Digital Leasing for New Brunswick Tenants: Rights & Protections

As technology changes the way New Brunswick tenants and landlords handle rentals, digital leasing has become more common. From electronic signatures to online portals for uploading documents, understanding your rights with these new platforms is essential. This guide walks you through how digital leasing works in New Brunswick, your legal protections, and practical steps to keep your tenancy safe and secure.

What is Digital Leasing in New Brunswick?

Digital leasing refers to renting a home using online tools—like e-signature apps, landlord portals, and property management software—rather than paper documents. In New Brunswick, digital leases, signatures, and notices are legally recognized, provided they meet the standards under the Residential Tenancies Act¹ and the Electronic Transactions Act².

• Many landlords now use web portals or apps to send lease agreements, payment reminders, and documents.
• Tenants can review, sign, and store documents online, making the leasing process faster and more accessible.

However, your rights and protections remain the same as with traditional paper leases.

Your Rights Under Digital Leasing

Whether you sign your rental agreement in person or digitally, key rights for tenants in New Brunswick include:

• Clear and accurate lease terms
• Right to request a paper copy of your digital lease
• Protection of your personal information
• Same notice periods and procedures for any changes (such as rent increases)

Your landlord cannot require you to use a specific digital tool if you have accessibility concerns or lack Internet access. You are entitled to receive essential documents in a format you can access and understand.

Legal Recognition of Electronic Documents

Digital leases, signatures, and notices must meet certain conditions under provincial law. Documents must be:

• Readable and accessible to both parties
• Unaltered from the original version
• Stored securely and privately

If you feel pressured into a digital lease without time to review, reach out to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Signing a Lease Digitally: What to Check Before You Agree

• Review the full lease text for terms about rent, duration, deposits, and responsibilities
• Confirm you know who your landlord or property manager is
• Ask for a downloadable or print version of your lease
• Be cautious about sharing sensitive info on unsecured portals

Once your digital lease is signed, you gain all rights and responsibilities of a traditional lease. For more on what to do after signing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Rental Deposit Rules with Digital Leasing

Security deposits can be paid electronically, but the rules are the same—landlords must provide a written receipt and handle the deposit according to New Brunswick law. For details, check Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Official Forms and Where to Get Them

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal provides official lease templates and complaint forms:

• Form of Lease (Form 1): Use this if your landlord hasn't provided a standardized lease. Download Form 1 (PDF, Government of New Brunswick). Simply complete and sign digitally or in print.
• Notice of Termination (Form 3): File this if you or your landlord intends to end the tenancy. Get the form here.

If you need to use official forms, you can submit them in person, by mail, or, in most cases, via email as a scanned attachment. Contact the Tribunal to confirm the best method for your situation.

Data Privacy and Security: Protecting Your Information

Landlords and property managers who collect your personal information through digital platforms must handle it securely. Under New Brunswick law:

• Landlords cannot share your digital lease or documents without your consent
• All information must be protected from unauthorized access
• Report concerns about data misuse to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal

Ask your landlord about their data privacy policy if you are required to use an app or portal.

How to Handle Disputes with Digital Leases

If you encounter a disagreement regarding your digital lease, such as unclear lease terms or issues with your landlord's portal, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. The process for handling disputes is the same as for traditional leases. It may help to review Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for practical solutions.

For more information about rights specific to your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a digital lease as legally valid as a paper one in New Brunswick?
   Yes, under the Electronic Transactions Act, digital leases have the same legal effect as paper agreements, provided both parties consent and the form meets required standards.
2. Do I have to use my landlord's portal or electronic system?
   No. You can ask for documents in another format if a digital option is not accessible for you, and your landlord should provide a reasonable alternative.
3. How do I get a copy of my lease if I signed electronically?
   Request a downloadable PDF or printout from your landlord or portal. Landlords must provide you with a readable and accessible copy of your lease.
4. Is my data safe if I submit information online?
   Landlords are required to protect your information and use secure systems. Never share sensitive information unless you're sure the site or app is legitimate and secure.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

• Digital leasing is recognized by New Brunswick law and offers the same tenant protections as paper leases.
• You have a right to accessible lease documents in your preferred format.
• Protect your information and always keep digital records of your agreements and forms.

By staying informed, you can confidently use digital platforms to rent your home, knowing that your rights are protected.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick) – for questions, forms, or complaint submission
• New Brunswick Legal Aid Services Commission – for tenants needing legal assistance
• Service New Brunswick – for access to provincial forms and official services

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. Electronic Transactions Act (New Brunswick)

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