Handling Repairs Requests in New Brunswick

Maintenance & Repairs New Brunswick 2 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of New Brunswick

Managing repair requests can be a challenge for tenants. In New Brunswick, understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial for maintaining safe and habitable living conditions. This guide will navigate you through the essentials of handling repair requests effectively.

Keep a simple repair log with dates, photos, and copies of all written requests. This helps you track progress and provides evidence if you need to escalate a repair request.

Understanding Your Repair Rights and Responsibilities

As a tenant in New Brunswick, you have the right to live in a rental unit that meets safety and health standards. The Residential Tenancies Act governs these rights, ensuring landlords maintain their properties. However, tenants also have responsibilities to keep the unit in good condition.

The Residential Tenancies Act requires landlords to maintain the unit in a safe and habitable condition and to respond to repair requests. Keep written records of all notices and landlord responses.

Types of Repairs and Their Handling

  • Emergency Repairs: These are urgent issues such as plumbing leaks or heating failures in winter. You should contact your landlord immediately. If action isn't taken, you may seek further assistance from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of Service New Brunswick.
  • Routine Repairs: These include regular maintenance tasks like fixing broken fixtures. Ensure you notify your landlord in writing to schedule necessary repairs.
In emergencies, don’t wait. Notify your landlord immediately and document the issue; if there’s no timely action, you may contact the tribunal for resolution.

Steps to Request Repairs

  1. Document the Issue: Take photographs and write a detailed description of the problem.
  2. Notify Your Landlord: Send a written request, preferably by email, detailing the repairs needed.
  3. Follow Up: Keep records of all communications and follow up if no action is taken.
Written requests with clear details and a reasonable deadline (for example 7–14 days) reduce back-and-forth and clarify expectations. Keep a log of all communications in case you need to escalate.

Using the Residential Tenancies Tribunal

If issues persist, you can file a formal complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for resolution. This board is responsible for enforcing tenant-landlord laws in New Brunswick.

The Role of the Tenant During Repairs

Tenants must allow landlords reasonable access to carry out necessary repairs. Cooperation is key to resolving issues swiftly.

Additional Resources and Tips

Houseme, your rental solution in Canada, provides tools to manage your rental experience efficiently. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings for your next home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

You can access essential tenancy forms and guidance from Service New Brunswick; using official forms helps ensure requests and notices are properly tracked.

  1. Understanding tenant rights is crucial. For a comprehensive overview, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

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Marie Dubois
Marie Dubois

Bilingual Housing Rights Advisor, Tenant Rights Canada

Marie covers tenant rights across Quebec and the Atlantic provinces in both English and French. With a background in Quebec civil law and residential tenancy, she is a trusted voice on the Tribunal administratif du logement process and francophone tenant rights.