Can my landlord make me pay for emergency repairs I did not cause?

If the emergency was not your fault, the landlord is generally responsible for the repair cost. If the emergency was due to your actions or negligence, you may be liable.

What should I do if my landlord won’t respond to an emergency?

Make several attempts to contact your landlord. If they can't be reached and urgent action is needed, arrange repairs, keep all documentation, and seek reimbursement from the tribunal if necessary.

Which form do I use to dispute a repair charge?

Use the Application for Assistance (Form 6) to file a dispute with the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Do landlords have to fix non-urgent issues immediately?

No. Non-urgent issues are not emergencies and can be addressed within a reasonable timeline according to tenancy law.

Where can I find official guidance on tenant repair rights in New Brunswick?

Visit the Residential Tenancies Tribunal's official website or use provincial government resources for forms and support.

Emergency Repair Charges in New Brunswick: Tenant Rights Explained

Maintenance & Repairs New Brunswick published June 20, 2025

If you're renting in New Brunswick, unexpected emergencies—like broken heating in winter or severe water leaks—can happen at any time. But who is responsible for emergency repair costs? Understanding your tenant rights helps protect you from unfair charges and stress when repairs can't wait. This guide walks you through emergency repair rights, reimbursement, and what to do if you disagree about payments under New Brunswick's tenancy law.

What Counts as an Emergency Repair?

Emergency repairs are urgent fixes needed to make your home safe or prevent serious damage. In New Brunswick, emergencies often include:

No heat during winter
Major plumbing leaks or sewer backups
Broken refrigerators (if provided by the landlord)
Serious electrical hazards
Compromised security such as broken exterior doors or windows

If it's not urgent—like dripping faucets or a sticking door—it's usually considered a routine repair, which follows different rules. For more everyday issues, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Who Pays for Emergency Repairs in New Brunswick Rentals?

Under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick, the landlord is generally responsible for emergency repairs to keep the rental livable and safe.^[1] However, there are exceptions:

If tenants cause the damage through negligence or misuse, they may be charged.
Tenants have a duty to notify the landlord about urgent repairs as soon as possible.

If you cannot reach your landlord and need to arrange repairs to protect your safety or prevent major property loss, you may hire a professional and later seek reimbursement.

Reimbursement and Documentation Requirements

To qualify for reimbursement:

Record all attempts to contact your landlord or property manager first.
Keep detailed receipts for any work done.
Ensure the repair was necessary and did not exceed what was reasonable for the emergency.

In disputes, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal will review whether the repair was truly urgent and if you took proper steps to notify your landlord. For more on shared responsibilities, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How to Dispute Emergency Repair Charges

If you receive a bill for emergency repairs that you feel is unfair or believe the landlord should pay, you have the right to seek a resolution through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Key Tribunal Forms for New Brunswick Tenants

Application for Assistance (Form 6): Use this when you want the tribunal to resolve a dispute about repair costs or reimbursement. Download from the official SNB website.
Notice to Landlord for Repairs (Form 5): If you want to formalize your request for repairs, submit this written notice to the landlord and keep a copy for your records. Get the form here.

Always attach photos, receipts, and detailed notes if you file a complaint. Find more information at the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick) website, which oversees landlord-tenant disputes in the province.

Disagreement Over What is an Emergency?

Sometimes, landlords and tenants don't agree on whether a repair was truly urgent or who caused the problem. If you're unsure, get independent advice and provide as much documentation as possible. If health and safety risks are involved, contact authorities to report unsafe conditions—see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more guidance.

Always try to communicate with your landlord in writing and keep proof of all messages, calls, and repair invoices to support your case if mediation is needed.

Want more facts on tenancy law in your province? See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

If you're searching for safe, well-maintained properties, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings with built-in filters for maintenance standards across Canada.

FAQ: Emergency Repairs in New Brunswick Rentals

Can my landlord make me pay for emergency repairs I did not cause?
If the emergency was not your fault, the landlord is generally responsible for the cost. If you caused the problem through negligence, you may be billed.
What should I do if my landlord won’t respond to an emergency?
Try to contact them using all available methods. If you can't reach them and immediate action is needed, arrange reasonable repairs and keep records. You can apply to the tribunal later for reimbursement.
Which forms do I use to dispute repair charges?
Submit the Application for Assistance (Form 6) to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with copies of your documentation.
Does my landlord have to fix non-urgent issues right away?
No. Non-urgent (routine) repairs follow different timelines. Emergency repairs affecting health or safety must be addressed promptly.
Where do I get help with urgent repairs or disputes?
Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or a local tenant advocacy service for support.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

Landlords are generally responsible for emergency repairs unless you caused the damage.
Document everything—especially if you pay for repairs—and notify your landlord as soon as possible.
Use the correct forms and seek help from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you have a dispute.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick): Official Tribunal website – for forms, complaint submissions, and guidance.
Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick: Provincial tenant and landlord fact guide
Legal Aid New Brunswick: Free or low-cost legal help for tenants
Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour: Provincial regulator of housing standards and tenant rights

See the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick for all rights and responsibilities regarding emergency repairs.
Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick): Dispute resolution, forms, and resources.