How Tenants in New Brunswick Can Address Mould and Air Quality Issues

Mould and poor indoor air quality are serious health concerns for tenants in New Brunswick. They can lead to allergies, breathing issues, and make a rental unit feel unsafe. As a tenant, it's important to know how to spot these problems, understand your rights, and take the right steps to protect your health while maintaining a positive landlord-tenant relationship. This article explains what to do if you discover mould or suspect air quality problems in your rental home and the legal protections you have under New Brunswick law.

Understanding Mould and Indoor Air Quality Problems

Mould is a type of fungus that thrives in damp or poorly ventilated areas, commonly found on walls, windows, ceilings, or around plumbing. Besides visible spots, you may notice a musty smell. Poor indoor air quality can include contaminants like dust, tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, or pests, as well as excess humidity. Both can impact your health, especially if you have allergies, asthma, or other sensitivities.

• Mould growth is often a sign of underlying issues, such as water leaks or inadequate ventilation.
• Common symptoms of exposure: coughing, sneezing, headaches, fatigue, irritated eyes or throat.
• Air quality issues may result from moisture, faulty heating, or building materials.

Tenants should act quickly if they notice signs of mould or believe the air in their home is affecting their health.

Who Is Responsible for Addressing Mould and Air Quality?

In New Brunswick, both landlords and tenants have roles in keeping a rental unit healthy and safe. Landlords must maintain the property so it's fit to live in, which includes making sure it's free of health hazards like mould and excess dampness. Tenants are expected to keep their home reasonably clean and report problems as soon as they arise.

• Landlord Responsibilities: Undertake repairs, resolve leaks, improve ventilation, and remove hazardous mould.
• Tenant Responsibilities: Promptly clean minor mould (like in shower grout), use ventilation, and report larger issues immediately.

For more information on your general rights and duties around unit upkeep and safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What Steps Should Tenants Take if They Discover Mould?

If you notice mould or dampness in your rental:

• Document everything: Take photos of the affected areas. Note any health symptoms.
• Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Describe the issue, what (if anything) you’ve already done, and request prompt repairs.
• Keep copies of all communication for your records.

If your landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, or refuses to fix the issue, you have the right to seek further help. Always follow up in writing and be specific about the problem and your health concerns.

When Should You Contact Authorities or File an Application?

When a landlord does not resolve a mould or indoor air quality problem after being notified, tenants can:

• Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick (the official agency for tenancy disputes in the province).
• Request a formal inspection by your local Public Health office if there is a risk to health.
• Apply to the Tribunal for an order requiring repairs or compensation for loss of use.

The main legislation for renter protection is the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick.

Important Forms for Tenants

• Application for Assistance – Form 6: Use this form to apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if your landlord fails to repair, or if health or safety is in jeopardy. Download Application for Assistance – Form 6.
  Example: If you report recurring mould in your apartment and your landlord does not address it, you can complete and submit Form 6 to the Tribunal, providing photos and a record of your communication.
• Notice to Landlord – Repairs Needed (Optional Notice): While there isn’t a standardized form in NB, always notify your landlord in writing, keeping a copy for yourself as proof.

What Kind of Repair Timeline Is “Reasonable”?

Landlords are expected to respond and act within a reasonable time—usually a few days to a week for urgent health issues (such as major mould growth causing health symptoms). Longer delays may be acceptable for minor or cosmetic problems, but anything affecting health or habitability should receive immediate attention.

How Indoor Air Quality and Other Health Issues Affect Tenancy

Sometimes, issues like mould or poor air quality can make a unit partially or fully uninhabitable. In these cases, tenants may apply for rent reductions, repairs, or—if the issue is very severe—permission to end their lease. Make sure to keep clear records and follow every step in writing.

For guidance on handling other common maintenance and health-related issues, visit Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Staying proactive and working constructively with your landlord often results in a quicker resolution of mould or air quality problems. For a wider view of tenant-landlord rights in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Remember, if you are searching for a healthier home, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with helpful map-based search tools.

FAQ: Mould and Air Quality Concerns in New Brunswick Rentals

1. What should I do if I find black mould in my apartment?
   Document the area, inform your landlord in writing right away, and request immediate repairs. If there is no response, you may file an Application for Assistance (Form 6) with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
2. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t fix mould problems?
   No, New Brunswick law does not allow tenants to withhold rent unilaterally. Instead, report the issue and apply to the Tribunal for a repair order or compensation if needed.
3. How long must my landlord take to fix indoor air quality issues?
   Landlords must address hazards that affect health promptly. For mould and air quality, this usually means within a few days to a week, depending on severity.
4. Who can I report unresolved health hazards to in New Brunswick?
   You can contact your local Public Health or file a formal complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using Form 6.
5. Will I be compensated for lost belongings due to mould?
   If you can prove your landlord’s negligence and resultant property loss, you may seek compensation through the Tribunal. Include photos and receipts where possible.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Report any mould or air quality problem promptly and keep records.
• Know your right to safe housing under New Brunswick law and apply to the Tribunal if necessary.
• Do not withhold rent—always use the formal process for repairs and compensation.

Taking action early and documenting each step is the best way to protect your health and your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – File complaints and access forms and guidance.
• New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act – Legislation for tenant/landlord rights and obligations.
• Local Public Health Offices – For inspections when health is at risk (find your office here).
• For general advice and advocacy: Contact the New Brunswick Tenants' Rights support organizations (try local legal aid offices).
• For more reading: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick: Legislation text
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Official site
3. Application for Assistance (Form 6): PDF form
4. Public Health Inspections: Government directory

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy