Landlord Entry Rules During COVID-19 in New Brunswick

During health emergencies like COVID-19, tenants in New Brunswick may wonder when and how their landlord is allowed to enter their home. Understanding your rights ensures your privacy and safety, especially during times of public health restrictions. Below, you'll find everything you need to know about landlord entry rules, notice requirements, emergency exceptions, and protection under provincial law.

Landlord Entry: What New Brunswick Law Says

The Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick (R.S.N.B. 1973, c.R-10) governs landlord entry in the province. Normally, your landlord can only enter your rental unit for specific reasons, such as repairs or inspections, and must provide at least 24 hours' written notice, explaining the purpose and time of entry.^[1]

• 24 hours’ written notice is always required unless it's an emergency.
• Entry must occur between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Landlords cannot enter for "showings" unless you have given notice to end the tenancy or have agreed otherwise.

To read more about your basic rights under the law, see our page on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

How COVID-19 or Health Orders Affect Entry

Public health guidance can change entry rules. During COVID-19 or declared health emergencies:

• If you or someone in your household is sick, self-isolating, or at high risk, notify your landlord immediately.
• Landlords should postpone non-urgent entry if public health orders restrict contact or if illness is present.
• Essential repairs or emergency access (e.g., burst pipe, fire) may proceed, but all parties must follow health protocols.

Notice Requirements and Exceptions

Except in emergencies, your landlord must provide:

• At least 24 hours’ written notice (email or letter is acceptable)
• The reason for entry (e.g., repair, inspection)
• The date and approximate time (between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.)

Emergencies: If an emergency threatens health or safety—like a flood, fire, or loss of essential service (heat, water, etc.)—your landlord may enter without notice.

Relevant Forms for Tenants

For regular entries or access disputes, use official forms from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal:

• Form 6: Application for Assistance – Use this if you believe your landlord is violating entry rules, or entering without proper notice. Find the form and detailed instructions on the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal website.

Example: If your landlord insists on entering repeatedly during your quarantine and does not respect health protocols or notice requirements, you can submit Form 6 to the Tribunal for help.

Are There Any Health and Safety Exceptions?

The government requires all landlords and tenants to comply with the latest public health rules. During COVID-19, these might include mask-wearing, physical distancing, and rescheduling non-essential visits. If repairs are not urgent, tenants can ask landlords to delay them until it is safe.

For common issues with health, safety, or urgent repairs in your rental, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Special Rules for Showings and Inspections

If you've given notice to move out or received a legal notice to end your tenancy, landlords may ask to show your unit to new renters or buyers—still with 24 hours’ notice. During public health orders, landlords should:

• Limit the number of people entering at once
• Offer virtual tours where possible
• Follow all up-to-date mask and distancing requirements

Resolving Disputes or Refusing Entry

If you believe your landlord is violating privacy or health protocols—or entering without notice—here’s what to do:

• Communicate your concerns in writing
• If the landlord continues, file Form 6: Application for Assistance with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal
• Attach copies of all correspondence and any supporting documents

Your Rights, Responsibilities, and Best Practices

Both tenants and landlords must act reasonably during a public health crisis. Tenants should not unreasonably refuse entry for essential or emergency repairs, but are entitled to expect health precautions and proper notice. Landlords must follow both tenancy law and all public health orders in force.

If you want a deeper understanding of what each side is required to do, check out Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Looking for a new place where your wellbeing comes first? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQs: Landlord Entry and COVID-19 Rules in New Brunswick

1. Can my landlord enter my apartment without advance notice during a health emergency?
   Usually, your landlord must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice. Entry without notice is only allowed for emergencies, such as a fire, flood, or threat to health and safety.
2. What steps should I take if my landlord enters without following health protocols?
   First, inform your landlord in writing of your concerns. If the problem continues, you can file an Application for Assistance (Form 6) with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
3. Am I allowed to refuse entry if I am quarantining due to COVID-19?
   Notify your landlord of your situation and request a delay on non-urgent entry. Essential and emergency repairs may still proceed with health measures in place.
4. Does my landlord need my permission to bring contractors or repair people during a health order?
   Your landlord can bring contractors for essential work if proper notice is given and public health protocols are followed. You should be notified in writing of who will attend.
5. Who enforces tenancy rules and health orders in New Brunswick?
   The Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles disputes about landlord entry and tenancy law. Public health violations can also be reported to provincial health authorities.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice for entry except in emergencies.
• During COVID-19 or health orders, tenants have the right to request safety measures and postpone non-essential visits.
• For persistent problems, use Form 6 to apply to the Tribunal for help.

Always keep written records and follow up with official complaint processes if your rights are not respected.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – Main resource for tenancy complaints, forms, and guidance
• Toll-Free Info Line: 1-888-762-8600
• New Brunswick Public Health: COVID-19 and Health Orders Updates
• Legal advice: Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB)

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1. New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act: official legislation text
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: official website, forms and resources
3. COVID-19 Public Health Updates for New Brunswick: official updates and orders

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