As a tenant in New Brunswick, your health and safety come first. When serious problems threaten your home’s livability—such as no heat in winter, major plumbing leaks, or unsafe wiring—your landlord is legally required to handle these emergency repairs without delay. Understanding your rights and the correct steps to take can help you get urgent issues resolved quickly.
What Counts as an Emergency Repair in New Brunswick?
The law in New Brunswick requires landlords to fix problems that endanger the health or safety of tenants or make the unit uninhabitable. Emergency repairs often include:
- No heat in the rental unit during cold months
- Major plumbing issues (like flooding or no working toilet)
- Serious electrical problems (e.g. exposed wires or total power failure not caused by the utility)
- Broken exterior doors or locks threatening security
- Water leaks from the roof or major appliances causing property damage
- Unsafe structural damage (e.g. collapsing stairs or ceiling)
- No potable running water
Not all repairs are considered emergencies. For guidance on minor fixes, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
Landlord's Immediate Responsibilities
Landlords in New Brunswick must respond as soon as possible to any repair that could affect the health, safety, or habitability of the rental unit. If you report an emergency to your landlord, they should start repairs immediately—or, if not feasible right away, take urgent steps to minimize danger.
Relevant Legislation and Tribunal
Emergency repair rights come from the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick[1]. The official authority handling tenant-landlord issues, including repair disputes, is the New Brunswick Rentalsman (Office of the Rentalsman).
How to Report an Emergency Repair
Here’s what you should do if your rental unit needs an urgent repair:
- Contact your landlord right away (preferably in writing or by text/email for a record)
- Clearly describe the problem and explain why it’s an emergency
- Request a timeline for repairs
- Keep copies of all messages and take photos if possible
If the landlord ignores you and the issue poses a risk to your safety, you may:
- Arrange for necessary repairs yourself and deduct the cost from rent (only in genuine emergency circumstances—see below for official process)
- File a formal complaint with the Office of the Rentalsman
Official Forms: How to Get Help When Repairs Are Delayed
If your landlord refuses or fails to address an emergency, the New Brunswick Rentalsman provides Form 6 – Application by Tenant:
- Form Name: Application by Tenant (Form 6)
- Purpose: Used to request an order requiring the landlord to complete repairs or for permission to make repairs and deduct costs from rent
- How to Use: Fill out and submit Form 6 to the Office of the Rentalsman, explaining the issue and providing your supporting evidence (e.g., photos, messages). The office will review and may order the landlord to act or permit you to proceed with repairs yourself.
- Official Form Link: Application by Tenant (Form 6)
See a detailed breakdown of tenant and landlord duties in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
What If the Rental Is Unsafe?
If repairs are not made and your home is unsafe, you may have the right to:
- Apply for a rental abatement (temporary rent reduction)
- Request to end your tenancy early due to uninhabitable conditions
- Contact local authorities (fire, health, building inspections) if the problem is hazardous
For more on your legal protections and emergency repair steps, review Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
Tenants should never withhold rent without first following the proper legal process. Always confirm your steps with the Office of the Rentalsman.
Emergency Repairs and Your Health: What Tenants Should Know
Unsafe or unresolved emergency issues can impact your well-being. For example, living with no heat in winter or untreated water leaks can cause health problems or property damage. Understanding Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting keeps you informed.
Whether you’re in Moncton, Fredericton, or Saint John, you’re entitled to safe, habitable housing under New Brunswick law.
You can also learn more about your rights and laws as a renter in New Brunswick.
Looking for a safe, comfortable place to rent? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with features to help you compare listings and neighborhood safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is considered an emergency repair in New Brunswick?
Repairs that affect your health, safety, or make your home uninhabitable—like loss of heat, flooding, or unsafe wiring. - How quickly must my landlord address emergency repairs?
Landlords must act as soon as possible to resolve emergencies, usually within hours or as soon as practical. - What should I do if my landlord ignores my emergency repair request?
Document your request and, if ignored, submit Form 6 to the Office of the Rentalsman to seek official help. - Can I pay for emergency repairs myself?
Only after following the legal process through the Rentalsman and if the landlord hasn't acted; never withhold rent or deduct costs without official approval. - Who enforces tenant emergency repair rights?
The Office of the Rentalsman enforces landlord obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must handle emergency repairs right away to keep your home safe and livable.
- Report urgent problems as soon as they happen and document everything.
- If issues are not addressed, you can seek help from the Office of the Rentalsman using official forms and procedures.
Quick action and understanding your rights can make all the difference when urgent repairs are needed.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Office of the Rentalsman – New Brunswick Tenancy Information: Inquiry line, official forms, and dispute resolution services
- Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick (current legislation)
- New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government – Housing Services
- New Brunswick Legal Aid – Tenants and Landlords
