Tenants and renters in New Brunswick who live in older housing often worry about lead paint and how it can affect health and safety. This guide explains what you can reasonably expect from a landlord, how to ask for disclosure, and practical steps to protect yourself if you suspect lead paint in your unit. It covers official complaint options, common forms, and where to find provincial and federal guidance so you can act confidently. If you are moving into an older building or managing repairs, these tenancy-focused tips will help you document the issue, request tests or remediation, and use the tribunal when necessary.
What landlords must disclose and maintain
Under New Brunswick tenancy rules landlords must keep rental units in a reasonable state of repair and address known health hazards. If a landlord knows about lead hazards in a unit they should disclose that information and arrange for safe remediation. If the landlord does not respond, tenants may apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or rely on public health authorities for guidance.[1][2]
- Provide written notice about known lead hazards and any past testing or remediation.
- Complete remediation and repairs where peeling or damaged paint may expose occupants to lead.
- Follow public health or environmental orders related to lead hazards to protect occupant safety.
- Keep records of inspections, test results, receipts, and communications about the issue.
How tenants can protect themselves
Tenants should proactively request information and document concerns. If you suspect lead paint, avoid sanding, scraping, or disturbing surfaces that may release dust. Instead, ask the landlord for testing or a certified inspection, and contact Public Health for advice. If repairs are delayed, you may file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to request orders for repairs or remedies.[2][3]
- Request written disclosure and copies of any previous lead test reports from your landlord.
- Document visible paint damage with photos and dated notes as evidence for any complaint.
- Contact Public Health or Environmental Health in New Brunswick for free guidance on exposure risk and testing.
- Apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if the landlord refuses reasonable repairs or disclosure.
For general renter safety and what to check when you move in, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and for a province-wide summary of tenant and landlord rights see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
Official forms you may need and how to use them
When informal requests do not resolve the problem, tenants commonly use two official routes: a public health referral and a tribunal application. Below are typical forms and how tenants use them in practice.
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal — use this form when you want the tribunal to order repairs, remediation, or other tenancy remedies. Example: you asked for testing and remediation, the landlord did not act, and you file to request an order for the landlord to pay for certified testing and repairs.[2]
- Public Health contact/referral form or hotline — use public health if there is an immediate exposure risk or to get advice on safe interim measures. Example: a child in the unit has symptoms or you see extensive paint deterioration; public health can recommend testing or immediate actions.[3]
If you need help preparing an application, collect the written requests, dated photos, receipts for any cleaning or interim fixes, and copies of communications with the landlord. These items form the evidence you will attach to your tribunal application.
FAQ
- Do landlords in New Brunswick have to test for lead paint before renting?
- Landlords are generally required to address known health hazards and disclose them; routine testing is not universally mandated, so tenants should ask for any existing test results and contact Public Health for assessment and next steps.[3]
- What can I do if my landlord won’t fix peeling lead paint?
- Start by requesting repairs in writing and keep evidence. If there’s no response, file an Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to seek an order for repairs or remediation.[2]
- Who enforces lead safety in rental housing?
- Public Health enforces health-related measures and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles tenancy disputes and orders related to repairs or compensation.[2][3]
How-To
- Ask your landlord in writing for any disclosure, test results, or remediation plans and keep a dated copy.
- Document the issue with photos, a log of communications, and any interim cleaning or repairs you pay for.
- Contact New Brunswick Public Health for advice on exposure risk and recommended testing or immediate safety steps.
- If the landlord refuses to act, submit an Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with your evidence to request an order for remediation or compensation.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal, Government of New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act, Government of New Brunswick
- Health Canada: Lead and Your Health
