If you are a renter in New Brunswick facing a dispute about rent, repairs, deposits or eviction, this guide explains typical tribunal filing fees, the official forms you may need, and practical ways tenants can reduce costs. It shows when to file, what evidence helps, and how deadlines work so you can act confidently with clear next steps. Wherever possible, we point to the provincial tribunal and legislation, include examples of common tenant scenarios, and offer low-cost options such as mediation and community legal clinics to help limit expenses.
What are common LTB fees and who pays them?
Most filing fees cover the tribunal application and administrative processing. Tenants usually pay the fee when submitting a complaint; landlords pay when applying for eviction or monetary orders. Fees vary by type of application — for example, a simple rent arrears claim typically has a lower fee than a complex eviction application.
- Typical filing fee: small monetary claims or rent arrears.
- Eviction or termination applications that include repossession requests.
- Application or notice processing fees when serving official forms.
Official tribunal, legislation and forms you must know
The provincial body that handles residential tenancy disputes is the Residential Tenancies Tribunal[2], and the governing law is the Residential Tenancies Act[1]. Common official forms include the Tribunal application form and the Notice to Terminate; these are available from the tribunal's forms page[3]. For example, if you are disputing a landlord's eviction notice, you would complete the tribunal application form, attach evidence of rent payment or repair requests, and pay the applicable filing fee when you submit.
How fees, waivers and reductions work
Some tribunals offer fee waivers or reduced rates for low-income applicants or referrals from community legal clinics; check the tribunal forms page and contact local legal aid. Before paying, confirm accepted payment methods and whether you can file online, by mail, or in person. If a hearing is settled early, some jurisdictions refund part of the fee or cancel additional administrative charges.
Preparing your application: evidence and costs to expect
Organize rent receipts, photos of repair issues, written repair requests, and any written communication with your landlord. Include a short, factual timeline and copies of all notices. If you expect expert evidence (e.g., contractor quotes), note these as potential extra costs and weigh whether the likely award justifies them.
- Gather dated photos, messages, receipts and repair logs.
- Complete the tribunal application form and attach supporting documents.
- File before applicable deadlines to preserve your rights.
Common low-cost options for tenants
Before filing a formal application consider informal resolution: clear written requests for repair, mediation services offered by some tribunals, or community legal clinics. You can also ask the tribunal for directions about evidence and whether a simplified process applies to small monetary claims.
Tenant rights and related topics
For an overview of rights specific to this province see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick. If your issue is a routine repair or maintenance problem, our guidance on resolving common problems may help; see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for step-by-step tips.
FAQ
- How much does it cost to file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal?
- Costs vary by application type; expect a modest filing fee for monetary claims and separate fees for eviction or termination applications — check the tribunal forms page for current amounts.
- Can I get a fee waiver if I cannot afford to file?
- Some tribunals allow fee waivers or reductions for low-income applicants or when referred by certain community organizations; contact the tribunal or a legal clinic to learn options.
- What happens if I lose my hearing?
- If the tribunal rules against you, you may be ordered to pay amounts found owing or to vacate; there are time limits to appeal or ask for a review, so follow tribunal directions closely.
How-To
- Collect and copy evidence: receipts, photos, messages and notices that support your claim.
- Complete the tribunal application form, attach documents and pay the filing fee or apply for a waiver where eligible.
- File by the relevant deadline and confirm how the tribunal accepts applications (online, mail, or in person).
- Prepare for the hearing by listing key points and arranging witnesses or testimonies if needed.
- Attend the hearing, follow tribunal directions and obtain a written decision for enforcement if you are awarded remedies.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal — Government of New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act — Government of New Brunswick
