Deposit Return Delays: Are They Legal in New Brunswick?

Rent & Deposits New Brunswick 3 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of New Brunswick

As a tenant in New Brunswick, understanding your rights regarding rental deposits is crucial. The province has specific laws governing the return of deposits, and it's important to know what to do if there's a delay.

Gather key documents: your lease or tenancy agreement, deposit receipt, move-out notice, and all messages about the deposit. Then send a brief, dated request for the deposit to be returned within 7–10 days and keep copies of everything.

What Does New Brunswick Law Say About Deposit Returns?

In New Brunswick, the Residential Tenancies Act regulates the relationship between landlords and tenants. According to this Act, landlords are required to return the tenant's deposit within a reasonable time after the end of the tenancy.

Reasonable Timeframe for Deposit Return

Although the Act doesn’t specify an exact timeframe, the prevailing interpretation is that it should be within 7 to 10 days following the termination of the tenancy. This period allows landlords to assess the property for damages and prepare the balance for return.

Because "reasonable time" isn’t fixed, disputes often hinge on whether the landlord made a reasonable effort to assess damages and process the return. Keep itemized receipts and any damage assessments in case you need to explain deductions to the tribunal.
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What To Do If Your Deposit is Delayed

If your landlord delays returning your deposit beyond the reasonable timeframe, there are steps you can take:

Gather and preserve documents, and set a concrete deadline in writing for the landlord to respond (e.g., 7 days). Include lease, deposit receipt, move-out notice, and all messages about the deposit; then follow up with a brief written request for return by that deadline.
  • Communicate Promptly: Contact your landlord first to inquire about the delay. Often, it could be a simple oversight that can be resolved quickly.
  • Document Everything: Keep records of all communications with your landlord related to the deposit return. This documentation could be useful if you need to take further action.
  • File a Formal Complaint: If the issue isn't resolved, you may file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal in New Brunswick, which oversees disputes involving rental agreements.

Understanding your obligations and rights when you move into a new place can also prevent potential issues. For an overview of rental deposits and more insights, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

To explore more options and find your next rental, explore rental homes in your area.

Example: If you’re searching for a new place, note deposit requirements and the landlord’s policies on return before you sign; keep copies of any deposit receipt and the agreed timeline to avoid future disputes.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

As a tenant in New Brunswick, it's important to be informed about not only your rights but also your responsibilities. For more comprehensive information, check out the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

  1. Is it legal for landlords to delay the return of rental deposits in New Brunswick? No, landlords must return deposits within a reasonable timeframe after the tenancy ends, typically considered to be 7 to 10 days.
  2. What should I do if my landlord does not return my deposit? Contact your landlord to discuss the issue. If unresolved, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
  3. Can I deduct unpaid utilities or damage costs from my deposit? Landlords can only deduct amounts for unpaid rent or property damages beyond normal wear and tear.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

If you're facing issues with deposit returns or other tenancy-related concerns, you can reach out to:

When contacting the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, have your tenancy agreement, deposit receipt, dates, and communications ready. Filing may involve documentation and timelines for hearings, so keep everything organized.
  1. Footnotes:
  2. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick), for regulations on landlord and tenant relationships.

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Marie Dubois
Marie Dubois

Bilingual Housing Rights Advisor, Tenant Rights Canada

Marie covers tenant rights across Quebec and the Atlantic provinces in both English and French. With a background in Quebec civil law and residential tenancy, she is a trusted voice on the Tribunal administratif du logement process and francophone tenant rights.

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