Who is responsible for hot water and heating?
In New Brunswick, landlords are generally required to maintain rental premises in a good state of repair and meet habitability standards under the provincial tenancy rules and legislation [1]. The Residential Tenancies Tribunal hears disputes and can order repairs or other remedies when a landlord does not act [2].
When is a repair an emergency?
- No hot water or no heating in cold weather that affects habitability.
- Gas smell, suspected carbon monoxide, or any immediate safety risk.
- Major flooding, burst pipes, or sudden failure of essential plumbing.
For details about urgent situations and how they are handled, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
How to request repairs
- Serve a clear written notice to your landlord describing the problem, the date it began and your requested repair action.
- Keep records: photos, dates, copies of messages, and receipts as evidence of the issue and your requests.
- Allow reasonable access for repairs after giving proper notice, and get the name of any contractor who attends.
- If the landlord does not act in a reasonable time, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for an order to repair.
For guidance on ordinary maintenance and responsibilities, also review Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
What official forms and steps should tenants use?
The most relevant official action for unresolved repairs is an application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Typical steps include preparing an Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with copies of your written notice and evidence, and submitting it to the tribunal using the official application process [2]. There is not always a standard "notice to repair" form for tenants, so a clear written letter or email that states the problem, date and remedy requested is usually accepted as a notice.
FAQ
- Who pays for hot water or heating repairs?
- In New Brunswick the landlord is generally responsible to maintain hot water and heating unless the tenant caused the damage. [1]
- What counts as an emergency repair?
- Emergency repairs are problems that make the unit unsafe or uninhabitable, such as no heat in winter, gas leaks, or major flooding.
- How do I file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal?
- File an application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, include copies of your written notice and evidence, and follow the tribunal's instructions for submissions and any fees. [2]
How-To
- Confirm whether the problem is an emergency and act immediately if people are at risk.
- Send a written notice to your landlord describing the issue, when it began, and the remedy you request.
- Document the problem with photos, dates, and copies of all communications and receipts.
- If the landlord does not fix the issue within a reasonable time, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal attaching your evidence.
If unresolved repairs are forcing you to consider moving, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to look for alternative listings by location and features.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (file applications and get forms)
- Read the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
- Applications and forms for tenants (official instructions)
