—where the landlord:
- Issues multiple unnecessary or last-minute notices
- Enters without proper notice or when you are not home (outside emergencies)
- Uses entry to disrupt your daily life or intimidate you
Harassment is taken seriously in New Brunswick. The Residential Tenancies Tribunal reviews such cases and can issue orders if your rights are violated.
Steps to Take If You Face Repeated Entry or Harassment
- Document everything: Keep copies of all notices, emails, and a log of each entry or attempted entry.
- Communicate in writing: Politely remind your landlord of the legal requirements, ideally by email or letter.
- File a complaint if harassment continues. Use the official tenant forms (see below).
- Seek support from tenant advocacy services or the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
If repeated entries impact your right to quiet enjoyment, or you’re unsure what qualifies as a valid notice, review the detailed rights summary at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
Official Forms and How to Use Them
New Brunswick provides official forms for tenants facing privacy or harassment issues. Key forms include:
1. Tenant Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Form 1)
- When to use: If your landlord repeatedly enters without proper notice or you believe you’re being harassed.
- How to use: Fill out Form 1 – Tenant's Application and submit it to the Tribunal online or by mail, with your documentation.
For example, if your landlord shows up multiple times a week without valid reasons, attach your log and any written communication to support your claim.
2. Notice of Entry Form (optional)
- When to use: If your landlord fails to provide proper notice, you can write a letter (no special form required) outlining your concerns and citing the sections of the Residential Tenancies Act that protect your privacy.
Copies of all forms and instructions are on the Residential Tenancies Tribunal website.[2]
Who Handles Tenant Complaints in New Brunswick?
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal is the official body that helps resolve disputes between tenants and landlords.
If your landlord does not follow entry rules or you believe you are being harassed, you can:
- Contact the Tribunal for advice
- File a complaint using Form 1 (see above)
- Request mediation or a hearing
Tip: Always keep written records and try resolving issues directly with your landlord first, unless you feel unsafe.
Protecting Your Privacy When Moving In
Understanding your rights at the start of your tenancy can help prevent issues later on. For advice on settling into a new rental, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home. For comprehensive listings in New Brunswick and other provinces, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ: Tenants' Rights on Landlord Entry and Harassment in New Brunswick
- Can my landlord enter my unit without notice?
Only in emergencies, like fire or serious water leaks. Otherwise, 24 hours' written notice is required. - What should I do if I feel harassed by entry notices?
Document each incident, communicate your concerns in writing, and contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if the issue continues. - Is there a limit on how often a landlord can issue entry notices?
There’s no fixed limit, but notices must be reasonable and for valid reasons. Repeated unnecessary notices may be considered harassment. - How do I file a complaint about landlord harassment?
Complete and submit Form 1 – Tenant's Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with supporting evidence of the issue. - Are there resources to help me resolve landlord entry disputes?
Yes, contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or tenant advocacy groups for support and guidance.
Key Takeaways for Tenants
- Landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice to enter (except in emergencies).
- Repeated or unreasonable entry notices can qualify as harassment under New Brunswick law.
- Documenting incidents and using official forms helps protect your rights.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal – New Brunswick: File complaints, access forms, and learn more about your rights.
- Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB): Free legal information and tenant resources.
- For a full overview of New Brunswick tenant and landlord law, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
- "Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)", read the Residential Tenancies Act here.
- Official forms and contact: Residential Tenancies Tribunal – New Brunswick.
