Maintenance & Repairs FAQ for New Brunswick Tenants

Keeping your rental unit safe and in good repair is a fundamental right for tenants in New Brunswick. Whether you're experiencing plumbing issues, heating problems, or general wear and tear, it's important to know exactly who is responsible for repairs and how to ensure those repairs are completed promptly. This article answers common tenant questions about maintenance and repairs in New Brunswick, explains official forms and processes, and ensures you understand your rights under current law.

Who Is Responsible for Maintenance and Repairs in New Brunswick?

According to the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick, landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a good state of repair and ensure that they comply with health, safety, housing, and building standards^[1].

• Landlords must fix major problems with heating, plumbing, electricity, walls, floors, and ensure the building meets basic standards.
• Tenants are generally expected to keep their unit reasonably clean and not cause damage beyond normal wear and tear.

For a deeper dive into roles, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Counts as an Emergency Repair?

Urgent repairs, such as loss of heat in winter, broken plumbing (like burst pipes), electrical faults, or serious security concerns, qualify as emergencies. These should be reported to your landlord or manager right away. In some cases, tenants may be able to pay for emergency repairs and seek reimbursement if the landlord fails to act, but this requires careful documentation.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance covers less urgent items such as leaky faucets, minor appliance issues, or wear-and-tear repairs. Tenants should report these in writing and allow a reasonable time for response. For more, visit Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

How Do You Request Repairs?

Always notify your landlord of repair needs in writing. This creates a record of your request and timeline. Email, text, or a letter works, but make sure to save a copy. Clearly describe the problem and the impact it has on your living situation.

For persistent problems, move from informal to formal steps:

1. Submit a written repair request and keep a copy.
2. If there's no response, send a reminder after a reasonable period.
3. If repairs are not completed, file a formal complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick (commonly known as the Residential Tenancies Tribunal).

Official Forms: Applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal

• Form 6 – Application for Assistance: Use this form when your landlord does not address a repair or maintenance problem despite your written requests. For example, if your landlord ignores your emails about broken heat in winter, you file Form 6. View and download Form 6 here.

Submit Form 6 along with any evidence (photos, correspondence, invoices) directly to the Tribunal. You will receive instructions about next steps and possible hearings.

What If Repairs Affect Your Health or Safety?

Problems with mold, pests, lack of heat, or structural damage can breach your legal right to a healthy and safe rental. In these cases, take photos, keep notes, and escalate quickly. See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more guidance.

If pest infestations are the issue, check out Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

Can You Withhold Rent for Uncompleted Repairs?

No, tenants in New Brunswick do not have the right to withhold rent simply because repairs are not completed. Instead, follow the proper reporting and Tribunal process described above to avoid risking eviction.

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For more details on tenant rights and obligations in New Brunswick, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Frequently Asked Questions: Maintenance & Repairs in New Brunswick

1. Who is responsible for repairing appliances in my unit?
   If the appliances (such as fridge or stove) come with your rental, your landlord is responsible for repairs unless you caused the damage intentionally or through misuse.
2. What if my landlord refuses to do urgent repairs?
   Document the problem and your requests in writing. If there’s no response, file Form 6 with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to request assistance.
3. Can my landlord charge me for regular maintenance?
   No, landlords cannot charge you for normal maintenance or repairs resulting from reasonable use and wear-and-tear. Tenants can be charged for damage they cause beyond normal use.
4. What if repairs are affecting my health?
   Report the issue promptly in writing, and file a complaint if ignored. Keep evidence of mold, pests, or unsafe conditions and use Form 6 if needed.
5. Do I need to let my landlord access my unit for repairs?
   Yes, but landlords must give you at least 24 hours’ notice for non-emergency repairs. They can enter without notice for emergencies.

How to Take Action When Repairs Aren’t Being Done

1. How can I formally request repairs from my landlord?
   Make your request in writing (email, letter, or text). Keep a record of all correspondence and photographs where possible.
2. How do I file a complaint about uncompleted repairs?
   Complete Form 6 – Application for Assistance and submit it with evidence to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
3. What supporting documents should I include with Form 6?
   Include copies of written requests sent to your landlord, photographs of the repair issue, any receipts if you paid for emergencies, and a detailed timeline of events.
4. How long does the Tribunal take to resolve maintenance complaints?
   Timelines vary depending on urgency and case volume, but you will be contacted after submitting your Form 6.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants in New Brunswick

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – File complaints, download forms, and read tenant guides
• Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick – full legislation
• New Brunswick Tenant Rights information – Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick (current version)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal | Service New Brunswick
3. [3] Form 6 – Application for Assistance

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