Negotiating Your Rent as a Tenant in New Brunswick

Rent prices in New Brunswick have been on the rise, making affordability a growing issue for many tenants. If you’re concerned about rising housing costs or are about to sign a new lease, understanding your options for negotiating rent is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how tenants in New Brunswick can approach rent negotiations – before signing a lease or during your tenancy – using your legal rights and practical strategies.

Understanding Rent Negotiation in New Brunswick

As a tenant, you have the right to discuss and negotiate the amount of rent with your landlord, whether you're entering a new lease or responding to a rent increase proposal. While New Brunswick does not have rent control like some provinces, tenants are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1]. This act outlines your rights and obligations throughout the rental process.

When Can You Negotiate Your Rent?

• Before signing a new lease agreement
• When your lease is up for renewal
• After receiving a notice of rent increase from your landlord

It’s important to approach negotiations politely and prepared. Knowing the rental market and your own strengths as a tenant can make all the difference.

Practical Steps for Rent Negotiation

Preparation is key when approaching a landlord about rent. Here’s how to put yourself in the best possible position:

• Research similar rental prices in your area to provide supporting evidence for your request.
• Identify and highlight your reliability as a tenant—such as on-time payments, taking care of the property, or long-term plans to stay.
• Understand your legal rights and obligations as a tenant under the Act.
• Present your desired rent in writing and be open to counter-offers or compromise on other terms (e.g., signing a longer lease).

What Happens If Your Landlord Increases Your Rent?

Landlords in New Brunswick must provide at least three months’ written notice before increasing your rent^[1]. There are no provincially set limits on rent increases, but you are allowed to respond, object, or negotiate.

• If you disagree with an increase, try discussing your concerns with your landlord first.
• If negotiations fail, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to request a review or to dispute the increase.

Learn more about the process and your rights by visiting Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

Key Form: Application Form for Tenancy Disputes (Form 6)

The official form for many tenancy issues (including rent disputes) in New Brunswick is Form 6: Application by a Tenant. You use this form when you want the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to review a rent increase you believe is unfair or to resolve other rental disagreements.

• When to use: If you and your landlord cannot resolve the rent negotiation directly.
• How to submit: Complete Form 6 and send it to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Instructions and the form can be downloaded directly here.
• Example: You receive a 15% rent increase notice. You submit Form 6 to have the Tribunal determine if the increase is unreasonable.

Tips for Negotiating With Your Landlord

• Be respectful and professional in all communications.
• Prepare to compromise – sometimes landlords may offer upgrades or other benefits if rent cannot be reduced.
• Put any new agreement in writing and ensure both you and the landlord sign the document.
• Remember, your Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained are laid out by law—knowing them adds confidence to your negotiation.

After a Successful Negotiation

If your landlord agrees to your proposed rent or other terms, update your rental agreement accordingly. For additional insight following lease changes, visit What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Looking for fair-priced rentals or want to assess your area’s average prices? Browse apartments for rent in Canada to compare listings and bolster your negotiation.

For a detailed breakdown of your rights as a tenant in New Brunswick—and guidance on issues like rent increases, deposits, and dispute resolution—see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

1. Can my landlord raise my rent by any amount in New Brunswick?
   Yes, there is no provincial rent control limit. However, landlords must give you written notice of at least three months. If you believe the increase is unfair, you can try negotiating or apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for a review.
2. What is the best way to negotiate rent before signing a lease?
   Do your market research, highlight your strengths as a tenant, and start the conversation respectfully. Everything you agree on should be written into the lease.
3. How do I dispute an excessive rent increase?
   Use Form 6 to apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, providing your reasons and any supporting documents. They will review and decide if the increase is justified.
4. What official body handles rent disputes in New Brunswick?
   The Residential Tenancies Tribunal manages all rental disputes, including rent complaints.
5. Should I get my negotiated rent in writing?
   Absolutely. Any changes or agreements made with your landlord should be added to your lease and signed by both parties.

Key Takeaways

• You have the right to negotiate your rent in New Brunswick, at the start or during your lease.
• Get all agreements and changes in writing and be prepared to use Form 6 if necessary.
• The Residential Tenancies Tribunal protects tenant rights and is your resource for rental disputes.

Negotiating your rent can be an effective way to improve affordability. Preparation, knowledge, and respectful communication go a long way.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Information and forms, dispute resolution (1-888-762-8600)
• Service New Brunswick – Renting in NB
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick
• For more rights and obligations: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick. Official government resource: Read the Residential Tenancies Act
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal, New Brunswick. Official government resource: Access Tribunal and Forms Here

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