New Brunswick Tenant Maintenance & Repair Rights Explained

Living in a well-maintained rental is not just a matter of comfort—it’s a legal right for tenants in New Brunswick. Understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding maintenance and repairs helps protect your health, safety, and security. This article will guide you through what’s expected from landlords and tenants, how to address repair issues, and where to get help in New Brunswick.

Your Right to a Safe, Healthy Home in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1] ensures that all tenants are entitled to a rental unit that meets basic health and safety standards. Landlords must keep properties in good repair and comply with health, building, and safety regulations at all times.

What Landlords Are Required to Do

• Repair structural issues (walls, floors, roofs, windows, etc.)
• Maintain heating, plumbing, electrical, and other essential services
• Address pest infestations promptly
• Keep common areas (hallways, entryways) clean and safe

What Tenants Are Responsible For

• Keep your unit clean and in reasonable condition
• Report maintenance problems to your landlord right away
• Not purposely damage the unit or allow guests to do so

For more detail on shared duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How to Handle Routine Repairs

For non-urgent (routine) issues like a leaky faucet or appliance repairs, follow these steps:

• Notify your landlord in writing (email or dated letter is best)
• Describe the issue clearly and ask for a reasonable repair timeline
• Keep a copy of your communication

If your landlord does not respond or address the problem, you may have the right to file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. For advice about common repair issues, read Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Emergency Repairs: What Counts and What To Do

Emergencies are problems that pose an immediate risk to your health or safety, like:

• No heat in winter
• Major plumbing leaks or flooding
• Total power loss (not caused by utility company)
• Broken exterior doors/locks compromising unit security

If you can't reach your landlord and the repair is urgent, you may get the repair done yourself and ask your landlord for reimbursement. Be sure to keep all receipts and notify your landlord as soon as possible.

Filing a Complaint or Applying to the Tribunal

If your landlord consistently ignores repair requests or fails to maintain the property, you can seek help from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. The official complaint form is:

• Application for Assistance (Form 6) – Use this form to ask the Tribunal to order repairs or resolve maintenance disputes.
• Download Application for Assistance (Form 6)

Example: If you have leaking pipes and the landlord does nothing, complete Form 6, attach evidence (photos, written requests), and submit it online or to a Service New Brunswick office.

Health, Safety, and Code Violations

Problems like mold, pests, or unsafe wiring aren’t just inconveniences—they could violate legal living standards. If you suspect your rental is unsafe, refer to Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What If My Rent Is Withheld Because Repairs Aren’t Done?

It’s not legal to stop paying rent because your landlord hasn’t made repairs unless the Tribunal authorizes it. Non-payment may result in eviction proceedings.

Related Provincial Fact Page

For a full summary of tenant rights in your province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Want more tips on finding safe, well-maintained rentals? Browse apartments for rent in Canada for reliable listings coast to coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to fix something important?
   If your landlord ignores written repair requests, complete and submit the Application for Assistance (Form 6) to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Keep all evidence and records.
2. Can I make repairs myself and take the cost off the rent?
   No, not unless the Tribunal specifically approves it. Doing so without authorization could result in eviction for non-payment.
3. Am I allowed to contact the city or health inspector if my rental seems unsafe?
   Yes, you can notify local authorities and still file a Tribunal complaint. This may help prove serious violations of health or building standards.
4. Does my landlord have to give notice before entering for repairs?
   Yes. Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice unless there’s an emergency.
5. Who pays for pest control in New Brunswick rentals?
   Generally, landlords are responsible for pest infestations unless you caused the problem through negligence.

How To Resolve Repair Issues with Your Landlord

1. Document the problem.
   Take photos, videos, or notes about the repair issue.
2. Notify your landlord in writing.
   Send an email or letter describing the issue and keep a copy.
3. Allow reasonable time for repairs.
   Give your landlord time to fix the problem (typically a few days for routine repairs, faster for emergencies).
4. Apply to the Tribunal if needed.
   If there is no action, complete Application for Assistance (Form 6) and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with your evidence.
5. Follow up with official authorities.
   Contact the local building or health inspector if conditions risk your health or safety.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must maintain rental units to legal standards and address repair requests promptly.
• Always document repair issues and communicate in writing with your landlord.
• If problems aren’t fixed, use Form 6 to apply to the Tribunal and seek a legal remedy.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Forms, information, and dispute resolution.
• Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick: Full provincial legislation.
• Application for Assistance (Form 6): Tribunal complaint form for repair disputes.
• Local legal clinics or tenant advocacy groups—search online for services in your city.

---

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick (official government link)

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