Landlord Inspection Rules for Tenants in New Brunswick

Landlord inspections in New Brunswick are a common concern for tenants. If you're renting in this province, understanding what inspections are allowed, what notice is legally required, and what actions to take if your rights are violated can help you maintain peace of mind and a healthy tenancy. This guide covers your rights, landlord responsibilities, the legislation that governs inspections, and practical examples.

When Can Your Landlord Enter for an Inspection?

Under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1], landlords have the right to enter a rental unit for certain reasons, including inspections. However, entry is permitted only under specific conditions:

• To inspect the unit for maintenance, safety, or repairs
• To show the unit to prospective new tenants (with conditions)
• For emergency situations where immediate entry is required
• At the end of the tenancy for a final inspection

Your landlord must provide written notice before entering for inspection, except in emergencies. This helps ensure that your privacy and rights are protected as a tenant.

Required Notice Period

In New Brunswick, landlords must provide tenants with at least 24 hours written notice before an inspection or any non-emergency entry. The entry must occur between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., unless you agree otherwise. The notice should state the reason, date, and time of entry.

What Landlords Are Allowed to Inspect

Landlords are permitted to inspect the condition of the property, check for damage, and ensure maintenance standards are met. They are not allowed to search your personal belongings or use inspections as a form of harassment.

If you are facing a health or safety issue discovered during an inspection, you have the right to request repairs or report unsafe conditions. For more about this, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Initial and Final Inspections

It's common for a landlord to perform an initial inspection at move-in and another at move-out. Both are intended to document the condition of the rental unit. For practical advice on move-in steps, see our Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Your Rights if a Landlord Enters Without Notice

If your landlord enters your unit without notice (except in emergencies), you may:

• Politely remind them of the requirement for written notice
• Document the incident: note the date, time, and what happened
• File a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if the issue continues

Official Form: Notice of Application – Form 12

If your privacy rights have been violated, you can use Form 12: Notice of Application to raise a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

• When to use: If your landlord repeatedly enters without proper notice, you can apply for a remedy or compensation.
• How to submit: Complete Form 12, available from the Service New Brunswick forms library, and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
• Example: If your landlord enters without notice multiple times in a month, fill out Form 12 to start a formal complaint.

To learn more about tenant and landlord rights in your province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

What Landlords Cannot Do

• Enter your unit without proper notice except in emergencies
• Conduct inspections too frequently or without clear reasons
• Harass or intimidate you during or after inspections
• Remove your possessions or tamper with your property

Landlords must always respect your right to reasonable enjoyment and privacy.

Helpful Tips for Tenants

• Request inspections in writing so everyone has a record
• Be present whenever possible during inspections
• Take dated photos at move-in and move-out to document the unit's condition

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FAQ: Landlord Inspections in New Brunswick

1. How much notice does a landlord need to give for an inspection? In New Brunswick, landlords must provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering for inspections, except in emergencies.
2. Can my landlord do random inspections? No. Inspections must be for a legitimate reason and with proper notice. Frequent or random inspections may be considered harassment.
3. What should I do if my landlord enters without notice? Document the entry, remind your landlord of the notice rule, and if it continues, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using Form 12.
4. Does my landlord need my permission to inspect my unit? While you cannot unreasonably deny entry if proper notice is given, your landlord cannot enter without notice except during emergencies.
5. Who enforces tenancy laws in New Brunswick? The Residential Tenancies Tribunal is the official authority responsible for residential tenancy matters in the province.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords must give 24 hours' written notice before inspections (except emergencies).
• Inspections should be reasonable and respect your privacy.
• If your rights are violated, use Form 12 to file a formal complaint with the Tribunal.

Documenting everything and knowing your rights helps you protect your tenancy in New Brunswick.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – Forms, contact, and dispute resolution assistance
• New Brunswick Human Rights Commission – Discrimination and landlord/tenant assistance
• Housing First New Brunswick Tenant Resources – Tenant advocacy and support

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick

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