Rent supplement programs help make housing affordable, but tenants often wonder what landlords must do when a subsidy applies. This guide explains common landlord obligations in New Brunswick, including habitability, repairs, notice rules and how rent payments or top-ups work with a subsidy. It uses plain language for tenants and renters and shows practical steps for documenting problems, asking for repairs, and where to find official forms and tribunal help in New Brunswick. If you live in a rent-supplement unit, knowing your rights and the landlord's duties makes it easier to resolve disputes and stay safely housed.
What landlords must provide
Landlords who rent to tenants receiving rent supplements are bound by the same habitability and maintenance standards as other tenancies. They must keep the unit in a reasonable state of repair, provide heat and hot water where required by the lease or local standard, and ensure common areas are safe. Landlords may also need to cooperate with subsidy administrators when verifying eligibility or allowing inspections required by the program.[1]
- Provide and maintain heat, hot water and plumbing.
- Fix major safety or structural issues in a timely way.
- Ensure common areas meet building and fire safety codes.
- Accept subsidy payments and follow the subsidy program's payment process.
If a subsidy pays part of the rent directly to the landlord, the landlord must correctly apply that amount to the tenant's rent account and cannot demand additional undisclosed fees from the tenant because of the subsidy. If the subsidy pays the tenant and the tenant pays the landlord, both parties should keep clear receipts to show amounts paid and received.
Repairs, entry and tenant requests
Tenants should report needed repairs in writing and keep a dated copy. Landlords should respond promptly and arrange repairs within a reasonable time depending on the urgency. For serious safety problems, landlords must act quickly to prevent harm or loss.
- Report repair requests in writing and keep a copy for your records.
- Landlords must give proper notice before entering, except in emergencies.
- Emergency repairs (water leaks, no heat) should be prioritized and fixed immediately.
How to document problems
Take dated photos, save messages and keep copies of repair requests. If your landlord does not fix urgent issues, you may be able to ask the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for help or use an official form to request an order.[2]
Official forms and when to use them
Commonly used documents include a Notice to End Tenancy (form name may vary) and an Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (used to request hearings or orders). If available, a form number will appear on the government page; if not, use the form name shown by the province. Example: if a landlord fails to address repeated major repairs, a tenant can file an application to request an order requiring the repairs and possibly a rent reduction. Learn how to complete and submit these documents on the official forms page.[3]
Notices, rent increases and ending tenancy
Notices about rent increases, termination or breaches must follow the province's rules and be properly served. Subsidy status does not remove the need for legal notice. Tenants should check timelines carefully and keep copies of every notice they receive or serve.
- Serve and respond to written notices according to the timelines in New Brunswick rules.
- Meet deadlines for replying to a notice or filing an application to avoid losing rights.
- Contact the subsidy administrator if a discrepancy arises between subsidy payments and what the landlord records.
For more on basic landlord and tenant duties see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and for New Brunswick-specific rights see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
If you need to find a new rental while you resolve issues, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to compare listings and neighbourhoods.
FAQ
- Can a landlord refuse tenants who receive rent supplements?
- Landlords may refuse tenancy offers based on lawful screening criteria, but they cannot discriminate on protected grounds; subsidy status alone is not a protected ground. If you suspect discrimination, document interactions and seek guidance from the tribunal or a tenant advisory service.
- Who enforces repair and habitability issues in New Brunswick?
- The Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles tenancy disputes and orders; you can also use municipal building or health inspection services for safety code issues.[1]
- What if my landlord claims the subsidy pays too little and asks me to make up the difference?
- Review your lease and payment records. Landlords should not charge undisclosed extra fees because of a subsidy; get receipts and, if needed, file an application with the tribunal for resolution.
How-To
- Write a clear repair request describing the problem, date and impact, and send it by email or registered mail.
- Keep dated photos and copies of correspondence to build your evidence file.
- If the landlord does not act, complete the official application form to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and submit it as instructed.
- Attend the hearing or mediation, bring your documentation and a clear statement of the outcome you seek.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Service New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies information and legislation - Government of New Brunswick
- Official tenancy forms and notices - Government of New Brunswick
