If you’re a tenant in New Brunswick and your landlord tells you they’re evicting you for renovations, it’s natural to feel worried and uncertain. Renovation-based evictions—sometimes called "renovictions"—are legal in New Brunswick, but your landlord must follow specific rules. Understanding your rights, the proper process, and available forms can help you make informed decisions about your home.
When Can a Landlord Evict for Renovations in New Brunswick?
In New Brunswick, a landlord can end a tenancy if they plan to demolish, renovate so extensively that the unit must be vacant, or repurpose the unit for another use. However, the landlord must have genuine plans and follow the correct process under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick[1].
- Renovations must require the unit to be empty (such as major repairs, structural changes, or replacement of essential systems).
- Minor repairs do not justify eviction—the work must be significant enough that living in the home during renovations is impossible or unsafe.
Notice Requirements for Renovation Eviction
Your landlord must give you proper written notice using the correct form. The standard notice period depends on your lease type:
- Fixed-term lease: Can only end at lease expiry. Landlord must serve notice well in advance.
- Month-to-month or week-to-week: At least three months’ written notice is required.
The landlord must use the official Notice to Terminate a Tenancy for Renovations or Repairs (Form 6) available from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. This form should state the reason, outline the planned renovations, and give you the correct move-out date.
View and download Form 6 here (PDF).
What to Do if You Receive a Renovation Eviction Notice
Receiving this notice can be unsettling, but you do have options. Immediately check that:
- The form is properly filled out and signed by your landlord.
- You’re receiving the correct minimum notice according to your lease.
- The notice clearly explains the nature of the intended renovation.
If anything is unclear or feels improper, you have the right to dispute the notice within seven days of receiving it, by filing with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
How to Dispute a Renovation Eviction
To challenge the eviction:
- Complete the Application for Review (Form 11) within 7 days of notice.
- Submit Form 11 to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, in person, by mail, or by email.
- Clearly state why you believe the eviction is not valid (for example, the renovations are not substantial or the notice is improper).
You can download Form 11 here (PDF) and find instructions on submission at the Residential Tenancies Tribunal website.
Returning After Renovations—Do You Get First Rights?
New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Act does not guarantee a "first right of refusal" for tenants evicted for renovations. Once you leave, the landlord is not required to offer you your old unit back. However, if the landlord does not do the renovations and instead re-rents or repurposes the unit differently, you may have grounds for complaint.
Your Rights and Responsibilities During the Process
As a tenant, you remain responsible for paying rent and caring for the property until your lease ends and you move out. If you don’t move after the notice period and haven’t disputed the eviction on valid grounds, your landlord can apply to the Tribunal for an eviction order.
To better understand your obligations and entitlements, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Practical Steps if You Must Move
- Plan your move as soon as you have a firm end date.
- Take photos and document the condition of your rental before you leave.
- Request your security deposit back if applicable, following move-out inspection.
- Keep all communication with your landlord in writing.
For more advice, see Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.
Legislation & Where to Get Help
Your legal rights are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick[1] and all processes are overseen by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
Get additional details on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you need to relocate quickly or want to explore new options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I have to move out during minor repairs or maintenance?
No. Only substantial renovations that require the unit to be vacant justify eviction. Routine repairs do not allow your landlord to end the tenancy. - Can my landlord raise my rent after renovations?
Landlords can only increase rent following applicable notice periods after new tenancies are signed. Learn more in Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know. - How much notice should I receive for eviction due to renovations?
You are entitled to at least three months’ written notice using the proper government form, unless your lease type specifies otherwise. - What if I believe the landlord isn’t actually renovating?
Dispute the notice with the Tribunal using Form 11 within seven days. If the landlord re-rents instead of renovating, you may have a case to make a complaint. - Do I get my rental back after renovations?
No, there is no law requiring the landlord to offer you your old unit when work is completed. Once the tenancy ends, your right to the property also ends.
Conclusion: What Tenants Should Remember
- Your landlord can only evict you for major renovations requiring vacancy, using proper forms and notice periods.
- You have the right to dispute the eviction if you believe it's not valid or the process wasn't properly followed.
- Plan your move carefully and always document communication and the condition of your unit at move-out.
For most tenants, understanding the rules—and your rights—helps reduce stress during this challenging situation.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – Contact and Forms
- New Brunswick Tenants Association
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick
- Local legal aid clinics or tenant support centres may offer free advice to renters in need.
- Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick (2024). Official consolidated statute.
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – Government resource for tenants and landlords.
