Tenants in New Brunswick deserve rental housing free from discrimination, including unfair treatment based on marital status. If you are renting or looking for a rental, you have clear tenant rights under provincial rules that protect applicants, current occupants, and prospective tenants. This guide explains what marital-status discrimination looks like, how to document incidents, the forms and tribunal procedures available in New Brunswick, and practical steps to resolve problems with landlords or agents. Plain-language examples and links to official provincial resources will help you take action, whether you need to file a complaint, request an inspection, or seek a hearing. Keep records, meet deadlines, and use the local tribunal to assert your rights effectively.
What counts as marital-status discrimination?
Marital-status discrimination happens when a landlord or agent treats someone differently because they are single, married, divorced, widowed, or in a common-law relationship. Examples may be subtle or obvious; the law looks at the impact as well as the intent.
- Refuse to rent to unmarried couples or demand different terms because of marital status.
- Charge higher rent or require an extra deposit for tenants who are married or living together.
- Evict or threaten eviction solely because of a tenant's marital status.
- Invade privacy or restrict access differently based on household composition.
Legal framework and official contacts in New Brunswick
New Brunswick tenants can rely on provincial tenancy rules and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for enforcement. If you need to file a complaint or start a hearing, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles residential tenancy disputes in New Brunswick[1]. The relevant provincial legislation is the Residential Tenancies Act (or equivalent provincial statute), which defines prohibited grounds and procedures for hearings[2]. You can find official forms to start a tribunal application or to serve notices on the provincial forms page[3].
How to document discrimination (practical steps)
- Keep a dated record of incidents: conversations, emails, texts, and dates of actions.
- Collect witness names and contact details if neighbours or others observed the behaviour.
- Save copies of all rental ads, messages, lease clauses, and any differential terms offered.
- Photograph or record any physical changes to the unit or notices that single out tenants by household status.
What forms and steps will you use?
Common official steps include sending a written complaint to the landlord, requesting mediation if available, and applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to request a hearing. Typical official documents include the tribunal application form (used to start a hearing) and standard notice or reply forms (used to provide evidence or respond). Practical example: if a landlord refuses to rent to you because you are unmarried, you would save the ad, copy any messages, send a written complaint to the landlord, and file an application with the tribunal using the official application form[3].
Dealing with the immediate situation
If you face discrimination while searching or after moving in:
- Ask for a clear written reason for the decision so you have documentation.
- Send a dated written complaint to the landlord and keep a copy.
- Collect supporting evidence and receipts to show pattern or impact.
- Apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if informal steps do not resolve the issue.
When planning your next move or searching for a rental, you may also find it useful to compare listings and screening policies. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme can help you see a range of listings and landlord posting styles when you want to avoid discriminatory ads.
FAQ
- Can a landlord in New Brunswick refuse to rent to unmarried couples?
- No. Refusing to rent solely because a tenant is unmarried, married, or in a common-law relationship may be discriminatory and can be challenged through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
- What evidence will the tribunal consider?
- The tribunal considers written records, messages, witness statements, advertisements, lease terms, and any pattern of conduct showing differential treatment.
- Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
- No. Tenants can file applications without a lawyer, but you can bring legal counsel or representative support if you prefer.
How-To
- Gather and organize evidence: dates, messages, photos, ads, and witness contacts.
- Send a dated written complaint to the landlord and request a written response.
- Complete the tribunal application form and submit it with your evidence.
- Attend the tribunal hearing, present your evidence clearly, and follow any directions from the adjudicator.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact Residential Tenancies information (Service New Brunswick)
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal (applications and contacts)
- Official tribunal forms and filing instructions
