Living in a high-rise building in New Brunswick offers many conveniences, but it also means depending on elevators to reach your home. When an elevator goes out of service, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it can impact your safety, mobility, and quality of life. This guide explains what safety standards apply in New Brunswick and what steps you can take as a tenant if the elevators in your building stop working.
Elevator Safety Standards in New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, elevators in residential buildings must meet the safety requirements of the Elevator, Lift, and Amusement Device Inspection Program managed by the Technical Inspection Services Division under the Department of Justice and Public Safety. These standards ensure that elevators are installed, maintained, and inspected regularly to keep tenants safe.
- Inspection Frequency: Elevators in apartment buildings must be inspected at least annually by a licensed inspector.
- Safe Operation: Building owners must ensure all elevators remain in safe, working condition and handle repairs promptly.
- Emergency Procedures: Landlords are required to have clear emergency procedures in place in the event of outages.
Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities
Under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick, landlords are required to maintain all vital services and facilities, including elevators, in a good state of repair and compliance with health and safety standards.[1] If an elevator outage makes your unit inaccessible or puts your safety at risk, it may be considered a serious maintenance issue.
- Landlord Obligations: Respond to elevator outages quickly, arrange for repairs, notify tenants of the expected downtime, and post emergency contact information.
- Tenant Responsibilities: Report outages and any safety concerns promptly to the landlord or property manager.
You can read more about these mutual expectations in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Handling Health and Safety Risks
Extended elevator outages can create serious Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting, especially for seniors, persons with disabilities, or households with young children. Property owners must ensure alternate arrangements are available if needed, especially for tenants with mobility needs.
Reporting Elevator Outages: Steps for Tenants
If an elevator breaks down, follow these steps:
- Notify your landlord or property manager in writing. Be specific about your safety concerns and how the outage affects your daily life.
- Request a timeline for repairs and any available alternative arrangements (for example, assistance for moving groceries or arranging temporary ground-floor accommodation, if necessary).
- If the landlord does not act, or if your safety or health is at risk, escalate the issue by filing a formal complaint.
For emergencies, tenants may contact the Technical Inspection Services directly or call the Rentalsman (Residential Tenancies Tribunal).
How to File a Maintenance or Health and Safety Complaint
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal (the "Rentalsman") is responsible for overseeing tenant-landlord disagreements and enforcing the Residential Tenancies Act in New Brunswick.[2] If your landlord fails to address elevator outages in a timely manner, you may file a complaint with the Tribunal.
- Form: Application for Assistance (Form 6)
- When to Use: This form is used if your landlord does not respond to written requests to repair essential building services (such as the elevator).
- How to Submit: Download the Application for Assistance (Form 6). Complete it, providing details of the problem, previous communication, and submit to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
Practical Example: If you have contacted your landlord several times about an elevator outage and they have not fixed it, complete Form 6, attach your communication records, and submit it to the Tribunal for action.
Your Rights as a New Brunswick Tenant
The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick page has more details about your legal protections, including maintenance standards and tenant complaint procedures.
You may also want to explore Canada's best rental listings platform to see accessible apartment options that suit your needs if building conditions remain unresolved.
FAQ: Elevator Outages and Rental Rights in New Brunswick
- What should I do first if the elevator breaks down in my apartment building?
Report the outage immediately to your landlord or property manager, preferably in writing. Keep a copy of all correspondence for your records. - Are landlords required to provide alternative arrangements during an elevator outage?
Landlords must make reasonable efforts to provide alternate accommodations or assistance, especially for tenants with mobility challenges, if the outage is prolonged. - Can I reduce my rent or break my lease if the elevator isn’t working?
You cannot withhold rent without Tribunal approval, but you may file a complaint for a reduction or to end your tenancy if health and safety is severely impacted. - How long can an elevator be out of service before it becomes a violation?
If the outage makes your apartment inaccessible or unsafe for several days and the landlord fails to address it, this could be considered a violation under the Residential Tenancies Act. - Who oversees elevator safety in New Brunswick rentals?
The Technical Inspection Services Division regulates elevator safety, and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal enforces tenant rights regarding repairs and essential services.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
- Elevator outages in New Brunswick high-rise rentals are governed by both technical inspection regulations and tenant protection laws.
- Tenants should always report outages in writing and keep all documentation.
- If a landlord does not address a serious outage, tenants can file a formal complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using Form 6.
By understanding your rights and following the steps above, you can help ensure your safety and well-being if you’re ever faced with an elevator outage.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Technical Inspection Services — Elevator Safety
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Rentalsman) — complaint filing and tenant support
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick
- Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings
