What an eviction notice for fixed-term lease end means in New Brunswick
An end-of-lease notice tells you the landlord intends the tenancy to end on the fixed date in the notice. At the end of a fixed-term tenancy the landlord does not always need to state a written reason, but any notice must follow the rules in provincial tenancy law and the tribunal procedures [1]. If you believe a notice is incorrect, you can ask the landlord for clarification, negotiate a renewal, or apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to resolve the issue.
What a valid end-of-lease notice must include
- A written statement that the tenancy ends on a specific date and that the landlord is giving notice.
- Any stated reason when relevant, such as allowed causes under provincial rules.
- How the notice was delivered (for example, hand-delivered, mailed, or posted) and who served it.
- Any timeline or deadline to vacate, expressed in clear days or a specific calendar date.
How to respond to a notice
- Review your lease and the notice carefully to confirm the end date, any clauses about renewals, and what the landlord is requesting.
- Gather evidence: keep the written notice, take photos, save messages, and record dates of delivery or conversations.
- If you want to challenge the notice, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and include your evidence and a clear explanation of the dispute [1].
- Prepare for any tribunal meeting or hearing by organizing documents, witness statements, and a short timeline of events.
Forms you may need
Common official forms for fixed-term lease end and disputes include the landlord's notice and the tenant application to the tribunal. Example names used by New Brunswick are:
- Notice to End Tenancy (often called a landlord notice or "Notice to End Tenancy"; referred to here as Form RT-1) — used when a landlord serves formal written notice that a fixed-term tenancy will end on a specific date; for example, a landlord delivering a dated written notice 30 days before the end date so the tenant knows when to vacate [3].
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (often shown as Form RT-2) — used by a tenant to dispute a notice or seek relief; for example, a tenant who believes a notice was not properly served files this application with supporting photos and messages to ask the tribunal to review the case [3].
Common scenarios and what to do
If the notice matches your lease end date
If the written notice simply confirms the lease end date and you plan to move, follow lease move-out rules, give any required move-out notice if needed, and arrange the final inspection. For guidance on properly ending your agreement, see How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant.
If the landlord offers renewal or asks you to leave early
If a landlord offers renewal, ask for the new terms in writing and take time to review them before signing. If asked to leave before the end date, do not agree without written documentation and consider filing with the tribunal if you believe the request is unlawful. For information about renewals, see Lease Renewals: What Tenants Should Know About Their Rights.
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FAQ
- Can a landlord evict me at the end of a fixed-term lease without a reason?
- At the end of a fixed-term lease a landlord can give notice to end the tenancy that aligns with the lease date, but the notice must follow provincial rules and proper service. If you suspect the notice is improper, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to challenge it [1].
- How much notice must a landlord give before the fixed-term ends?
- Notice requirements depend on provincial rules and any terms in your lease; always check the exact timelines in the legislation and the tribunal guidance and keep a copy of the lease and notice for reference [2].
- Can I stay if I do not agree with the notice?
- You can dispute the notice by filing an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and asking for a hearing. Do not rely on verbal agreements alone and keep written records of all communications [1].
How-To
- Read the notice and your lease to confirm the exact end date and any relevant clauses.
- Collect and save evidence: take photos, save emails and texts, and note dates of delivery.
- Try to resolve the issue with your landlord in writing if possible, asking for clarification or a written renewal offer.
- If you cannot resolve it, complete and file an Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal before the deadline and pay any required fee as instructed on the official forms page [3].
- Attend the tribunal hearing with copies of all documents and a short statement of the facts to present to the adjudicator.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Government of New Brunswick)
- Residential Tenancies Act (Government of New Brunswick)
- Official forms and filing instructions (Government of New Brunswick)
