Living in New Brunswick and relying on in-unit laundry can be stressful when a washer or dryer breaks, so tenants need clear, practical steps to get timely repairs. This plain-language guide explains tenant rights and landlord responsibilities for laundry appliance repairs, how to request fixes in writing, what to document, expected timelines for response, and when to escalate a problem to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal[1] or consult the Residential Tenancies Act[2]. Examples, forms and sample wording are included to help renters keep records and pursue remedies without assuming legal knowledge.
Who is responsible for laundry appliance repairs?
Responsibility depends on your lease and who supplied the machine. If the landlord provided the washer or dryer as part of the rental, they are generally required to maintain it so the unit remains fit for habitation. Tenants are usually responsible for damage caused by misuse or neglect, but not for normal wear and tear. Always check your lease, then make a written request for repair that states the problem, the date, and a reasonable deadline for action.
How to request a repair
Make the repair request in writing so you have a record. Include what is broken, when it occurred, any safety concerns (electrical sparks, leaks), and a suggested timeframe for repair. Deliver the request by email or registered mail if possible, and keep a copy.
- Ask for a written acknowledgement of your request within a few days.
- Take photos or video of the faulty appliance and save receipts for any temporary laundry expenses.
- Provide reasonable access for the landlord or their repair contractor to inspect and fix the machine.
Timelines and reasonable response
New Brunswick law expects landlords to respond to repair requests within a reasonable time; what is reasonable depends on the severity of the problem. A hard-to-use dryer that leaves clothes damp may be treated as urgent if it affects habitability or causes health risks. If a repair is delayed, document each missed deadline and follow up in writing.
When to pay for repairs yourself
Tenants should not normally pay for repairs to appliances provided by the landlord unless you agreed in writing or the damage was caused by your negligence. If you pay to avoid continued hardship, keep all receipts and ask the landlord in writing whether they will reimburse you or deduct the cost from future rent; such deductions should only occur if permitted by law or a written agreement.
When to escalate: tribunal applications and examples
If the landlord refuses or unreasonably delays repairs, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for an order requiring repair or compensation. Start by sending a final written request with a clear deadline and noting that you will apply to the Tribunal if the issue is not fixed. If you file, bring copies of the lease, repair requests, photos, receipts for alternate laundry, and notes of any conversations.
Relevant forms and how to use them
The main official resources and forms for New Brunswick renters are published by the provincial government and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Common items include an application form to start a tribunal file (official name: "Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal"; number varies by office) and any prescribed notice templates for repair requests. Use the application form when a landlord does not resolve a valid repair request after reasonable notice; for example, file an application when a supplied dryer has been unusable for several weeks and the landlord has not scheduled repairs after written requests.[1]
Practical example
Example: You report a leaking washer on June 1 in writing and provide photos; the landlord acknowledges on June 3 but schedules no repair. After a second written reminder and seven more days with no repair, you file an application with the Tribunal including your written requests, photos, and receipts for laundromat costs.
Related tenant resources
For broader maintenance and repair guidance, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for details on who handles routine fixes and what tenants should do. For a summary of tenant and landlord rights in the province, consult Tenant's Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
FAQ
- Who pays if a landlord-supplied dryer breaks?
- Generally the landlord pays for repairs unless the tenant caused the damage, in which case the tenant may be responsible; document the defect and your repair requests.
- How long should I wait for a repair?
- Wait a reasonable time based on urgency; follow up in writing and set a clear deadline before applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
- Can I withhold rent because the laundry is broken?
- Withholding rent is risky and often unlawful; use documented repair requests and Tribunal applications instead of withholding rent.
How-To
- Document the problem with photos, dates, and a short description.
- Send a written repair request to your landlord describing the issue and a reasonable repair deadline.
- Allow access for inspection and keep records of any appointments or missed visits.
- If unresolved, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal including all documentation and receipts.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick)
- Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
- Service New Brunswick: Tenant Services
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