Maintenance and Repairs Checklist for New Brunswick Tenants

Moving into a new home in New Brunswick? Knowing your rights—and your responsibilities—around maintenance and repairs is essential for a safe, comfortable tenancy. This tenant-focused checklist outlines what you need to look for, what repairs fall to you or your landlord, and how to address maintenance problems effectively. Staying informed helps protect your deposit, your health, and your home.

Understanding Maintenance Responsibilities in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, maintenance and repair duties are shared between tenants and landlords—but the law is clear about who handles what. Most repairs to structural elements, systems (like heating), and safety hazards are the landlord's responsibility, while tenants must keep their unit reasonably clean and not cause damage beyond normal wear and tear. These rules are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1].

What Landlords Must Take Care Of

• Fixing heating, plumbing, and electrical systems
• Repairing appliances provided with the unit (e.g., fridge, stove)
• Structural repairs (walls, roof, foundation, windows, doors)
• Ensuring the unit meets health and safety standards

What Tenants Are Responsible For

• Keeping the unit reasonably clean and sanitary
• Repairing damage caused (beyond normal wear and tear) by themselves or their guests
• Replacing light bulbs, smoke alarm batteries, and other minor items

Want more details on your responsibilities? See Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Maintenance and Repairs Checklist for New Brunswick Tenants

Before you move in, and throughout your tenancy, use this checklist to spot and report issues early:

• Doors and windows: Do they open, close, and lock securely? Any signs of damage?
• Heating: Does it work consistently? Are vents unblocked?
• Plumbing: Check for leaks under sinks, running toilets, or water stains
• Electrical: All outlets and lights should function and be free of hazards
• Smoke and CO detectors: Present and working (test them when you move in and regularly thereafter)
• Appliances: Test every fridge, stove, and laundry appliance provided
• Pest problems: Look for signs of cockroaches, mice, or bedbugs
• Mould and moisture: Check for musty odours or visible stains
• Safety: Exterior lights, railings, and stairs should be in good shape

Moving in soon? Review the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for tips on documenting issues that could affect your deposit.

Reporting and Resolving Maintenance Issues

If you find a problem, notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Describe the issue clearly, include photos when helpful, and keep a copy of all communication.

What If Repairs Are Not Made?

• If the problem affects your health or safety, you can escalate by contacting the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick (official website here).
• Keep paying your rent in the meantime—otherwise, you risk eviction.
• For urgent risks (like no heat in winter or unsafe wiring), the Tribunal can order emergency repairs.

Certain emergencies, like gas leaks or flooding, should be reported to emergency services right away before contacting your landlord.

Key Forms for Maintenance and Repairs in New Brunswick

• Notice of Repair (Form 3.1): Use this form to formally request repairs from your landlord if they haven't responded to informal requests. Access the form here. For example: If your landlord hasn't fixed a persistent leak, submit this form by mail, email, or in person to ensure your request is officially documented.
• Tenant's Application for Assistance (Form 6): If repairs still aren't made, you may use this application to ask the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to intervene. Download the form here. Submit it if you've already tried written requests and still face unresolved maintenance or health hazards.

Common Issues: Pests, Safety, and Health Concerns

Pests, mould, or structural problems can put your health at risk. Landlords must address any maintenance issues that make the unit unsafe or unhealthy.

Read more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If urgent repairs are not addressed quickly by your landlord, always document your requests in writing and contact the Tribunal if necessary. This can help resolve issues faster and protect your rights.

Where to Go for More Maintenance Guidance

When in doubt, refer to Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for more details on laws and your options.

Looking for your next home? Canada's best rental listings platform lets you compare options and stay informed about your rights before signing your next lease.

Frequently Asked Questions: Maintenance & Repairs in New Brunswick

1. Who is responsible for repairs in my rental unit?
   Landlords are responsible for most major repairs, including heating, plumbing, and health or safety hazards. Tenants must keep the unit clean and handle minor maintenance, like changing lightbulbs or smoke alarm batteries.
2. What do I do if my landlord ignores a maintenance request?
   Send a formal written request using Form 3.1. If the problem isn't solved, use Form 6 to request help from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
3. What are examples of "normal wear and tear"?
   Minor marks on walls, faded paint, or worn carpet count as normal wear and tear (not tenant-caused damage). Broken windows or holes in walls are not.
4. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren't made?
   No, in New Brunswick you must continue paying rent even if repairs haven't been completed. Withholding rent may lead to eviction.
5. Are pests like bedbugs or mice the landlord's responsibility?
   Yes, landlords must deal with infestations unless the tenant's actions caused the problem (e.g., poor cleanliness). Report pest issues promptly.

How To: Report a Repair Issue in New Brunswick

1. How do I properly request repairs from my landlord?
   Always make your request in writing. Email, letter, or the official Notice of Repair (Form 3.1) all work, but keep a copy and note the date sent.
2. How do I escalate a repair problem if my landlord won’t fix it?
   After a written request, if the issue is not resolved, submit Form 6 to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, along with any documentation.
3. How should I document maintenance problems?
   Take dated photos, keep all communications, and note when problems were first reported. This will help if you need to take the issue to the Tribunal.
4. How do I find official forms or further help for repairs?
   Visit the Residential Tenancies Tribunal website to access forms, guides, and contact information for your region.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords are legally obligated to make most major repairs; tenants must report issues and keep the unit clean.
• Document all maintenance requests in writing—this protects your rights and helps resolve problems.
• Never withhold rent due to repair delays; use official forms and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Find official forms, guides, and contact details for maintenance disputes and tenancy support.
• Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick: Review the province’s key legislation for tenant and landlord responsibilities.
• New Brunswick Housing – Government of NB: Programs and resources for tenants, including repair support for low-income renters.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick. Current to 2024.
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. Forms, applications, and tenant guidance for 2024.

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy