Landlord Obligations After a Break-In in New Brunswick

After a break-in, renters in New Brunswick need clear, practical steps to stay safe, preserve their rights, and make sure landlords meet legal obligations. This guide explains what tenants should do immediately after a break-in, how to document damage and loss, when landlords are expected to repair or secure the unit, and when to involve the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or use official forms. It focuses on tenant-friendly language and real steps you can take — contacting police, notifying your landlord in writing, securing the unit, and saving records for any claim. If you rent in New Brunswick, these actions help protect your safety, personal property, and legal rights while repairs and investigations proceed.

Immediate steps for tenants after a break-in

• Contact the police right away and request a copy of the police report for your records.
• Document the scene with photos and video, list missing or damaged items, and keep receipts for any emergency purchases.
• Tell your landlord in writing about the damage and request necessary repairs, lock changes, or security measures.
• Secure the unit temporarily if it is unsafe (board up or change locks) and save receipts for any costs you incur.
• Keep a dated log of all communications with police, the landlord, repair companies, and insurers.

What landlords are generally required to do

In New Brunswick, landlords are expected to keep rental units in a reasonable state of repair and to ensure basic safety. After a break-in a landlord will normally be expected to:

• Secure the unit promptly by repairing broken doors, windows, or locks.
• Arrange and pay for repairs that restore habitability, like fixing damaged doors or replacing locks.
• Provide any required notices before entering the rental unit to carry out repairs, except in emergencies.
• If the landlord won’t act, tenants can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to request orders for repairs or compensation ^[2].

When to involve the Tribunal or use official forms

If you cannot get timely repairs or the landlord refuses reasonable security measures, you may file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. The Tribunal reviews disputes about repairs, reductions in services, and compensation claims based on the Residential Tenancies Act ^[1]. Before you apply, collect your police report, photographs, copies of written notices to the landlord, and receipts for any expenses.

If you need guidance on who is responsible for a specific repair or on the timing for an emergency response, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for examples and clear steps. For a plain-language summary of general duties on both sides, review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Tenant rights and practical examples

• If you are injured or in immediate danger, call emergency services first and then notify your landlord.
• If the landlord agrees to make repairs, ask for a written timeline and keep a copy of any agreement.
• If you pay to secure the unit because the landlord would not, keep all receipts and note why you acted; you may ask the Tribunal for reimbursement.

How-To

1. Call police and request a copy of the incident report to support any claim.
2. Document damage with photos and a written inventory of missing items.
3. Ask the landlord in writing to change locks or secure the unit, and keep a dated copy of the message.
4. If the landlord does not act, prepare and submit an application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with your police report and evidence ^[2].
5. Attend any Tribunal hearing with your documentation and be prepared to explain steps you took to reduce loss.

Key Takeaways

• Contact the police, document the scene, and notify your landlord in writing immediately.
• Landlords should secure and repair the unit; tenants can seek Tribunal orders if needed.
• Keep thorough records: police reports, photos, receipts, and written notices.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick)
• Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick)

If you are looking for alternatives or a new place to rent after a security incident, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.