LTB Orders and Tenant Compliance in New Brunswick

If you’re renting in New Brunswick and experiencing a dispute with your landlord—such as issues around rent, repairs, or eviction—you may end up dealing with a legal order from the Office of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT). Understanding how these orders work, when they are issued, and what compliance requires is essential for protecting your rights and navigating tenancy challenges smoothly under New Brunswick’s laws.

Who Handles Residential Tenancy Disputes in New Brunswick?

In New Brunswick, the Office of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT) is responsible for handling disputes between landlords and tenants. The RTT administers and enforces the Residential Tenancies Act, the main legislation governing landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities in the province.^[1] You can visit the official New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal to access forms, guidance, and contact information.

What Are LTB Orders?

Though the term "LTB" (Landlord and Tenant Board) is commonly used in other provinces, in New Brunswick, any formal decision in a tenancy dispute comes from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT). An “order” is a legally binding directive issued after a dispute hearing or investigation, such as:

• An order to pay unpaid rent or compensation
• An order to allow or deny an eviction
• An order requiring a landlord to make repairs or address urgent issues

Tribunal orders have the force of law. Both landlords and tenants must follow these orders as issued.

How and When Are Orders Issued?

Orders are typically the result of a formal application, investigation, or hearing process. Common reasons for issuing an order include:

• Non-payment of rent
• Disagreement over the return of a damage deposit
• Failure to conduct repairs or maintain the property
• Disputes regarding eviction notices

After reviewing all sides, the Tribunal will issue a written decision. Orders define what must happen next (for instance, the amount to be paid, the timeline for an eviction, or repairs to be completed).

Key Tenant Action: Applying or Responding to a Tribunal Application

If you need to resolve a dispute, you may use official forms to start the process:

• Application for Assistance (Form 12-7048): Use this when you have a complaint about your landlord (e.g., not doing repairs, illegal entry, or deposit disputes). Example: If your landlord refuses to return your deposit, fill out this form and submit it to the RTT.^[2]
• Notice of Hearing: If either landlord or tenant files an application, the Tribunal will send a Notice of Hearing explaining when and how you can respond or participate. Respond as directed to present your side.

All forms and instructions are available directly from the RTT official forms page.

Complying with Tribunal Orders: What Tenants Need to Know

When the Tribunal issues an order against a tenant, it’s legally binding. You might be directed to:

• Pay overdue rent or other money owed to your landlord
• Move out of the unit by a specified date (eviction order)
• Allow your landlord lawful entry for repairs or inspections

If the order is in your favour, the landlord has similar obligations to comply (such as making repairs, returning your deposit, or stopping unlawful behaviour).

If you believe the order is unfair or you were not given an opportunity to present your side, you may request a Review of Decision by contacting the RTT immediately after receiving the order. Response timelines can be very short—usually within 7 days.

Enforcement and Next Steps if Orders Aren’t Followed

If your landlord does not follow the Tribunal’s order (for example, refusing to return a deposit or make required repairs), you can request enforcement through the Tribunal and, if needed, the New Brunswick Small Claims Court. Conversely, if a tenant doesn’t follow an eviction or payment order, the landlord may take legal steps to enforce compliance, including seeking help from a Sheriff.

For more information on your rights and obligations as a tenant in New Brunswick, explore the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Common Issues and Tenant Obligations

Most disputes stem from misunderstandings of tenant and landlord duties. Familiarizing yourself with both sides’ responsibilities helps you avoid common pitfalls. For more, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

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1. What can I do if I disagree with an order issued by the Tribunal?
   If you believe there’s been an error or you have new evidence, contact the RTT immediately to request a Review of Decision, usually within 7 days of the order.
2. What happens if I don’t comply with an eviction order?
   If you fail to move out by the deadline, your landlord can ask the Sheriff’s Office to enforce the order, which may result in you being removed from the rental unit.
3. Does an order mean I have to pay everything at once?
   An order will specify payment details. If you’re unable to pay as directed, contact the Tribunal right away to discuss possible options.
4. Can my landlord ignore an order to make repairs?
   No. If your landlord doesn’t follow the Tribunal’s decision, you may be able to pursue further enforcement through the Small Claims Court or additional Tribunal processes.
5. Where can I find official forms for my tenancy dispute?
   All forms are available on the Residential Tenancies Tribunal Forms page.

Key Takeaways:

• Orders from the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal are legally binding on both landlords and tenants.
• Timely action and communication with the RTT are crucial if you wish to challenge or comply with an order.
• Knowing your rights and responsibilities can help prevent and resolve disputes efficiently.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT) – New Brunswick (Official complaints, forms, orders, and dispute resolution)
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB) (Free legal information and guides)
• For tenant advocacy: Local community legal aid or outreach organizations may offer guidance to tenants experiencing difficulties with orders or compliance.

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) – Full text
2. [2] New Brunswick RTT Official Forms

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