With the internet becoming a necessity in daily life, many tenants in New Brunswick wonder if a right to internet access exists in rental housing. If you depend on being connected for school, work, or personal needs, understanding your rights and what landlords must provide is essential.
Does New Brunswick Law Require Landlords to Provide Internet?
In New Brunswick, landlords are not legally required to provide internet to tenants unless it is specifically included in your rental agreement. The Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) outlines that landlords are responsible for ensuring that essential services such as heat, hot water, and electricity, if included in the lease, remain in good working order[1]. However, the law does not classify the internet as an essential service.
What Utilities Are Considered Essential?
Essential services usually refer to:
- Heat
- Hot and cold water
- Electricity
- Gas (if applicable)
While these are protected and must be provided when included in your lease, services like cable TV and internet are extra amenities unless your lease says otherwise.
When Is Internet Included?
Some landlords in New Brunswick may include internet as part of the tenancy, especially in all-inclusive units. If your written rental agreement states that internet is part of the rent, your landlord is responsible for providing and maintaining this service as outlined in the lease.
If you are moving in or reviewing your lease, check the clause about utilities and services carefully. If there is no mention of internet, you will be responsible for setting up and paying for your own connection.
Can My Landlord Remove Internet Service?
If your lease agreement clearly states that internet is included, your landlord cannot remove this service without your consent or a new agreement. Removing it could be considered a breach of the tenancy agreement, and you may be able to file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick.
To learn about your general rights and responsibilities in the province, read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
What If I Need Internet for Work or Health?
While you may depend on internet for work or health needs, residential tenancy law in New Brunswick does not currently recognize internet as an essential human right or make its provision mandatory. However, you can discuss your requirements with your landlord and potentially negotiate a new agreement, especially if other tenants in the building receive internet as part of their rent.
Tips for Setting Up Internet in Your Rental
- Check with your landlord if they recommend specific providers or have building restrictions
- If you are signing a new lease, request clarification on who pays for installation and ongoing service costs
- Keep all communication regarding services in writing
Related Tenant Rights and Lease Issues
If you’re uncertain what you can and cannot ask for once your rental agreement is complete, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement. For a broader look at landlord and tenant responsibilities—such as who pays for utilities—see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
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What Official Forms or Remedies Are Available?
There is currently no specific government form for requesting internet service in a New Brunswick rental. However, if you believe your landlord is breaching your agreement (for example, by failing to provide internet promised in your lease), you can:
- Contact your landlord in writing explaining the issue
- If there is no resolution, file a formal complaint through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick
This process typically uses the Form 6: Application for an Order of the Tribunal. For example, if your landlord agreed to provide internet but has not, you may use this form to formally request the Tribunal to resolve the dispute.
FAQ
- Is my landlord required to provide internet in New Brunswick?
No, unless your lease specifically says so, landlords are not legally required to provide internet service in New Brunswick. - What if internet is included in my rental agreement?
If internet is part of your signed rental agreement, your landlord must supply it as described. Removing it could breach your contract. - Who pays for internet if it’s not mentioned in the lease?
If there’s no mention, you as the tenant are responsible for setting up and paying for your own internet connection. - How do I resolve a dispute if my landlord won’t provide agreed internet?
Start by contacting your landlord in writing. If not resolved, submit a complaint and Form 6 to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. - Does New Brunswick recognize internet as an essential service in rentals?
No. The Residential Tenancies Act does not currently list internet as an essential service.
Summary: Key Takeaways for Tenants
- Landlords in New Brunswick are only obligated to provide internet if your lease states so.
- Read your lease carefully and clarify all amenities before signing.
- Disputes about services promised in your written lease can be resolved through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
In short, check your agreement and communicate openly with your landlord regarding utilities and internet inclusion.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – for official forms and dispute resolution
- Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) – read the law governing rentals and utilities
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick – overview of local rights and obligations
- Provincial tenant helpline: 1-888-762-8600 (Service New Brunswick)
- Community Legal Assistance Services: Free advice on residential tenancy issues
