Why eviction records matter for tenants
Eviction orders, tribunal decisions and unpaid-rent records can influence tenant screening and the questions landlords ask when reviewing applications [1].
How landlords use eviction records and screening
- Eviction or tribunal orders listed against a tenant.
- Payment history and rent arrears noted in applications or references.
- Supporting documents such as leases, photos, or repair records landlords request as evidence.
- Personal references, credit reports, and background checks used alongside tenancy history.
What tenants can do right away
- Read any notice carefully and note deadlines to respond or dispute.
- Keep rent receipts, photos, messages and all documents that show you met rental obligations.
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or Service New Brunswick to confirm which forms apply to your situation [1].
- Try to negotiate or arrange a written repayment plan with your landlord when possible.
Official forms and how to use them
Key provincial documents include the application forms to bring a case to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and specific notices to end a tenancy. Use the tribunal application when you need a formal hearing, and serve a written notice when the tenancy requires termination under the Act [2].
Examples:
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal — use this to ask the tribunal to resolve a dispute such as an eviction; for example, file it if a landlord has started an eviction application and you want a hearing. [3]
- Notice to End Tenancy — used to formally notify a tenant to leave for a permitted reason; for example, a landlord serving a notice should include amounts owed and steps to remedy the situation. [3]
For details about tenant rights and how tribunal decisions work in this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
After resolving a dispute or when preparing to move, review What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for checklists on move‑in and move‑out steps.
Finding a new rental after a record
When searching for housing, be ready to explain the situation, provide references and bring documentation that shows payments or repairs were handled. You can also look for rental listings and tools to help filter options; Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- Can an eviction be removed from my record?
- Eviction orders issued by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal are part of the official record; removal depends on tribunal rules, errors corrected by the tribunal, or if orders are set aside at a later proceeding.
- How long do eviction records remain visible to landlords?
- There is no single national timeline; access depends on what a landlord checks (tribunal decisions, credit reports or tenant screening services) and the retention policies of those services.
- What forms should I use to respond to a notice?
- You will often use a written response to the landlord and, if necessary, the Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal; check the official forms page for the correct documents and filing instructions [3].
How-To
- Read the notice and note any deadlines or timelines.
- Gather documents: lease, receipts, photos, repair requests and communication logs.
- Contact your landlord to try to resolve the issue in writing and offer a reasonable plan if you owe arrears.
- File an Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you cannot resolve the dispute and need a formal hearing.
- Attend the hearing, bring copies of all documents, and be prepared to explain your case clearly.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick)
- Read the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
- Download official forms and applications
