As a tenant in New Brunswick, adding a roommate requires careful steps to protect your rights and avoid disputes. This guide explains how to check your lease, ask for landlord permission, document agreements, and update payments and deposits so both renters and landlords understand responsibilities. You’ll learn when a new occupant should be added to the rental agreement, what forms or notices to use, and how to handle common issues like security deposits, repairs, and privacy. The language is plain and practical so renters can follow each step and know where to get official help if a problem arises. Keep copies of all communications to make any future tribunal applications easier.
What the law says
New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Tribunal decides disputes about tenancy agreements, rent and occupancy rules.[1] The province's residential tenancy rules are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, which explains rights for tenants and obligations for landlords.[2] Generally, leases often include terms about subletting or adding occupants; always check your written agreement first.
Before you add a roommate
- Contact the landlord in writing to request permission and explain who will move in.
- Review your rental agreement and any clauses about subletting or additional occupants.
- Agree in writing how rent and utility payments will be split and whether the security deposit changes.
- Use the correct notice or form if required by your lease or the landlord to add a tenant.[3]
- Document the unit's condition with photos and a signed checklist before the roommate moves in.
If the landlord refuses
If a landlord refuses, ask for reasons in writing and check if refusal is permitted under the lease or legislation. If you believe a refusal is unreasonable, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to resolve the dispute.[1] See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for more on local rules.
Updating the lease and payments
When a roommate is added, update the tenancy agreement so the new occupant is legally responsible for rent and rules. Decide whether the roommate will be added to the existing lease or signed as a co-tenant; a written amendment avoids confusion. Handle deposits carefully: if the landlord collects an additional security deposit, get a receipt and agreement about how it will be held and returned; provincial rules govern deposits and interest where applicable. For more on deposits see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
Practical examples and forms
To bring disputes or requests you will usually use the Residential Tenancies Tribunal application forms and any written amendment or notice required by your lease. Common documents include the Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (for disputes or enforcement) and a written lease amendment signed by landlord and tenant to add the roommate. Find official forms and filing instructions on the tribunal's site.[3] If you need to find a different rental or replace a roommate quickly, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
Privacy, safety and repairs
Make sure your roommate understands rules about landlord entry, guests, smoking and noise. If repairs or health and safety concerns arise, report them to the landlord in writing and keep records of dates and responses. Shared households still require compliance with habitability rules and local standards; tenants should cooperate to address repairs promptly.
FAQ
- Do I need the landlord's permission to add a roommate?
- Usually yes. Check your written lease for clauses about subletting or additional occupants and request permission in writing if required.
- Will a roommate be responsible for the rent?
- Only if they are added to the lease or sign a written agreement making them a co-tenant. Otherwise the original tenant remains legally responsible to the landlord.
- What official form do I use to ask the tribunal to resolve a dispute?
- Use the tribunal's Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and include copies of your lease, communications with the landlord, photos and receipts as evidence.[3]
How-To
- Review your lease for clauses on subletting and additional occupants.
- Contact the landlord in writing with the roommate's name, move-in date and contact information.
- Agree and sign a written amendment or a new lease that names the new occupant.
- Document the unit's condition with photos and a checklist that both parties sign.
- If the landlord refuses or a dispute follows, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal including all written evidence and photos.
- Update payment arrangements for rent and utilities and keep all receipts and records.
Key Takeaways
- Ask the landlord in writing before the roommate moves in.
- Get any changes recorded in a signed lease amendment or new agreement.
- Keep dated documentation, photos and receipts to support your case if needed.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act - Government of New Brunswick
- Service New Brunswick - Renting and housing information
