If you are a renter in New Brunswick, your security deposit is not simply money a landlord can keep without explanation. When your tenancy ends, you may be entitled to have the deposit returned with applicable interest, subject to lawful deductions and the province's residential tenancy rules. This guide explains how to check your deposit records, request payment, respond to a proposed deduction, and apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if necessary. Whether you are moving out of an apartment or resolving an old deposit dispute, these practical steps can help you protect your tenant rights and present a clear claim.
How security deposit interest works in New Brunswick
New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Act governs security deposits and the responsibilities of landlords and tenants. A landlord generally must handle the deposit through the process required by the Director of Residential Tenancies, rather than treating it as ordinary rental income. Interest is calculated according to the applicable provincial rules and rate, so the amount may vary by the period in which the deposit was held.[1]
Review Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for general information about deposit limits, receipts, and common rental practices. Your lease, deposit receipt, payment records, and move-out documents can help establish the amount paid and the date it was collected.
When can a tenant claim the deposit and interest?
You can ask for the deposit and applicable interest after the tenancy ends and you have returned possession of the rental unit. A landlord may be entitled to claim certain amounts for unpaid rent or damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, but deductions should be supported by the tenancy agreement, inspection evidence, invoices, receipts, or other reliable records.
- Confirm the original deposit amount and any interest or deduction information provided by the landlord.
- Record the date you moved out, returned the keys, and gave the landlord your forwarding address.
- Keep photographs, inspection reports, rent receipts, messages, and invoices connected with the condition of the unit.
- Send a written request that identifies the rental address, deposit amount, tenancy dates, forwarding address, and payment deadline.
How to request payment from your landlord
Start with a clear written request instead of relying only on a phone call. State that the tenancy has ended, ask for the return of the security deposit and applicable interest, and request an itemized explanation for any proposed deduction. Give a reasonable date for payment and provide a reliable mailing address or payment method.
If the landlord says there was damage, compare the claim with your move-in and move-out records. Ordinary wear from normal use is different from damage caused by a tenant, and a disagreement about responsibility does not automatically decide the issue.
For moving-out preparation, you can also read How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out. If you need a rental home after resolving the dispute, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
What to do if the landlord does not pay
If the landlord does not respond or refuses to pay, organize your evidence and contact New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Tribunal for the current dispute-resolution process. The official process may require an application, supporting documents, service or delivery of materials, and participation in a hearing or other proceeding. Follow the current instructions carefully because forms, filing methods, and deadlines can change.
Evidence that can support your claim
- The signed lease, security deposit receipt, rent ledger, and proof of the original payment.
- Move-in and move-out inspection reports, dated photographs, videos, and written descriptions of the unit.
- Emails, text messages, letters, and notes showing your request for the deposit and the landlord's response.
- Invoices, receipts, statements, or calculations that help establish the amount claimed or disputed.
Official application and forms
Use the current tenant application or dispute form published by New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Tribunal or Service New Brunswick. The official forms page identifies the current form name and any assigned number; use the tenant application for a dispute when a landlord has not returned the deposit or has made an unsupported deduction. For example, a tenant who moved out on June 30 and received neither the deposit nor an accounting can attach the lease, payment proof, photographs, forwarding address, and written demand to the application.
Do not rely on an old copy downloaded from another website. Check the official instructions for how to file, how to deliver documents to the other party, and whether a hearing date or additional evidence is required.
FAQ
- Is a New Brunswick tenant automatically entitled to interest on a security deposit?
- A tenant may be entitled to applicable interest under New Brunswick's residential tenancy rules, but the amount depends on the prescribed rate and the period the deposit was held.
- Can a landlord deduct damage from the deposit?
- A landlord may be able to claim lawful amounts such as unpaid rent or damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, but the tenant should ask for an itemized explanation and supporting records.
- What should I do if my landlord will not return the deposit?
- Send a written demand, preserve your evidence, and use the current Residential Tenancies Tribunal application process if the dispute is not resolved.
- Which form should I use to claim deposit interest?
- Use the current tenant application or dispute form identified on the official New Brunswick Residential Tenancies forms page, following its filing and delivery instructions.
How-To
- Gather the lease, deposit receipt, payment records, inspection documents, photographs, messages, and forwarding address information.
- Calculate the deposit amount you paid and identify the applicable interest period without adding unsupported fees or estimates.
- Send the landlord a written request for the deposit and applicable interest, and ask for an itemized explanation of every deduction.
- Keep track of response deadlines and retain proof that your request was delivered.
- Complete the current New Brunswick tenant application or dispute form if the landlord does not resolve the matter.
- File and serve the application as directed, then attend the hearing or follow the Tribunal's next instructions.
Key Takeaways
- Request the security deposit and applicable interest in writing after the tenancy ends.
- Preserve payment records, inspection evidence, photographs, and communications.
- Use only the current official New Brunswick tenant application and filing instructions.
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal when direct communication does not resolve the dispute.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact Service New Brunswick or the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for current process information and assistance locating the correct form.
- Review the official residential tenancy forms and instructions before filing a tenant application.
- Read the provincial residential tenancy information and legislation to understand deposit and dispute rules.
