How Rent Receipts Protect Tenants in New Brunswick

If you're a tenant in New Brunswick, understanding your rent receipt is an important part of protecting your rights and creating a clear record of rent payments. In this guide, we'll explain when landlords must provide receipts, what information should be included, and how rent receipts can help resolve disputes. We'll also point you to official government forms, laws, and helpful resources. All information here is current as of this year and specific to New Brunswick.

Why Rent Receipts Matter for Tenants

Rent receipts are written records showing you've paid your rent. They're not just for your peace of mind—they're often needed for things like federal and provincial tax claims, tenant advocacy, and resolving disputes over rent payments. In New Brunswick, tenants have a right to request a rent receipt whenever payment is made, no matter how they pay (cash, cheque, e-transfer, etc.). Landlords are required by law to provide these receipts on request, free of charge.^[1]

What Details Should a Rent Receipt Include?

To be valid and useful, a rent receipt in New Brunswick should include:

• The date the rent was paid
• The period the payment covers (e.g., January 2024)
• The amount paid
• The name of the tenant and address of the rental unit
• The landlord’s name and signature (or representative’s signature)

Having all this information helps ensure you can prove rent was paid properly, should you need to show it to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, a government program, or for tax credits.

Legal Requirements and Your Rights in New Brunswick

According to the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick, landlords must provide receipts for any rent or deposit paid, if the tenant asks for one.^[2] The law protects both month-to-month and fixed-term tenants, helping to avoid misunderstandings about what was paid and when.

If you have questions about your other rights or responsibilities after signing a lease, you might find What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement helpful as well. For detailed guidance on paying rent, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Be sure to keep your rent receipts in a safe place. They are very important in cases of disagreement over unpaid rent, security deposit refunds, or if you face Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know in the future.

What If My Landlord Refuses to Provide a Receipt?

Landlords in New Brunswick are breaking the law if they refuse to provide a rent receipt after being asked by a tenant. If this happens, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick for assistance.

Relevant Official Forms in New Brunswick

• Form 6: Application to the Director (General) – Download here
  • When to use it: If your landlord consistently refuses to provide rent receipts, you can submit this form to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to request an order requiring the landlord to comply.
  • How to use: Fill out your contact and tenancy details, explain the issue (e.g., missing rent receipts), attach any relevant documentation, and submit to the Tribunal using their online or mail options.

Where Do I Go for Disputes?

New Brunswick residential rental issues—like not getting proper receipts or disputes about payment—are handled by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. This government body resolves many common tenant-landlord issues.

If you ever feel unsure about your rental rights or encounter difficulty with a landlord over rent payments, reach out to the Tribunal early for guidance and support.

For an overview of your broader rights and responsibilities, including deposits, refer to Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Rent Receipts in New Brunswick

1. Do I always need to ask for a rent receipt, or should my landlord provide them automatically?
   You must ask your landlord for a rent receipt in New Brunswick; they are only required to provide one if requested.
2. Can I request a receipt for past rent payments?
   Yes, you can request receipts for previous payments. Landlords must provide them when asked, even for past months.
3. What if my landlord won't give me a receipt for cash payments?
   If your landlord refuses, collect any other proof you have (e.g., witnesses, bank receipts), and consider filing a complaint to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with Form 6.
4. Are electronic receipts (like emails or payment app confirmations) accepted?
   Yes, but only if they include the required details (amount, date, rental address, tenant and landlord info, and the period covered). It's best to ask your landlord for a formal receipt as well.
5. Why keep my rent receipts for several years?
   Rent receipts protect you during disputes, help claim certain benefits or credits, and are often needed if you move or face eviction.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Always request and safely store your rent receipts; they protect your rights and prove payment
• Landlords must provide receipts for rent and deposits if you ask, according to the law
• Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if your landlord refuses or you have a dispute

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick (file complaints, get forms, ask questions)
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (clarifies tenant rights)
• New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act (Read the law online)

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, s. 19(4), New Brunswick (see official government source)
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick (official website)

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