Fire Escape Rules for Tenants in New Brunswick

Fire safety is a critical aspect of renting a home in New Brunswick. As a tenant, knowing the official fire escape rules helps you protect yourself and your loved ones, and ensures your landlord meets important legal obligations. This guide covers what you need to know about fire escapes, exits, and emergency planning under New Brunswick’s laws—so you’re prepared and empowered to live safely.

Understanding Fire Escape Requirements in New Brunswick Rentals

Every rental property in New Brunswick must meet minimum fire safety standards set out in the New Brunswick Fire Code and enforced by local authorities. Fire escapes and safe exits are not just best practices—they are legal requirements that help save lives.

Key Fire Escape Rules Landlords Must Follow

• Two Means of Egress: Most rental units must have at least two safe ways to exit in an emergency—usually a main door and a secondary exit, such as a ground-level window or an exterior fire escape. Basement apartments also require special consideration.
• Unobstructed Exits: All escape routes, including hallways, stairwells, doors, and windows, must be kept clear at all times. Landlords and tenants are both responsible for ensuring exits are not blocked by furniture or storage.
• Working Smoke Alarms: Every rental unit must have approved, working smoke alarms installed and maintained in accordance with the Fire Code and the Residential Tenancies Act^[1].

If you notice an exit blocked or equipment missing, raise the issue with your landlord immediately. You are protected from retaliation when reporting fire safety concerns.

What Are Tenants’ Responsibilities?

• Do not block exits, hallways, or fire escapes with bicycles, garbage, or personal items.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly. Report any malfunctions to your landlord in writing as soon as possible.
• Know the escape plan—map out two ways out of your unit and practice them if possible.
• Notify your landlord if you see damage or obstructions to escape routes.

Keeping escape routes clear isn’t just a rule—it could make all the difference in an emergency.

Landlord Obligations: Fire Escapes and Safe Exits

Landlords in New Brunswick have strict legal obligations to provide and maintain safe escape routes. Fire escapes, stairwells, and exit doors must meet the standards outlined by provincial fire safety legislation and local fire inspectors.

• Install and maintain smoke alarms and fire extinguishers (where required).
• Conduct regular maintenance and repairs to ensure all exits and escape routes are functional.
• Respond promptly if you report fire safety concerns.

For more details on shared responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Fire Safety Violations to Watch Out For

• Locked or blocked emergency exits
• Broken or missing fire escapes
• Malfunctioning smoke alarms
• Blocked stairways or hallways

If you encounter any of these issues, your landlord must resolve them promptly. Serious violations may be reported directly to local fire authorities or the Rentalsman—the official residential tenancy tribunal for New Brunswick (Office of the Rentalsman).

Reporting Fire Safety Issues & Official Forms

If your landlord does not address fire escape or fire equipment issues after written notice, you can take action:

1. Document the issue: Take photos and record dates of your requests.
2. Submit a written complaint: Use Form 6 – Application by Tenant (Resolution of Dispute) to request action by the Rentalsman.
   Download Form 6 here. Submit the completed form to your local Service New Brunswick office or online as instructed on the form.
3. Contact local fire services: If there is an urgent or hazardous fire code violation, contact your local fire department for inspection.

Example: If you repeatedly ask your landlord to unblock a fire exit and they do not comply, fill out Form 6 – Application by Tenant (Resolution of Dispute) and submit your documentation.

Related Health and Safety Concerns?

Many fire escape issues are linked to general health and safety. To learn more, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Fire Safety Action Steps for Tenants

• Identify at least two exits from your apartment or house
• Keep escape routes and fire escapes clear and unobstructed
• Regularly test smoke alarms and report any problems to your landlord in writing
• Make an emergency plan and share it with everyone in your household

Ready to look for a safer or different place to live? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and compare safety features before you move.

For a broader look at legal protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Escapes in New Brunswick Rentals

1. Can my landlord block or lock the fire escape in my apartment building?
   No. Fire escapes and emergency exits must be accessible and unobstructed at all times. Landlords who block exits are violating the law and you should report this immediately.
2. What should I do if my smoke alarm won’t stop beeping or doesn’t work?
   Contact your landlord right away in writing. You are responsible for basic alarm testing, but your landlord must repair or replace faulty alarms promptly.
3. How many exits is my landlord legally required to provide?
   Most units must have at least two separate ways to exit in an emergency. Exact requirements may vary by building design or local fire code, but two means of egress is standard.
4. What if the only window in my basement apartment is too small to escape from?
   This is a serious safety concern. Basement apartments must have egress windows large enough for safe exit. If not, notify your landlord and local fire services.
5. How can I file a formal complaint about fire code violations?
   Fill out Form 6 – Application by Tenant (Resolution of Dispute) and submit it to the Office of the Rentalsman. For immediate danger, call local fire authorities.

Conclusion: Key Safety Takeaways

• Landlords must provide and maintain at least two unobstructed fire escapes for every rental unit
• Tenants should keep exit routes clear and report problems promptly
• Report issues using Form 6 and seek immediate help if fire exits are blocked

Fire escapes save lives. Know your rights, stay alert to hazards, and be proactive about fire safety in your rental home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of the Rentalsman (Service New Brunswick) – handles tenant complaints and disputes
• New Brunswick Fire Marshal’s Office – for fire code enforcement and fire safety inspections
• For emergencies, contact your local fire department by dialing 911
• Tenant advocacy organizations or legal clinics can offer free advice if you have safety concerns

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, SNB 1975, c R-10.2. Read the full legislation here.
2. Fire Code Regulation 84-187 under the Fire Prevention Act. See official fire code rules.
3. Office of the Rentalsman (New Brunswick’s residential tenancy tribunal): Official Tribunal Website.

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