Ending a tenancy in New Brunswick can feel stressful, but tenants have clear steps to follow to protect their rights and avoid unexpected costs. This guide explains notice requirements, common reasons to terminate, the written forms and evidence you may need, and when to contact the province's tenancy office or tribunal. It is written for renters and uses plain language so you can act confidently whether you are finishing a fixed-term lease, leaving early for work or family reasons, or responding to serious habitability issues. Read each section carefully, keep records of notices and photos, and follow official forms and deadlines to reduce disputes at move-out.
Before you start: check your lease and timelines
Start by reading your written lease to find end dates, notice periods and any special clauses. In New Brunswick, many tenancies require written notice a set number of days before the intended move-out date; check your lease and provincial rules to confirm exact timelines. If you plan to move before a fixed-term lease ends, look for a clause about early termination or an assignment/sublet option and consider negotiating with your landlord.
How to give valid written notice
Provide clear, signed written notice that states your intended last day of tenancy. Always keep a copy and deliver it by a traceable method (email with read receipt if accepted by the landlord, registered mail, or hand-delivery with a signed acknowledgment). If your lease specifies a particular form or wording, use it. If the landlord agrees to an earlier end date, get that agreement in writing.
- Give notice within the timeframes set out in your lease or provincial rules to avoid being charged extra rent.
- Use written notices and keep copies as evidence when filing a dispute later.
- Document unit condition with photos and dated notes before handing over keys.
Required forms and official contacts
New Brunswick tenants should use official provincial guidance and forms when available. The Residential Tenancies information pages explain notice procedures, common forms, and how to contact the provincial tenancy office for help [1]. For the law that governs landlord and tenant rights, consult the provincial legislation on residential tenancies [2].
Common practical forms and documents tenants may need:
- Written Notice to Terminate Tenancy (use when ending a periodic tenancy or when the lease allows early termination) — example: if you move for a new job, sign and deliver a dated notice stating your last day.
- Agreement to End Tenancy (mutual written agreement) — example: landlord agrees to accept an early move-out date and signs a short agreement so neither party faces later claims.
If a landlord will not accept a lawful notice or if you need help enforcing your rights, contact the provincial tenancy office or tribunal listed in Help and Support below.
Moving-out checklist
- Give written notice and confirm the landlord received it before planning movers or services.
- Take dated photos and a short video showing the unit condition on move-out day.
- Return all keys and obtain a signed receipt or written acknowledgment from the landlord for keys and the unit handover.
- Provide a forwarding address for your deposit return and keep records of your bank account for any deposit refund payment.
Ending a lease early
If you need to leave before the lease expires, you can often negotiate an agreement, find an acceptable replacement tenant, or rely on legal grounds such as serious health or safety problems. For practical steps on ending the agreement yourself, see How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant. If you must leave early for unavoidable reasons, also read What to Do If You Need to Leave Your Rental Before the Lease Expires for options and example notices.
FAQ
- How much notice do I have to give to end my tenancy?
- Check your lease first; if none is specified, provincial rules set minimum notice periods for periodic and fixed-term tenancies—give written notice and confirm receipt.
- Can I leave before my fixed-term lease ends?
- Possibly. You can negotiate a mutual termination, find a replacement tenant if allowed, or rely on specific legal reasons such as serious habitability issues; keep everything in writing.
- What happens to my security deposit?
- Your landlord must follow provincial rules on deposits and any interest; provide a forwarding address and document unit condition to support a full refund claim.
How-To
- Review the lease and provincial notice rules to calculate the correct final day you must provide in your written notice.
- Prepare and sign a written Notice to Terminate stating the date you will vacate; deliver by traceable means and keep a copy.
- Document the unit with photos and a short video on move-out day and ask the landlord to sign a receipt when you hand over keys.
- Provide your forwarding address for the deposit and request the deposit return timeline in writing; follow up promptly if payment is late.
- If a dispute arises, apply to the provincial tenancy office or tribunal with your evidence and copies of notices.
Help and Support / Resources
- Contact Service New Brunswick - official provincial services and residential tenancy information
- Residential Tenancies Act and provincial legislation resources
