New Brunswick Tenant Deposit Refund Timelines: What to Expect

Understanding when and how you’ll get your rental deposit back is a key concern for tenants in New Brunswick. Knowing your rights around deposit refund timelines can help prevent disputes and ensure a smoother moving-out process. This guide explains everything tenants need to know about security deposit returns, timelines, relevant forms, and where to get help.

How Security Deposits Work in New Brunswick

When you rent a home or apartment in New Brunswick, your landlord may ask for a security deposit (sometimes called a damage or rental deposit). This money is held as protection against damages or unpaid rent. The rules around deposits in New Brunswick are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1]. The Office of Rentalsman is the government authority overseeing tenant and landlord matters, including deposit disputes (Office of Rentalsman).

How Much Can Be Collected and Where Is The Deposit Kept?

• Landlords can ask for a deposit of up to one month’s rent.
• The landlord must forward the deposit immediately to the Office of Rentalsman, where it is held until the tenancy ends.

This system protects both tenants and landlords, making New Brunswick’s rules unique compared to other provinces.

When Should Tenants Expect Their Deposit Refund?

The timeline for getting your deposit back in New Brunswick is clearly defined. After you move out, the key deadlines are:

• Within 7 days: The landlord has seven days after the rental ends to file a claim for damages or unpaid rent with the Office of Rentalsman.
• After 7 days: If the landlord doesn’t make a claim in this timeframe, the Office of Rentalsman will return your deposit (plus any interest) to you.
• Disputed or Claimed Deposits: If the landlord files a claim, the Office of Rentalsman reviews the evidence and both parties may need to provide input. Timing for the return will depend on the resolution but generally moves quickly unless there’s a complex dispute.

To ensure a smooth refund, complete all move-out instructions, and return keys promptly. If the landlord makes a claim, you’ll receive a notice with instructions on how to respond.

Required Forms and Tenant Actions

There are a few official forms relevant to deposit refunds and disputes in New Brunswick:

• Request for Return of Security Deposit (Form 9): View & Download
  When to use: If it’s been several weeks after your tenancy ended and you haven’t received your deposit or heard from the Office of Rentalsman, submit this form.
  Example: You moved out and handed in the keys, but your deposit hasn’t arrived after 3 weeks. Submit Form 9 to request the return.
• Notice of Claim Against a Security Deposit (Form 8): View & Download
  For landlords: Used by the landlord within 7 days after the tenancy ends if they wish to claim part or all of the deposit due to alleged damages or unpaid rent.

All official tenant forms can be found on the Office of Rentalsman’s Forms page.

How to Get Your Deposit Back: Steps for Tenants

• Make sure you give proper move-out notice as required by your lease agreement.
• Clean the unit and repair any tenant-caused damage.
• Conduct and document a move-out inspection with your landlord (if possible).
• Return your keys and provide a forwarding address to the Office of Rentalsman.
• If your deposit isn’t returned or your landlord claims damages, respond promptly to all communications.
• Submit Form 9 if you believe your deposit is being unjustly withheld.

For general information about how rental deposits work, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Can Be Deducted from a Security Deposit?

Only certain costs can be deducted from your deposit. These generally include:

• Unpaid rent owed at the end of the tenancy
• Costs to repair damages beyond normal wear and tear
• Outstanding utility bills in your name (if agreed in your lease)

Normal wear and tear does not justify deductions. If you disagree with the landlord’s claim, you can dispute it through the Office of Rentalsman.

Tips for a Smooth Move-Out Process

• Give written notice of your intent to move (as required by your lease)
• Document the property’s condition with dated photos and a checklist
• Schedule a final walkthrough with your landlord and sign an inspection report if possible
• Return keys on time and provide updated contact details
• Keep copies of all communications about your move-out and deposit

For additional guidance, see How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out and The Final Inspection: What Tenants Need to Know Before Moving Out.

Your Rights and Support in New Brunswick

The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick page provides more on rights and remedies. You may also explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings if you’re searching for your next home.

FAQ: New Brunswick Deposit Refunds

1. How long does it take to get my deposit back after moving out?
   If no claim is made, you’ll usually receive your deposit (plus interest) from the Office of Rentalsman within about 2–3 weeks.
2. What happens if my landlord makes a claim on my deposit?
   The Office of Rentalsman will notify you of the claim. You’ll have the chance to respond and provide evidence. The office will then make a decision about how much, if any, of your deposit will be returned to you.
3. Can my landlord deduct money for cleaning or repainting?
   Only damages beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning required due to extreme neglect, can be deducted. Ordinary cleaning or light touch-ups aren’t grounds for deductions.
4. What should I do if my deposit is not returned in time?
   Contact the Office of Rentalsman and submit a Request for Return of Security Deposit (Form 9).
5. Is the interest on my deposit paid to me?
   Yes, the Office of Rentalsman returns your entire deposit plus interest accrued during the tenancy.

Key Takeaways

• Security deposits in New Brunswick are protected by law and held by the Office of Rentalsman.
• Landlords must claim damages or unpaid rent within 7 days after tenancy ends, or the deposit is returned automatically to the tenant.
• Use official forms and follow instructions to recover your deposit promptly if issues arise.

Being informed about your rights and timelines will help you avoid common deposit disputes and ensure a smoother end to your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Rentalsman (New Brunswick): Get official tenant information, contacts, and forms
• Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick: Access the full legislation here
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB): Find plain language resources for tenants
• Tenant Advocacy Groups: Your local community legal clinics or Tenant Advocacy organizations may offer advice and support.

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick – Main legislation governing security deposits, landlord and tenant rights
2. Office of Rentalsman (Government of New Brunswick) – Official office for deposit handling, forms, and disputes