How Often Can Rent Be Increased in New Brunswick?

As a tenant in New Brunswick, understanding how often your landlord can increase the rent helps you plan your housing budget and avoid surprises. Rent laws can be different from other provinces, and New Brunswick has specific rules that protect both tenants and landlords. This article explains the frequency and procedures for rent increases in New Brunswick, including notice requirements, useful forms, your rights, and helpful resources.

Who Sets the Rules for Rent Increases in New Brunswick?

In New Brunswick, rent rules are set and enforced by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. The main law governing this is the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1].

How Often Can Your Rent Be Increased?

Unlike provinces with strict rent control, New Brunswick does not set a maximum percentage for rent increases. However, there are clear rules around how often your landlord can raise the rent and what notice they must provide.

• Frequency: Landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months.
• Minimum Notice: Your landlord must provide you with at least 3 months (90 days) written notice before the increase takes effect.
• This applies to both fixed-term and month-to-month tenancies.

If a rent increase is attempted more often, or with less notice, tenants have the right to dispute it through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Notice Requirements and Forms

For a rent increase to be legal, your landlord must use proper written notice. The most common form is:

• Form 3 - Notice of Rent Increase
  • When to Use: Landlords use this to give tenants formal notice of a rent hike.
  • What It Includes: The new rent amount, the date it takes effect, and the signature of the landlord.
  • Download the official Form 3 (PDF)
  • Example: If your current monthly rent is $900 and your landlord wishes to increase it to $950 starting July 1, they must serve you the completed Form 3 by April 1 at the latest.

If your landlord fails to provide the right notice, or tries to increase rent more often than allowed, you can file a dispute with the Tribunal.

Exceptions: Mobile Home Sites

If you rent a site in a mobile home park, additional rules may apply. Rent for these sites generally follows the same 12-month rule, but always check your lease agreement and contact the Tribunal if unsure.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

After receiving a rent increase notice, tenants have the right to:

• Accept the increase and continue renting
• Dispute the increase by applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal
• End the tenancy, following required notice

For more about your broader rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

It’s also helpful to review Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know for more guidance on how rent increases work across Canada.

What to Do If Your Rent Increase Isn’t Legal

Here are the key steps if you believe your rent increase wasn’t issued correctly:

• Check the Date and Frequency: Confirm you’ve had at least 12 months since the last increase and got at least 90 days’ notice.
• Verify the Form: Ensure your landlord used the official Notice of Rent Increase (Form 3).
• Communicate: Raise your concern with your landlord in writing.
• File a Dispute: If unresolved, submit a dispute to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Summary

Rent increases in New Brunswick must follow specific timing and notice rules, but there’s no maximum percentage cap in most cases. If you get a rent hike notice, always check your rights and the details on the form. If you need to move, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide range of rental options.

1. Can my landlord raise my rent more than once a year in New Brunswick?
   No. Landlords may only increase rent once every 12 months for any rental unit in New Brunswick.
2. Does my landlord have to give me a special form for a rent increase?
   Yes. Your landlord must use the Notice of Rent Increase (Form 3) and give you at least 3 months’ written notice.
3. What if I think my rent increase notice is unfair or incorrect?
   You can challenge the notice by filing a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal before the increase takes effect.
4. Does New Brunswick have rent control or maximum percentage limits for rent increases?
   No, New Brunswick does not have a legal cap on how much rent can be increased. However, frequency and notice rules still apply.
5. Can my landlord ask for a new deposit if my rent goes up?
   Your security deposit can be adjusted only if you agree to it. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in New Brunswick can only increase rent once every 12 months and must give 3 months’ written notice.
• No maximum limit on the amount of rent increase, but tenants can dispute unfair increases.
• Always check that the official Form 3 is used, and contact the Tribunal if you have concerns.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Facts, forms, and dispute process
• Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick: Full legislation online
• St. Thomas University Tenants’ Rights Clinic: Support and advocacy for tenants

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1. [1] See the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick
2. Find forms and details at the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick

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