Moving to a new rental in New Brunswick means updating your address so bills, government letters, and important notices reach you. Tenants often worry about missing rent reminders, tribunal notices, or benefits when mail still goes to an old address. This guide explains how to forward mail with Canada Post, notify landlords, change your address with provincial and federal services, and keep records that protect your rights as a renter. You’ll find step-by-step actions, what forms to use, practical timelines, and examples of when to notify utilities, banks, and service providers. Clear checklists help you avoid common mistakes and ensure you don’t miss deadlines while settling into your new home.
Why updating your address matters
Keeping your mailing address current prevents missed rent notices, legal correspondence from the residential tenancy office, and delays to benefit payments. For tenants, timely updates reduce the risk of disputes that arise when important documents are returned to sender or delivered to a previous occupant.
Forwarding mail with Canada Post
Canada Post offers an online Mail Forwarding service you can set up before moving; this forwards most regular mail for a set period and can be started immediately or on a future date. Set it up online, choose the duration, and save the confirmation for your records. [1]
- Choose the start date for forwarding and select the length of service (short-term or long-term).
- Pay the fee online and print or save the confirmation receipt as proof you requested forwarding.
- Allow a few business days for the service to begin and check your online Canada Post account for updates.
Notifying your landlord and tenancy office
Tell your landlord your new mailing address and provide a forwarding address for the return of security deposits or final notices. In New Brunswick, review the provincial tenancy information and the Residential Tenancies Act so you know your notification requirements and timelines when moving or changing contact details. [2][3]
- Give written notice to your landlord with the effective date of your new address and keep a dated copy.
- Ask for written confirmation that your landlord has received and recorded the new address.
Updating government and key services
Prioritize services that affect your legal notices and payments: provincial health, motor vehicle/driver's licence, Service Canada (for federal benefits), CRA for tax mail, banks, insurance, and utility providers. Many agencies let you update your address online; when they don’t, ask for a dated confirmation letter or email.
- Update provincial services through Service New Brunswick or the specific provincial portal for health cards and driver licences.
- Update federal accounts (Service Canada, CRA) via their secure online portals or by phone if required.
- Call banks and utilities to confirm the address change and request email confirmation of the update.
Practical forms and examples for tenants
Below are common actions tenants need, with examples of when to use them and where to find official forms.
- Canada Post Mail Forwarding: use when you want your incoming mail redirected to a new address for a set time (example: forward mail for three months after moving). [1]
- Written notice to landlord: provide a dated letter stating your new mailing address and the date it takes effect (example: include this when you give a move-out notice so the landlord can return the security deposit).
- Residential Tenancies Act references and tribunal application forms: consult the provincial tenancy pages for how to file disputes or update your contact info with the tenancy office. [2][3]
Common problems and how to avoid them
- Missed legal notices: avoid by forwarding mail and notifying the tenancy office and landlord in writing.
- Returned mail that contains bills: set up forwarding and update billing addresses with utilities and service providers before the move.
- Disputes over security deposit returns: provide your landlord with a forwarding address in writing and keep proof of delivery.
FAQ
- How long does Canada Post mail forwarding last?
- Canada Post forwarding durations vary by service level; choose the period you need and check your confirmation for exact dates.
- Do I need to inform my landlord when I change my mailing address?
- Yes. Informing your landlord in writing ensures that legal notices and deposit returns are sent to the correct address and reduces dispute risk.
- What should I do if I miss an important notice sent to my old address?
- Document when you updated your address, contact the sender immediately, and consider contacting the residential tenancy office for guidance if the notice affects your tenancy rights.
How-To
- Decide your move date and set up Canada Post mail forwarding to start on that date, then save the confirmation.
- Write a dated notice to your landlord with your new mailing address and the effective date, and keep a copy.
- Update utilities, banks, and insurance providers online or by phone and request written confirmation when possible.
- Update provincial records (health card, driver licence) through Service New Brunswick or the relevant provincial portal.
- Update federal accounts (Service Canada, CRA) using secure online accounts or phone support to ensure benefit and tax mail is redirected.
- Keep all confirmations and receipts together in a folder in case you need evidence of timely notice or forwarding.
Key Takeaways
- Set up mail forwarding and notify your landlord before or on your move date.
- Keep dated written records of every address change and confirmation.
- Prioritize updates for tenancy-related and payment services to avoid missed notices.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies information - Service New Brunswick
- New Brunswick legislation and Acts (search for the Residential Tenancies Act)
