If you are a tenant in New Brunswick needing eviction court records, this guide explains where records are kept, the forms and timelines involved, and how to request copies in plain language. You will learn what documents to look for (orders, judgments, and hearing notes), how to contact the tribunal or registry, and practical steps to protect your rental history and appeal or correct information if needed. The steps below are written for renters without legal training and include examples of when to use each form, typical fees and wait times, and links to official provincial resources so you can act with confidence.
Where eviction court records are kept in New Brunswick
Eviction orders and related court records in New Brunswick are generally held by the residential tenancy tribunal or the clerk of the court that issued the order. For matters decided under the provincial tenancy rules, contact the Residential Tenancies office for information on requests and access procedures.[1] If the eviction resulted from a provincial court hearing, the court registry that heard the case will keep the official file and judgment.
What documents to request
- Eviction order or judgment — the formal order that shows the date and reason for eviction.
- Hearing transcript or summary — notes or minutes from the hearing, when available.
- Evidence bundle — documents or photos submitted by landlord or tenant that were considered by the adjudicator.
- Notices and applications — the notice to end tenancy, application forms, or responses filed in the case.
Common forms you may need (names and use)
- Notice to Terminate a Tenancy — used by a landlord or tenant to start a termination; use when you need an official record showing when notice was given.
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal — used to ask for a hearing or to request an order; file this when you want the tribunal to decide an eviction dispute.
- Order for Possession / Eviction Order — the tribunal or court issues this after a hearing; request a certified copy when you need proof of the outcome.
Many of these forms and instructions are available through the provincial residential tenancies information pages and tribunal office.[2]
How to request records — step-by-step options
You can usually request records by mail, in person, or online depending on the office that holds the file. Expect to provide your name, the tenant or landlord's name, the address, the date range of the tenancy, and a copy of identification. There may be a small fee for certified copies and processing times that vary by office.
If the record is with the Residential Tenancies office
- Call or email the tribunal to ask about their process and fees; they will tell you what identification and forms to submit.
- Complete any request or authorization form the office requires and include a copy of photo ID and proof of address.
- Allow typical processing time (often several business days to a few weeks) and ask whether expedited service is available.
If the record is with a court registry
- Contact the court registry that handled the file and ask for the procedure to obtain certified court records.
- Prepare to pay registration or copy fees; bring identification and any file or court docket number you have.
- Some registries accept written requests by mail, others require an in-person visit or an online request through the court’s portal.
FAQ
- Can I get eviction records if I was a tenant years ago?
- Yes. In most cases you can request older records, though availability depends on how long the tribunal or court keeps archived files and whether the record has been destroyed under retention rules.
- Do I need permission from my former landlord to access the file?
- No. Tenants seeking their own tenancy records can usually access relevant documents without landlord permission, but the office may require ID or proof of tenancy.
- How long do tribunals keep eviction records?
- Retention periods vary; ask the tribunal or court registry for their specific retention schedule and whether archived records can be retrieved.
How-To
- Identify where the decision or order was issued (Residential Tenancies office or local court) and note the case or file number if you have it.
- Contact the office by phone or email to request the procedure, required identification, and any request forms.
- Complete the request form, include identification and proof of tenancy, and pay any applicable copy or certification fee.
- Wait for processing and ask whether the office can provide a certified copy or an uncertified digital copy for immediate use.
- If information in the record is incorrect, ask the office about correction or appeal steps and timelines.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies information (Government of New Brunswick)
- Service New Brunswick — Tenants and Landlords services
- New Brunswick Court Services — contact a court registry
