If you are a tenant in New Brunswick dealing with harassment, this guide explains what landlords are obligated to do, how to document incidents, and where to get help. It uses plain language to describe common examples of harassment, the steps you can take to protect your rights, and the provincial bodies that handle disputes. You will learn how to keep clear records, when to ask the landlord to stop, how to file a formal complaint, and which official forms and tribunal to contact. This information is for renters and tenants who want practical steps to resolve harassment safely while preserving evidence and meeting required deadlines in New Brunswick.
What New Brunswick law requires
Under New Brunswick tenancy rules, landlords must not harass tenants and are expected to take reasonable steps to stop harassment once they know about it. If the behaviour continues, tenants can bring a complaint to the provincial residential tenancy tribunal or other designated office[1]. Tenants should also review the relevant provincial legislation and follow the formal notice and filing steps when required[2].
What counts as harassment
- Repeated unwanted entry or attempts to enter your unit.
- Threats, intimidation, or verbal abuse that affect your safety.
- Retaliatory actions like threats to evict after you complain about conditions.
- Persistent noise, stalking, or behaviours that interfere with your reasonable enjoyment of the rental.
What landlords must do
When a tenant reports harassment, a landlord should investigate, stop the behaviour when possible, and take steps to protect the tenant. That may include warning other tenants, changing access procedures, or coordinating with law enforcement if there are threats to safety. Keep the landlord and any property manager informed in writing so there is a record of the complaint and any responses.
How to document and preserve evidence
- Keep a dated log of incidents with times, locations, and descriptions.
- Save emails, texts, photos, videos, and any written notes from witnesses as evidence.
- Tell the landlord in writing about each incident and request action; keep copies of your notices.
If you need guidance about making a formal complaint or preserving evidence, see the tenant help pages on documenting complaints and rights. For practical tips on making complaints in your rental, review How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide and the provincial summary Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick. You can also search listings and neighborhood details if you are considering moves with Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- Can my landlord enter my unit to check on harassment complaints?
- Landlords must follow the legal rules for entry; they generally need proper notice except in emergencies and should not use entry to intimidate or harass.
- What immediate steps should I take when harassment starts?
- Document every incident, tell the landlord in writing, get witness statements if possible, and consider contacting police for threats to safety.
- Can I withhold rent if the landlord does not stop harassment?
- Withholding rent is risky. Follow formal complaint procedures and seek tribunal decisions or legal advice before withholding payment.
How-To
- Document the incident: write dates, times, exact words or actions, and gather photos or recordings as allowed by law.
- Notify the landlord in writing explaining the problem and the action you want them to take; keep a copy.
- File a formal complaint with the residential tenancy tribunal or the designated provincial office and include your evidence[3].
- Attend any scheduled hearing and bring originals or copies of your evidence and witnesses if possible.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
- Residential tenancies legislation and guidance - Government of New Brunswick
- Official forms and templates for tenancy complaints - Service New Brunswick
