If you're experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence as a tenant in New Brunswick, there are special laws to help keep you safe—including the right to end your rental agreement early without penalty. Understanding your protections under New Brunswick law can empower you to take action if you need a safer living environment.
Domestic Violence and Your Rights as a Tenant
All tenants in New Brunswick are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act, which includes specific rules allowing survivors of domestic violence to end a lease early. This is meant to protect your safety and well-being, ensuring that the law supports your right to leave a dangerous situation.
This article will walk you through how these protections work, what steps you need to take, and what forms to use—plus links to government support and advocacy services.
What Is Considered Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse by someone you live with or have an intimate relationship with, such as a spouse or partner. If you are affected, know that you are not alone and help is available.
How to End Your Lease Early Due to Domestic Violence
If you need to move for your safety or the safety of your children, New Brunswick law allows you to end your rental agreement before the term is up—without financial penalties—by following a simple process.
- No penalty or additional rent required: Early termination will not result in extra charges.
- Confidentiality: Your situation and details remain private and confidential in the process.
Step 1: Obtain a Certificate Confirming Abuse
You must obtain an official document proving that you or a dependent child has experienced or is at risk of experiencing domestic violence. The most common document is the Certificate Confirming Abuse (Form 29).
- Who can issue it? Authorized professionals such as police, social workers, doctors, nurses, and victim services workers in New Brunswick.
- Download the official form and detailed instructions from the NB Public Safety - Intimate Partner Violence page.
Step 2: Give Written Notice to Your Landlord
Deliver a written notice to your landlord along with the Certificate Confirming Abuse form. The notice must state:
- Your intention to end the lease early due to domestic violence
- The date your tenancy will end (at least 28 days from the day you give notice)
Sample notice language: "I am providing notice that I will be ending my tenancy due to circumstances of domestic violence, as permitted by the Residential Tenancies Act. My final day will be [date]. Certificate Confirming Abuse attached."
What Happens Next?
Your lease will end on the date specified in your notice, provided it is at least 28 days after the landlord receives it. You are only responsible for paying rent up to this date. Your landlord cannot share information about your situation with others.
If you have questions about obligations when ending your tenancy, check How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant.
Additional Tenant Protections
- Security Deposit Return: Your deposit must be returned as long as the rental unit is left in good condition.
- No Retaliation: Landlords cannot penalize you for using your rights under the domestic violence provisions.
For a broader look at your rights regionally, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
What If I Need to Move Before the Lease Ends For Other Reasons?
Standard rules for breaking a lease apply if domestic violence does not apply. See What to Do If You Need to Leave Your Rental Before the Lease Expires for more guidance.
For up-to-date rental listings that can help you find a new home in a safe environment, Browse apartments for rent in Canada with Houseme.ca.
FAQ: Domestic Violence and Lease Termination in New Brunswick
- Can I really end my lease early if I'm experiencing domestic violence? Yes. New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Act allows tenants to end their lease early, without penalty, if they or their children are at risk from domestic violence.
- Do I need to give a specific form to my landlord? Yes, you must provide your landlord with a completed Certificate Confirming Abuse (Form 29) and a written notice of your intention to end the tenancy.
- Will my landlord be told about my circumstances? Your landlord receives the certificate, but the details and reasons are confidential and cannot be disclosed to others.
- What if I don't have a certificate but feel unsafe? The law requires a certificate to use this right, but you may also want to contact local support services to discuss your options and safety planning.
- How much notice do I have to give? The minimum notice period is 28 days from when your landlord receives your notice and certificate.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
- New Brunswick tenants facing domestic violence can end their lease early with at least 28 days' notice and a certificate from an authorized professional.
- Your safety and privacy are protected—landlords cannot share your information or penalize you for using these protections.
- Support is available; use the resources below if you need help or have further questions about tenancy rights or housing safety.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – Official body handling all residential tenancy disputes and forms.
- New Brunswick Intimate Partner Violence Resources – Government portal with information and help for survivors.
- Service New Brunswick: Residential Tenancies – Information about tenancies, forms, and assistance for tenants and landlords.
- 24/7 Emergency: If your safety is at immediate risk, call 911 or your local police detachment.
- For housing search support: Browse apartments for rent in Canada with Houseme.
- New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act: View the current legislation
- Official Certificate Confirming Abuse form and information: NB Public Safety - Intimate Partner Violence
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal: Contact and info page
