New Brunswick Tenant Maintenance & Repairs Guide

Dealing with maintenance and repair issues in a rental home can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure of your rights or next steps. In New Brunswick, the law outlines both tenant and landlord responsibilities to help ensure safe, healthy living spaces. This guide provides a clear overview for tenants navigating maintenance concerns, urgent repairs, official notice requirements, and the best way to resolve disputes with your landlord.

Understanding Responsibilities: Tenant vs. Landlord

Both you and your landlord share some responsibilities when it comes to keeping your rental unit in good condition:

• Landlord obligations: Must keep the rental property in a good state of repair, comply with health, safety, and housing standards, and make timely repairs for major issues affecting habitability.
• Tenant obligations: Are expected to clean regularly, avoid causing damage, and promptly report any problems that need attention—from a leaking ceiling to a broken furnace.

Understanding the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained can help set clear expectations on both sides.

What Does "Maintenance & Repairs" Really Mean?

In New Brunswick, maintenance and repairs include anything required to keep the property safe and livable. This ranges from fixing plumbing leaks to addressing electrical problems or replacing appliances. Routine tasks like cleaning or changing light bulbs are typically the tenant’s job, while the landlord must handle major system repairs.

When Is a Repair Considered an Emergency?

Emergency repairs are required when there is an immediate threat to safety or serious damage may result if the repair isn’t addressed quickly—such as flooding, lack of heat in winter, or electrical hazards. In these situations, inform your landlord right away.

For steps on emergencies, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

How to Notify Your Landlord About Repairs

Always let your landlord know about problems as soon as possible, ideally in writing. Written notice creates a record of your request and can help if you need to prove you reported the issue. Email is commonly accepted, but text messages or formal letters are valid, too.

What If Repairs Aren’t Completed?

If your landlord does not respond within a reasonable time (typically a few days for non-emergency issues, or immediately for emergencies), you have several options:

• Follow up with a second written request
• Contact New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Tribunal for assistance
• In certain cases, apply to have the Tribunal order the landlord to complete repairs or allow you to complete urgent repairs and deduct expenses (with permission)

Official Forms and Applications

If your landlord fails to act after reasonable notice, you may need to submit an application to the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Relevant forms include:

• Tenant’s Application for Assistance (Form 6.2): Use this form if you require the Tribunal to order repairs, resolve maintenance disputes, or allow you to perform urgent work yourself.
  Example: The landlord hasn’t fixed your furnace after several requests during winter. You can apply with Form 6.2 to seek an official solution.
  Access the form and guidance from the official source.

The Residential Tenancies Act outlines your rights: see Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1].

Routine Maintenance and Pests

Dealing with everyday issues or pests? Tenants must keep units clean, while landlords handle infestations not caused by the tenant. If you notice bugs or rodents, document the problem and notify your landlord immediately.

See Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions for practical advice.

Health and Safety Standards

New Brunswick housing standards require all rentals to be “fit for habitation”—this means functioning plumbing, safe electrical systems, heating, and no mold or safety dangers. If you believe conditions aren’t safe, your options include reporting to provincial health authorities or applying to the Tribunal.

See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more details.

Steps for Tenants Dealing with Repairs

• Document all damage or issues (photos, dates, communication)
• Contact your landlord promptly in writing
• Follow up if not resolved
• If unresolved, complete and submit Form 6.2 to the Tribunal
• In emergencies, contact Provincial authorities if safety is at risk

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Staying informed about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick protects you and helps maintain good landlord-tenant relationships.

1. Who pays for repairs in a New Brunswick rental? The landlord is responsible for repairs involving structural issues, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. Tenants handle minor upkeep and any damage they cause.
2. What should I do if my landlord ignores my repair request? Follow up in writing. If there’s no response, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using the Tenant’s Application for Assistance (Form 6.2).
3. Can I withhold rent until repairs are made? No. Withholding rent is not legal in New Brunswick. Instead, follow the formal complaint process outlined here.
4. What is considered an “urgent” repair? Problems that could seriously harm you or the property—no heat in winter, severe leaks, or electrical dangers—are urgent and require immediate landlord response.
5. How do I know if my rental meets health and safety standards? All rentals must meet the minimum requirements under New Brunswick law, such as working plumbing, safe heating, and general habitability. For details, check with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

1. How do I file a repair application with the Tribunal? Download the Tenant’s Application for Assistance (Form 6.2) from the official website, complete the details, attach supporting documentation, and submit as directed.
2. How can I document repair requests? Always keep copies of written communications (email, texts, letters) with details about the issue and the date reported. Photos or videos are helpful.
3. How do I handle pest infestations? Notify your landlord in writing immediately, and provide evidence. If not resolved, escalate to the Tribunal through the proper complaint process.

Key Takeaways:

• Document issues and communicate them to your landlord quickly and in writing
• For unresolved problems, use official Tribunal forms and follow the process
• Emergency repairs must be dealt with right away—don’t hesitate to seek help if safety is involved

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal – information, forms, and guidance
• Official New Brunswick Tenant Resources
• Phone support: 1-888-762-8600 (Service New Brunswick)
• Local tenant associations for advice and advocacy

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1. See the full Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick for updated legislation and definitions.

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