After a break-in at a rental unit, tenants often feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. In New Brunswick, acting quickly helps protect your safety, belongings, and legal options. This guide explains practical steps renters can take right away—reporting to police, notifying the landlord, documenting damage and stolen items, and contacting your insurance company. It also covers what tenant insurance commonly does and when a landlord or the Residential Tenancies Tribunal might be involved. The language avoids legal jargon and focuses on simple, actionable advice that tenants and renters can follow to make a claim, preserve evidence, and access official forms and dispute channels in New Brunswick.
Immediate steps after a break-in
Start with safety, then move quickly to preserve evidence and create a clear record for police and insurers.
- Call 911 (or your local police non-emergency line) to report the break-in and get a police report number.
- Secure the unit if it is unsafe—lock broken doors or windows temporarily and avoid touching areas that may hold evidence.
- Photograph and list damaged property and items taken, noting approximate values and purchase dates where you can.
- Notify your landlord or property manager that a break-in occurred and whether the unit needs urgent repair to be habitable.
- Contact your tenant insurance provider to start a claim and ask what documentation they need, including the police report number.
Tenant insurance basics in New Brunswick
Tenant (renter) insurance commonly covers three areas: personal property, personal liability, and additional living expenses if the unit becomes temporarily uninhabitable. Policies differ: some cover theft and vandalism, others may exclude certain high-value items unless scheduled. Deductibles and limits matter — note them when you call your insurer. If you don’t carry renter insurance, you may still be eligible for certain disaster or victim supports, but your personal loss will likely not be covered by the landlord's policy for the building.
How to file an insurance claim
A clear, well-documented claim speeds settlement and reduces disputes.
- Open a claim with your insurer immediately and provide the police report number, item list, photos, and receipts if available.
- Keep originals of receipts, serial numbers, and photos; if you lack receipts, provide bank records or photos showing ownership.
- Track any extra expenses (hotel, meals, emergency purchases) and request reimbursement for reasonable additional living costs if your policy covers loss of use.
- Ask your insurer for a claim reference and expected timelines in writing; follow up in writing for each new contact.
When the landlord may be responsible
Landlords are typically responsible for building security and repairs that affect habitability. If a break-in resulted from a broken lock, ineffective security lighting, or an entry point the landlord failed to fix after notice, the landlord may be required to repair and could be partially responsible for related losses or accommodation costs. Discuss repairs and interim security measures with your landlord, and save written requests and responses.
For details on landlord and tenant duties regarding repairs and safety, see the government guidance on obligations and dispute resolution or read tenant-focused explanations such as Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and practical emergency guidance at Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
Relevant official forms and how tenants use them
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal — used when a tenant or landlord applies to resolve disputes about repairs, deposits, or responsibility for damages; see the official forms page for the current application document[1].
- Notice to End a Tenancy or other tribunal notices — used to request orders or notify the other party when pursuing a tribunal remedy; check the official tribunal forms page for the exact name and how to submit, and attach evidence like photos and police reports when relevant[2].
FAQ
- Do I need renter insurance to make a claim after a break-in?
- No. Only tenants with renter insurance can make a claim on their own policy; if you do not have tenant insurance, you should still report the incident to police and discuss options with your landlord and local victim services.
- Can my landlord's insurance cover my stolen belongings?
- Usually not. Landlord policies typically cover building structure and liability; tenants' personal property is normally covered only by renter insurance. Speak to your landlord and insurer to clarify coverages.
- When should I contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal?
- Contact the tribunal if a dispute with your landlord about repairs, building security, or compensation cannot be resolved directly. The tribunal can accept applications and issue orders; see the official tribunal information to learn how to apply[3].
How-To
- Call police and obtain a file/report number immediately.
- Take dated photos of damage and a written inventory of missing items.
- Notify your landlord in writing and request needed repairs and temporary security measures.
- Contact your insurer to open a claim and submit the police report, photos, and receipts.
- Save all receipts for interim expenses and track communications about timelines and settlement offers.
- If unresolved, prepare and file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with your documentation.
Key Takeaways
- Report the incident, document damage, and secure a police report as your first steps.
- Contact your insurer quickly and keep receipts and photos to support your claim.
- Landlords must maintain building security; use written notices and the tribunal if repairs are not made.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
- New Brunswick legislation and justice services
- Official residential tenancy forms and guides - Service New Brunswick
