Entry Rights: New Brunswick Landlord Entry Laws

As a tenant in New Brunswick, understanding the rules governing a landlord's entry into your rental property is crucial for maintaining your privacy and ensuring your rights are respected. By being informed about these regulations, you can handle any related issues effectively and with confidence.

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Rental?

In New Brunswick, landlords are permitted to enter the rental unit, but they must adhere to specific conditions as outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act. Here are the typical situations when entry is allowed:

• In Emergency Situations: Landlords do not need to provide notice if there is an emergency, such as a fire or severe water leak.
In emergencies, landlords may enter without notice, but document the event and request a written record of the entry. If this happens frequently, contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for guidance and keep a log of dates and what was done.
• For Routine Repairs and Maintenance: A landlord can enter to perform necessary repairs, but they must give at least 24 hours' written notice.
Ask for written notice that states the exact date and a time window for repairs, and keep copies of all notices and receipts in case you need to reference them later.
• To Show the Property: When the tenancy is ending, landlords need to provide a specific notice period to enter and show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers.
When showing the unit, insist on reasonable hours and ask for a written notice including date and window; arrange a time that minimizes disruption and consider creating a simple access log.

Notice Requirements

According to the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering your unit, except in cases of emergency. The notice should include the date, time, and purpose of the entry. This ensures that your privacy is respected while allowing landlords to fulfill their obligations.

What Should a Tenant Do If a Landlord Violates Entry Rules?

If a landlord enters your property without proper notice and valid reason, you can take action to protect your rights. The first step is to communicate your concerns directly with the landlord. If this does not resolve the issue, you can file a complaint with the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Relevant Forms for Tenants

To formally address a landlord's entry violation, use the "Tenant Application for Assistance" form available from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Download this form from their official website, fill it out, and submit it along with any supporting documentation.

For more information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, explore the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal
• Tenants Association of New Brunswick
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings

• How often can a landlord enter my unit in New Brunswick? Regular entries are typically for repairs or inspections and require 24 hours' notice.
• Can I refuse entry to my landlord? If proper notice is not given, you can negotiate an agreeable time, but denying entry outright might breach the tenancy agreement.
• What should I do if my landlord enters without notice? Document the incident, communicate concerns to your landlord, and if unresolved, contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.