Landlord Licensing Rules and Penalties in New Brunswick

If you rent a home or apartment in New Brunswick, understanding your landlord’s legal obligations is important for your peace of mind. While not every province requires landlords to be formally licensed, New Brunswick has rules about landlord registration, compliance with housing standards, and the consequences for landlords who do not follow the law. This tenant-focused guide explains the essentials — from compliance basics to penalties and who to contact if you have concerns. Staying informed can help you better protect your rights and ensure a safe, legal home.

Does New Brunswick Require Landlord Licensing?

Unlike some other Canadian provinces and cities that mandate landlord licensing for rental property owners, the province of New Brunswick currently does not have a formal licensing or permit system specifically for landlords. However, landlords are required to follow strict standards under provincial law, including registration requirements and health and safety regulations.

• Landlords must register all residential rental properties with Service New Brunswick within 30 days of entering into a lease agreement with a tenant.
• Registered landlords must provide valid contact information and details about the rental property.
• Failure to register can lead to fines and penalties.

Relevant Tenancy Forms and How to Use Them

Tenants may need certain forms if you are dealing with issues of landlord non-compliance or want to report potential violations:

• Form 6 – Application for Assistance: Use this form if your landlord hasn’t registered the property, won’t provide information, or is not complying with provincial standards.
  Download Form 6 (PDF)
  Example: If you discover your landlord is refusing to give their contact details or the property seems unregistered, submit this form to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
• Form 8 – Application for Return of Security Deposit: If you have moved out and your landlord will not return your security deposit, use Form 8 to request help.
  Download Form 8 (PDF)
  Tip: Also see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for detailed steps on deposits in New Brunswick.

You can get official forms and instructions from Service New Brunswick – Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Rentalsman’s Office).

Landlord Penalties for Non-Compliance

Landlords who do not comply with registration or legal rental standards in New Brunswick can face the following penalties:

• Administrative fines for failure to register or update property details
• Orders to comply, which may force landlords to fix issues
• Legal action through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, which can result in increased fines and restrictions on future renting

What Standards Must Landlords Meet?

In addition to registration, landlords must follow safety, repair, and health requirements. If your landlord is not meeting these obligations (e.g., failing to fix hazards, not providing essential services), you can seek help from the tribunal.

• Tenants can report unsafe conditions or suspected violations directly to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
• Serious breaches can result in orders for the landlord to repair issues or face fines.

For more guidance, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you feel unsafe or the landlord refuses necessary repairs, document all issues and file a complaint with the tribunal as soon as possible.

How to Report a Non-Compliant Landlord in New Brunswick

If you believe your landlord has breached their obligations, such as not registering the property or ignoring health and safety standards, follow these steps:

• Document the issue – keep records, communications, and photos if possible.
• Contact the landlord in writing to request compliance.
• If ignored, submit Form 6 to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Rentalsman's Office).
• You may be contacted for more information or for an investigation to be opened.

Full details about tenant and landlord rights can be found on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Each case is reviewed by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Rentalsman’s Office), whose decisions are guided by the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1].

Related Rights, Responsibilities, and Where to Find Rentals

Knowing your obligations is just as important as knowing your rights. For a deeper look at what both parties must do under New Brunswick rental law, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you’re searching for a new place or want to compare rental options, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for secure and updated listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does a landlord in New Brunswick need a license?
   No, there is no landlord licensing system, but rental properties must be registered with Service New Brunswick and meet legal standards.
2. What happens if a landlord does not register?
   Landlords may face fines, orders to comply, and even restrictions from renting in the future if they fail to register a rental property as required.
3. How do I report a landlord not following the rules?
   Document the issue and submit Form 6 (Application for Assistance) to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for investigation.
4. Which government body oversees landlord compliance in New Brunswick?
   The Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Rentalsman’s Office) manages all residential tenancy matters.

Key Takeaways About Landlord Compliance in New Brunswick

• Landlords must register every rental property but do not need a special license.
• Failure to register or breaking the rules can result in fines and formal complaints.
• Tenants can use official forms and the tribunal’s support to resolve non-compliance and health or safety concerns.

Understanding these requirements helps protect your rights and ensures your home meets legal and safety standards.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Rentalsman’s Office) – Official forms, complaint help, and information on tenant/landlord rights
• Legal Information for New Brunswick Tenants and Landlords – Tenant advocacy and rights guides
• Phone: 1-888-762-8600 (Service New Brunswick general inquiries)
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick – Easy-to-understand fact page for tenants

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick

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