If you are a renter in New Brunswick and believe a landlord is harassing you, this guide explains what behaviour counts as harassment, the penalties landlords may face, and practical steps you can take. It covers how to document incidents, important provincial forms and deadlines, and when to bring your case to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. The goal is to help tenants understand their rights, gather persuasive evidence, and use official processes to seek orders, compensation, or other remedies while staying within New Brunswick law.
What counts as landlord harassment in New Brunswick
Harassment is behaviour by a landlord that interferes with a tenant's reasonable peace, privacy or enjoyment of the rental home. Examples include repeated unwanted visits or calls, threats to evict without cause, refusing essential repairs to pressure a tenant to leave, or entering without proper notice. Harassment can be verbal, written, or physical and may be enough to start a tribunal case if it is deliberate or persistent. For an overview of tenant and landlord rights specific to the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
Penalties and remedies landlords may face
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal can respond to harassment complaints by ordering remedies that protect tenants and address harm. Typical outcomes include:
- Orders to stop the harassing behaviour or to respect entry and notice rules.
- Compensation for losses, stress, or moving costs if the tribunal finds the tenant suffered harm.
- Sanctions or compliance orders to force the landlord to follow the law.
- In severe cases, termination of the tenancy or eviction-related orders against the landlord.
Decisions are based on evidence, the pattern of conduct, and whether the landlord breached duties under the province's tenancy law. You may be able to ask the tribunal for urgent temporary orders if harassment is ongoing.[1]
How to document harassment and build a complaint
Good documentation and a clear timeline make complaints more effective. Follow these steps before filing a tribunal application.
- Keep a dated log of incidents with times, exact words or actions, and names of witnesses.
- Save copies of texts, emails, letters and photos or recordings (where legal) that show the harassment.
- Keep receipts for any costs you incur because of the harassment, such as repair expenses or moving fees.
- Note deadlines: many tribunal forms require prompt filing after an incident or after attempts to resolve the issue.
- Try a written request to your landlord asking them to stop and keep a copy; this shows you attempted to resolve the issue directly.
When you are ready to proceed, you will usually file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to request remedies. The province provides an application form and guidance on how to proceed; read the applicable legislation before filing to understand the legal grounds and remedies available.[2] For a tenant-facing walkthrough on handling complaints, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide.
Official forms and when to use them
Common documents tenants use include an application to the tribunal and formal notices. Examples:
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (commonly used to request an order to stop harassment or seek compensation). Use this when informal resolution has failed and you want a formal hearing.[3]
- Notice records and copies of your written requests to the landlord (attach these to your application). These show you tried to resolve the matter first.
When you submit the application, follow the tribunal's rules for evidence and deadlines. The tribunal webpage includes instructions, forms and contact information for administrative help.[1]
FAQ
- Can a landlord be penalized for harassment in New Brunswick?
- Yes. The tribunal can order the landlord to stop, award compensation to the tenant, and issue compliance orders or other remedies when harassment is proven.
- Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
- No. Many tenants represent themselves at the tribunal, but you can get legal advice or representation if your case is complex.
- What if I need urgent help because of ongoing harassment?
- You can ask the tribunal for temporary or urgent relief and should contact local tenant services or legal clinics for immediate assistance.
How-To
- Gather evidence: create a dated log, save messages, photos, and receipts.
- Inform the landlord in writing that the behaviour must stop and keep a copy.
- Complete and file the tribunal application form with your evidence attached.[3]
- Attend the hearing, present your timeline and evidence, and answer the tribunal's questions.
- If the tribunal issues an order, follow it and contact enforcement or legal help if the landlord does not comply.
Key Takeaways
- Keep detailed records and copies of all communications about harassment.
- Use the tribunal application when direct resolution fails to request orders or compensation.
- Official provincial resources explain forms, deadlines, and remedies specific to New Brunswick.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act - New Brunswick legislation
- Provincial tenancy forms and guidance - Service New Brunswick
