Landlord Entry Rules for Repairs in New Brunswick

If you're renting in New Brunswick, you may wonder when your landlord can legally enter your home for repairs—especially if you haven't received notice. Understanding your rights, and your landlord's responsibilities, helps you maintain privacy and resolve issues smoothly. This article clearly explains New Brunswick's entry rules, what counts as an emergency, required forms, and what to do if proper notice isn't given.

Your Right to Privacy vs. Landlord's Right to Access

Under New Brunswick law, tenants have the right to peaceful enjoyment of their rental, which includes privacy. However, landlords also have a right to enter for specific reasons, such as making repairs, inspecting the property, or showing it to prospective tenants. These rights and obligations are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)^[1] and regulated by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (official website).

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Home?

• To make repairs or conduct inspections
• To show the space to future tenants or buyers
• In emergency situations (e.g., urgent water leak, fire, or major damage)

In most cases, landlords must give at least 24 hours written notice before entering your rental unit for repairs, unless it's an emergency.

What Qualifies as an Emergency?

Landlords can enter without any notice only in cases of emergency—situations where immediate entry is required to prevent harm to people or damage to property. Examples include:

• Major plumbing leaks or flooding
• Fires or strong smell of smoke
• Gas leaks
• Broken door causing security risk

Whenever possible, landlords should still try to inform the tenant, even in emergencies.

Notice Requirements: What the Law Says

Outside emergencies, the Residential Tenancies Act requires landlords to give at least 24 hours advance written notice before entering for repairs or inspections^[1]. The notice should specify:

• Date and approximate time of entry
• Reason for entering (e.g., repairs, inspection)

Entry may only happen between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and not on holidays unless you agree otherwise.

How Notice Is Given

• Hand delivery of written notice
• Posting notice in an obvious place on your door
• Tracking notice to your email (if you've agreed to this)

If your landlord enters without proper notice (and it's not an emergency), you may have grounds for a complaint. See our guide on How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide for next steps.

What To Do If Your Landlord Breaks Entry Rules

If your landlord enters without notice or ignores the legal process, you can file a formal complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Document what happened, keep copies of any communications, and consider the following steps:

1. Contact your landlord in writing to explain your concern and request future compliance.
2. If the issue continues, gather evidence (dates, times, how they entered).
3. File a complaint using the appropriate Tribunal form (see below).

This process helps protect your rights while keeping the situation documented.

How to File a Complaint with the Tribunal

For privacy violations or improper entry, use the following:

• Form: Application for Assistance – Filing a Complaint (RTI-001)
  Use this form when your landlord repeatedly enters without notice, or for any breach of entry-related rules.
  Download the Application for Assistance (RTI-001)

Complete the form and submit it online or by mail to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Practical example: If your landlord enters three times in a month without notice and no emergency, fill out RTI-001 and describe each event clearly.

For more on your legal rights and responsibilities in the province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Related Health, Safety, and Repair Issues

If the repair your landlord needs to make relates to a pressing health or safety issue (like mold, broken heating in winter, etc.), your landlord may still need to give 24-hour notice unless the repair is urgent. In these cases, timely repairs are required by law. For more details, check Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

And if you’re looking for your next place, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings for a hassle-free search.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord enter for repairs if I’m not home?
   If the landlord has provided at least 24 hours’ written notice and the repairs are necessary, they can enter whether you are home or not. In an emergency, they can enter without notice.
2. Is verbal notice enough in New Brunswick?
   No, the law requires written notice at least 24 hours before non-emergency entry for repairs or inspections.
3. What is considered an emergency under the Act?
   Emergencies include things that may cause injury or damage, like fires, floods, or urgent security problems.
4. Can my landlord enter for repairs on a weekend or holiday?
   Only with your consent, or in case of an emergency. Normal entry times are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on regular days.
5. What can I do if my landlord keeps entering without notice?
   Document each incident, contact your landlord in writing, then file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if the issue continues.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords must give 24 hours written notice to enter for repairs unless it's an emergency.
• Emergencies allow for immediate entry, but communication is still encouraged.
• If rules are broken, you have the right to file a formal complaint and seek Tribunal assistance.

Knowing your privacy rights helps maintain a respectful rental relationship and ensures your home remains yours to enjoy in peace.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal – New Brunswick (information and forms)
• Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
• For legal support, the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB) offers guides and tools for renters
• Tenant advocacy: NB Tenant Rights (contact via local community legal clinics or PLEIS-NB)

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, SNB 1975, c. R-10.2
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick Official Page)
3. Application for Assistance (RTI-001) Form

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy