Renting in New Brunswick means knowing when a landlord can enter your home and what protections you have as a tenant. This guide explains common entry reasons, notice rules, emergency access, and the practical steps renters can take if a landlord tries to enter without proper notice. It uses plain language to help tenants and renters understand timing, documentation, and when to involve the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or official forms. If you are preparing to move, dealing with repairs, or concerned about privacy during a lease, the information below points to official resources and clear actions so you can respond and preserve your rights in New Brunswick.
When can a landlord enter the rental unit?
Under New Brunswick tenancy rules a landlord generally may enter a rental unit only for permitted reasons such as routine inspections, repairs, showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, or to carry out necessary work. Entry must usually be during reasonable hours and after proper notice to the tenant [1]. If a landlord claims a right to enter, ask for the reason, the proposed time, and to see identification.
Notice and timing
- Provide written notice: a landlord must normally give advance notice before routine entry and set a clear day and time.
- Repairs and maintenance: landlords can enter to repair vital services but should give notice unless it is urgent.
- Showings and inspections: entry for showings should be reasonable and agreed upon when possible.
- Service of notices and forms: some entries are linked to formal notices or filings that explain the legal reason for entry.
Emergencies and urgent repairs
In true emergency situations a landlord may enter without prior notice to protect people or property (for example, fire, flood, active gas leak or other immediate danger). After emergency entry the landlord should explain the reason and provide a record of what was done [2].
How to respond and protect your rights
When a landlord requests entry, confirm the reason and time in writing if possible, ask for identification, and calmly record the interaction. If you believe entry was not lawful, start by sending a short written complaint to the landlord and keep copies of photos, messages and any witness details. If the issue is unresolved you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using official application forms and explain the entry dispute with your evidence Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities have additional practical guidance.
Official forms you may need
Common official forms include the tribunal application used to request a hearing about landlord entry or other tenancy disputes, and forms to report emergency repairs or request enforcement. Example:
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (application form): use this to ask the tribunal to hear a dispute about unlawful entry — for example, if a landlord entered repeatedly without proper notice and you want an order to stop it and compensation [3].
- Inspection or repair request records: keep copies of any written repair requests and responses to show why and when the landlord entered.
FAQ
- Can a landlord enter without telling me in advance?
- No, except in emergencies; in non-urgent cases a landlord must give proper notice and enter at a reasonable time.
- What if a landlord comes while I am not home?
- A landlord may enter for permitted reasons after giving notice; if entry occurs without consent and not for an emergency, document it and raise the issue immediately.
- How can I get help resolving repeated unlawful entry?
- You can file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and include copies of your evidence and any formal complaints to the landlord.
How-To
- Write down the date, time, and reason for any entry and save messages or emails from the landlord.
- Send a short written notice to the landlord describing why you believe the entry was improper and request that it stop.
- Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or tenant helpline to learn if you should apply for a hearing.
- If needed, complete and submit the tribunal application with copies of your evidence and any repair notices.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords generally need to give notice and enter during reasonable hours.
- Emergencies permit immediate entry but should be limited to addressing the danger.
- Document visits and use official forms or the tribunal if issues are not resolved.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Service New Brunswick
- Residential tenancies forms and applications - Government of New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act and related legislation - Government of New Brunswick
