What is considered "essential" maintenance in a New Brunswick rental?

Essential maintenance includes repairs that affect health and safety, such as heat, electrical systems, bathrooms, and structural concerns impacting livability.

Can I stop paying rent if repairs aren't done?

No. You must keep paying rent unless the Tribunal authorizes a rent reduction. Withholding rent without approval may result in eviction.

What form do I use to report neglected maintenance?

Submit the Application for Assistance (Form 6) to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, along with evidence of the issue and your requests to the landlord.

Enforcement for Maintenance Neglect: Tenant Options in New Brunswick

Landlord Compliance & Penalties New Brunswick published: June 19, 2025

If your landlord in New Brunswick neglects essential maintenance or repairs, you have powerful rights under provincial law to protect your health and safety. This guide explains how you can enforce those rights, what forms to use, and where to find official help—all in clear, tenant-friendly language.

Your Rights to a Well-Maintained Rental in New Brunswick

New Brunswick tenants are entitled to live in safe, healthy, and properly maintained housing. Your landlord is legally responsible for keeping the property in good repair and in compliance with local health and safety standards under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1].

Plumbing, heat, hot water, and electrical systems must work properly
Structural problems, leaks, or infestations must be dealt with promptly
Common areas and exteriors must also be maintained

Prompt repairs protect your comfort, safety, and sometimes even your deposit. For a practical overview of your landlord’s obligations and your responsibilities as a tenant, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Maintenance Issues—and Health and Safety Impacts

Neglected repairs can lead to more serious problems like mold, electrical hazards, or pest infestations. Not only is this frustrating, it can threaten your health or ability to enjoy your home. For a deeper look at these risks, you may find Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting helpful.

How to Take Action: Reporting Maintenance Neglect

If your landlord is not taking proper care of repairs despite your request, you can seek enforcement through the official provincial process. In New Brunswick, rental disputes are handled by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Complaint as a Tenant

1. Communicate in Writing: Send a dated, written repair request to your landlord describing the problem(s). Keep a copy for your records.
2. Give a Reasonable Time: Allow a reasonable period (depending on the urgency) for the landlord to respond and fix the issue.
3. File with the Tribunal: If there is still no action, submit the official form to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Official Complaint Form

Form Name: Application for Assistance (Form 6)
When to Use: When your landlord fails to carry out repairs or maintenance after a written request.
How to Use: Complete Form 6 and submit it to the Tribunal with evidence like photos, repair requests, and any correspondence. Download the Application for Assistance (Form 6).

Example: If your apartment has a persistent leak that’s causing mold, and your landlord ignores your written request, use Form 6 to ask the Tribunal to order repairs.

Possible Outcomes and Enforcement Powers

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal can order your landlord to make repairs, reduce your rent, or even allow you to terminate your lease if the problem is severe. In some cases, landlords may be ordered to pay damages or reimburse extra costs you incurred because of maintenance neglect.

Tip: Keep records of all requests, responses, and photos in case you need to support your complaint.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

Once you’ve submitted the Application for Assistance, the Tribunal will investigate your claim. Both you and your landlord can present evidence. If the Tribunal decides in your favour, the landlord must comply with their order, and the Tribunal can issue monetary penalties for ongoing non-compliance.

Learn more about the relevant provincial law and your protections at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Helpful Links for Ongoing Issues

For persistent maintenance neglect, or complex situations where your safety is at risk, you can also contact your local public health, fire, or bylaw office alongside the Tribunal process. You may also want to review Canada's best rental listings platform if considering a move for better living conditions.

FAQ: Tenant Questions About Maintenance Enforcement in New Brunswick

What is considered "essential" maintenance?
Essential maintenance covers problems that affect your health or safety—like heating, electricity, or sanitation—as well as other significant repairs needed to keep your home in liveable condition.
How long should I wait before escalating my complaint?
You should give your landlord a reasonable period to fix the issue after your written request. For urgent matters, 24–48 hours is typical; for non-urgent repairs, 7–14 days is usually reasonable.
Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn't fix things?
No, you must continue paying rent unless the Residential Tenancies Tribunal authorizes a rent reduction. Withholding rent without official approval can put you at risk of eviction.
What evidence should I include with my complaint?
Provide photos, written requests, correspondence, and any receipts for out-of-pocket expenses related to the neglect. This helps the Tribunal assess your situation.
Where can I get help if my landlord ignores the Tribunal’s order?
Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal directly for follow-up, or reach out to community legal clinics for further support.

Key Takeaways: What Tenants Should Remember

Landlords in New Brunswick are legally required to maintain your rental in safe, livable condition.
You can enforce your rights by contacting your landlord, collecting evidence, and applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using Form 6.
Never withhold rent without Tribunal authorization—even if repairs are overdue.

Act quickly and keep good records to protect your rights as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Contact for official forms, complaints, and enforcement
Service New Brunswick Tenant Resources
Service New Brunswick General Inquiries: 1-888-762-8600
Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB): 1-888-236-2444
If facing urgent health or safety risks, contact your local public health office

Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick – See official legislation
New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Official government portal
Application for Assistance (Form 6) – Official Form Download