First-Time Renter Rights in New Brunswick: Full Guide

Moving into your first rental home in New Brunswick can feel exciting—and a little overwhelming. Knowing your rights and obligations sets you up for a positive rental experience, helps you avoid surprises, and protects you if issues arise. This comprehensive guide walks first-time renters through the essentials, from security deposits to repairs and routine paperwork.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a tenant in New Brunswick, your core rights and obligations are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)^[1]. This law covers everything from moving into your new place to ending the tenancy. Both you and your landlord must follow the rules set out in the Act, and disputes are handled by the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

• Your landlord must provide a safe, healthy home and follow correct procedures for notices, rent increases, and repairs.
• You have the right to privacy, timely repairs, and protection from unfair eviction.
• Rent, deposits, and agreements must all comply with the RTA.

First-time tenants especially benefit from learning the basics—see the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a detailed overview.

Your Lease: What to Look For

In New Brunswick, every rental should have a written lease (or tenancy agreement), although verbal agreements are also legally binding. Be sure your lease clearly states:

• The monthly rent and what is included (utilities, parking, etc.)
• The start and end date (or if it's month-to-month)
• Any rules on guests, pets, or smoking

Always keep a copy of what you sign. Once you've signed, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement to understand your next steps as a renter.

Rental Deposits and Move-In Money

Most landlords ask for a security deposit or "damage deposit" before you move in. In New Brunswick:

• The deposit cannot be more than one month's rent.
• This deposit must be paid to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (not the landlord directly). The Tribunal holds your deposit in trust during your tenancy.
• Your landlord must give you a receipt and file the proper paperwork with the Tribunal.

When moving out, your deposit (plus interest) is returned if there is no damage or unpaid rent. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Health, Safety, and Repairs

Landlords are responsible for making sure your unit meets basic health and safety standards. Examples include:

• Working locks on doors and windows
• Functioning plumbing, heating, and appliances (if included)
• No mold, pests, or structural hazards

If you discover safety problems, report them in writing to your landlord. Keeping copies of all correspondence is a smart way to document your concerns. See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more tips.

Official Forms Every New Brunswick Tenant Should Know

Working with official forms protects your rights and creates a record. The most common include:

• Application for Assistance (Form RTB-1): Used if you need to ask the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for help (for example, if a landlord doesn't return your deposit).
  Download from GNB. To use: complete the form, attach your supporting documents, and file with the Tribunal. Example: "My landlord refuses to do an urgent repair, so I submit Form RTB-1 to request assistance."
• Notice of Termination (Form RTB-3): Submit this to end your lease legally.
  Download from GNB. Practical example: "I need to move out with proper notice, so I fill out Form RTB-3 and give it to my landlord."
• Find a list of all official forms on the Residential Tenancies Tribunal Forms page.

Using the right forms ensures your requests are processed quickly and fairly.

Moving In: Next Steps

Once your agreement is signed and deposits are handled, you have a few key steps to protect yourself:

• Do a move-in inspection of the property (note damages or issues in writing)
• Save copies and photos as a record
• Make sure you have working smoke detectors and emergency exits

See the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick page for more detailed provincial info.

For more tips or to find your next place, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: First-Time New Brunswick Renters

1. Can I get my deposit back when I move out?
   Yes, if there’s no unpaid rent or damage, the security deposit (plus interest) is returned from the Tribunal within 7 days after your tenancy ends.
2. Does my landlord need to give written notice for a rent increase?
   Yes, landlords must give at least 3 months’ written notice before raising the rent in New Brunswick.
3. What’s the minimum notice I must give to end my lease?
   Generally, you must give at least 1 full month’s written notice before moving out. Use the official Notice of Termination form for best results.
4. Who do I contact if my landlord doesn’t fix problems?
   Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to make a formal complaint using Form RTB-1.
5. Am I allowed to have pets in my rental unit?
   Check your lease agreement—New Brunswick law does not ban pets, but landlords can set reasonable restrictions in the contract.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for New Brunswick Tenants

• Your rights are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act and the Tribunal process.
• Use official forms for notices or issues to protect yourself.
• Keep records, do inspections, and always communicate in writing with your landlord.

Learning these basics sets first-time New Brunswick tenants up for a successful, stress-free rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal: Handles all tenancy disputes, questions, and complaints in New Brunswick.
• Official Rental Forms: All current forms for tenants and landlords (deposits, notices, etc.).
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB): Free guides and legal info for tenants.
• For more details on your rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Province of New Brunswick
3. New Brunswick Tenancy Forms

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