Is Your Landlord Violating Repair Rules in New Brunswick?

Maintenance & Repairs New Brunswick 4 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of New Brunswick

As a tenant in New Brunswick, understanding your rights regarding maintenance and repairs can help you manage your rental situation effectively. This article explores what constitutes a landlord's violation of repair rules and the steps you can take if you suspect non-compliance.

What Are Your Landlord's Repair Obligations?

In New Brunswick, landlords have a legal obligation to maintain rental properties in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and compliant with health and safety standards. This includes ensuring basic utilities such as plumbing, heating, and electricity are functional.

Common Repair Responsibilities

  • Fixing water leaks and blocked drains
  • Repairing damaged roofing or walls
  • Ensuring heating systems work properly
  • Addressing issues related to electrical wiring

If these standards are not met, you may have grounds to claim that your landlord is violating repair obligations.

Document every repair issue with dates, photos, and copies of all requests to the landlord. Save leases, notices, and any landlord responses; these records help you prove noncompliance if you pursue a remedy with local authorities or the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
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Steps for Tenants When Repairs Aren't Addressed

If you're dealing with unaddressed repairs, follow these steps to safeguard your rights:

Document the Issue

Keep a record of the issue with photos and written descriptions. This documentation can be crucial if the situation escalates.

Tip: Create a simple timeline log—note when you first noticed the problem, when you reported it, and any follow-up actions. Include dates and condition details; this helps when you file a complaint or request an inspection.

Notify Your Landlord

Communicate with your landlord in writing, specifying the needed repairs and your request for action. This notification serves as evidence that you've informed them of the issue.

Caution: Always keep copies of written notices and use traceable delivery (email with read receipt or certified mail). Delays in response may be used as evidence of unresponsiveness.

Explore Further Actions

Should your landlord remain unresponsive, you may contact local authorities or safety inspectors. They can assess the living conditions and mandate necessary repairs.

Insight: If authorities get involved, they can order repairs and may levy penalties to the landlord; keep the inspector's contact information and note any deadlines or follow-up steps.

Submit a Formal Complaint

If all else fails, escalate the situation by filing a formal complaint with the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal. You may need the Form 6: Application by Tenant to address such disputes, available on the Service New Brunswick website.

Fact: The Form 6: Application by Tenant is the official step to bring disputes to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, and you may need supporting documents such as photos, receipts, and correspondence.

Legal Resources and Support

The relevant legislation for tenancy matters in New Brunswick is the Residential Tenancies Act1. This act outlines tenant and landlord responsibilities comprehensively.

Understanding Emergency Situations

Some repair issues can escalate into emergencies, such as a major water leak or heating failure during winter. Emergency repairs must be addressed immediately, and you have the right to seek external help if your landlord is uncooperative.

In such situations, check out our guide on emergency repairs to understand your rights and responsibilities better.

Lesson: In emergencies, act quickly to secure safety and document actions, then inform the landlord in writing as soon as possible. If they won't cooperate, you can contact safety authorities or emergency services.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you need to consider a new place to live.

Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

To better understand your rights as a tenant in this province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for comprehensive information.

  1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to perform repairs? Contact them in writing to remind them of their obligations. If unresponsive, consider reaching out to local health or safety authorities.
  2. Can I withhold rent if repairs are not done? Withholding rent can be a risky strategy and might violate your rental agreement terms. Always seek legal advice before doing so.
  3. How can I formally report unresolved repair issues? Use the Form 6 application through the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
  4. What counts as an emergency repair? Issues that pose immediate health risks or significant property damage, such as sewage system failures, heating failures in the winter, or electricity outages.
  5. Who handles tenancy disputes in New Brunswick? The New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal is the official body managing these disputes.
  1. How to file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal

    Gather all documentation, including communications with your landlord and evidence of the repair issues. Fill out the Form 6 and submit it through the appropriate channels.

  2. How to prepare for a hearing at the Tribunal

    Organize all your evidence, prepare your statements, and consider consulting a legal expert to present your case effectively.

  3. How to find alternative housing in New Brunswick

    Search for rentals on platforms like Houseme to find suitable options that meet your housing needs.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Contact the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal through the Service New Brunswick for assistance. Consider reaching out to tenant advocacy services such as the New Brunswick Tenants Association for further support.

  1. https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/attorney_general/safer_communities/content/residential_tenancies.html
  2. https://www.snb.ca/en/Services/300/305.aspx

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Marie Dubois
Marie Dubois

Bilingual Housing Rights Advisor, Tenant Rights Canada

Marie covers tenant rights across Quebec and the Atlantic provinces in both English and French. With a background in Quebec civil law and residential tenancy, she is a trusted voice on the Tribunal administratif du logement process and francophone tenant rights.

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