Tenants who experience domestic violence in New Brunswick have legal options to stay safe while managing their rental rights. This guide explains how tenants and renters can pause or end a tenancy in emergency situations, what documentation helps support an application, and how to contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for help. It covers common forms, timelines, and steps to request an urgent hearing or a notice to end tenancy, and points to local victim services and safety resources. If you are a renter worried about eviction or needing to leave quickly, these plain-language steps show how to protect your safety and your housing rights in New Brunswick.
What the law says in New Brunswick
The Residential Tenancies Act and related regulations set out how tenancies are started, ended and enforced in New Brunswick. The law includes processes for urgent applications and orders where a tenant's safety is at risk, and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal hears disputes and issues orders that can affect a tenancy.[1]
Ending a tenancy because of domestic violence
If you are a tenant experiencing domestic violence, you may have options such as providing notice, applying for a tribunal order, or asking a court for protective measures. Which route is best depends on your situation, how quickly you need to move, and whether you need an urgent hearing or an order to stop eviction.
- Provide a written notice to the landlord with the reason and any supporting documents.
- Apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for an order to end the tenancy or to prohibit eviction.[2]
- Contact local victim services and police for safety planning and evidence collection.
Documenting your case and evidence
- Collect police reports, medical records, and photos that show harm or threats.
- Save messages, emails, or logs of incidents with dates and times.
- Get a safety or medical note when possible to support an urgent application.
Applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal
To start, complete the Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal form and submit it with a copy of your evidence and the required fee or fee waiver request.[3] For example, a tenant who needs to leave immediately might file the application, attach a police report, and ask for an urgent hearing. The tribunal and forms are available on official New Brunswick websites and you can find general tenant rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick and guidance about leaving early at What to Do If You Need to Leave Your Rental Before the Lease Expires.
If you need housing quickly, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to search options while your case proceeds.
FAQ
- Can I end my lease if I am a survivor of domestic violence?
- Yes. Tenants in New Brunswick may be able to end a tenancy or get an order from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if domestic violence affects safety; file an application and provide supporting documents.[2]
- What proof does the tribunal accept?
- The tribunal accepts police reports, medical records, witness statements, photos, and other contemporaneous records of incidents; bring as many corroborating documents as you can.[3]
- Will my landlord be told about a safety order?
- The tribunal may notify the landlord as part of the process, but orders can include directions that limit disclosure or control access to the unit for safety reasons.
How-To
- Call emergency services or local victim support immediately if you are in danger.
- Within 1–2 days, document incidents and collect police or medical reports to support your application.
- Gather messages, photos, and witness contact details and make copies for the tribunal.
- File the Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with your evidence and request an urgent hearing.[3]
- Attend the hearing or ask for a remote hearing, follow the tribunal order, and get a copy for enforcement if necessary.
Key Takeaways
- Your safety and housing rights can be addressed at the tribunal.
- Keep detailed records and seek police reports to strengthen your case.
- Use official tribunal forms and ask for urgent hearings when needed.
