How to Verify If Your Landlord is Licensed in New Brunswick

Landlord Compliance & Penalties New Brunswick published: June 20, 2025 Flag of New Brunswick

Wondering if your landlord in New Brunswick is operating legally? Knowing if a landlord is licensed (or legally permitted to rent property) helps protect tenants and ensures your rental meets minimum safety and legal standards. This guide breaks down how to check a landlord’s licensing status, what you should expect during your tenancy, and where to find support if issues arise.

Landlord Licensing in New Brunswick: What Tenants Need to Know

Unlike some other provinces in Canada, New Brunswick does not require individual residential landlords to obtain a specific provincial license to rent out private housing. However, landlords must comply with the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick and, in some municipalities—like Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John—local rental property registration or permitting may be required.[1]

Municipal Rental Property Licensing or Registration

Some cities require landlords to register their rental units or meet housing bylaw standards. For example:

  • Moncton: Requires landlords to register with the city. Check the Moncton Rental Property Registration Portal to verify if a property is officially registered.
  • Fredericton & Saint John: Have similar requirements for certain types of rental properties. Contact your local City Hall to verify a landlord’s status.

To sum up: Always check with your municipal government for local licensing or registration requirements impacting your rental.

Why Does Licensing or Registration Matter?

Registered or licensed landlords are typically required to:

  • Meet building and fire safety standards
  • Ensure safe, habitable living conditions
  • Allow regular property inspections

Registration promotes tenant safety and legal compliance. If a landlord is unregistered when local bylaws require it, they could face fines and you may have more power when reporting issues or unsafe conditions. For more on what to expect when moving in, see Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

How to Check If a Landlord is Licensed or Registered

Since New Brunswick does not have a province-wide residential landlord licensing system, here are actionable steps tenants can take:

  • Step 1: Contact your local municipal office or visit their website to check if your landlord or rental property is registered (especially if you live in Moncton, Fredericton, or Saint John).
  • Step 2: For registered properties, municipalities often provide online registries or can confirm registration over the phone.
  • Step 3: Request proof of registration from your landlord if you have concerns, especially when local laws require it.
  • Step 4: If you suspect your landlord is operating without proper registration, report your concern to the municipal office or city’s bylaw enforcement.

Tip: If health, structural, or safety concerns exist, municipal authorities and inspectors have the power to intervene, even if there’s no licensing system in your area. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

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Who Oversees Landlord Compliance in New Brunswick?

The official government body managing residential tenancy disputes in New Brunswick is the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. This Tribunal administers the Residential Tenancies Act, handles complaints, and enforces tenant and landlord rights.[2]

Important Official Forms for Tenants

Tenants can use official forms when experiencing problems with unregistered landlords, unsafe living conditions, or other issues:

  • Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Form 6):
    When to use: If you need to resolve disputes related to your landlord’s compliance or living conditions.
    How to use: Download and complete Form 6 – Application to the Director. Submit it to the Tribunal, including evidence such as communication or municipal inspection results.
  • Notice of Complaint to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Form 8):
    When to use: For issues of unsafe or unhealthy rental conditions out of the landlord’s compliance.
    How to use: Download and fill out Form 8 – Notice of Complaint, then submit it directly to the Tribunal.

Always keep a copy for your records. For advice about post-move-in rights and obligations, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

How Landlord Registration Affects Tenant Rights

Even if landlords are not provincially licensed, all tenants in New Brunswick are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act. This ensures:

  • Right to a safe, habitable home
  • Proper notice for eviction or rent increases
  • Ability to file complaints with the Tribunal

For a full list of your local rights, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

FAQ: Checking Landlord Licensing and Compliance in New Brunswick

  1. Is my landlord legally required to have a license in New Brunswick?
    No. In New Brunswick, landlords do not need a special provincial license, but must follow all tenancy laws and, in some municipal areas, register their properties.
  2. How do I know if my landlord has registered their rental property?
    You can contact your city’s municipal office or check their online registry. Cities like Moncton provide property lookups online.
  3. What should I do if my rental property is not registered but required by my city?
    Report the property to your municipal office or bylaw enforcement. You can also file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
  4. Can I be evicted for complaining about an unregistered or unsafe property?
    No. Retaliatory eviction is illegal under the Residential Tenancies Act. Tenants have a right to report problems.
  5. Where can I search for legal rentals across Canada?
    You can Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view for compliant properties nationwide.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

  • New Brunswick landlords are not provincially licensed, but municipal registration may apply
  • Always check your city’s rules and confirm if your landlord’s property is registered
  • Use official forms and contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if issues arise

Knowing the legal status of your landlord helps keep your rental experience safe and fair.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Government of New Brunswick
  2. Residential Tenancies Act, New Brunswick

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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