Notice Periods and Rules for Rent Increases in New Brunswick

If you’re renting in New Brunswick and your landlord wants to raise the rent, it’s important to know your rights and understand the official notice requirements. The law in New Brunswick sets out clear rules that protect both tenants and landlords, providing time to prepare or respond before any rent increase takes effect. Here’s what tenants need to know about notice periods, legal limits, and how to take action if you have concerns.

Who Sets the Rules? The Official Tribunal and Legislation

Residential tenancies in New Brunswick are overseen by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. The main law is the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick).^[1]

How Much Notice Does My Landlord Have to Give for a Rent Hike?

In New Brunswick, landlords must give at least three months’ written notice before increasing the rent. This applies to month-to-month, week-to-week, and year-to-year tenancies, unless you have a fixed-term lease that says otherwise. The notice must include:

• The amount of the new rent
• The date the new rent starts
• The signature of the landlord or their agent

The notice period gives you, as a tenant, time to plan, budget, or object if necessary. You cannot be forced to pay the higher rent until the full three months’ notice has passed.

Does New Brunswick Limit How Much the Rent Can Go Up?

There is no legislated cap or maximum percentage for rent increases in New Brunswick. However, increases must be reasonable and not intended to force tenants out unfairly. If a tenant feels the increase is excessive, you may apply for a review with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

What Does a Legal Rent Increase Notice Look Like?

There’s no official government form required, but the written notice must be clear, state the effective date, and be delivered properly. Notices can be hand-delivered, left in your mailbox, or sent by registered mail.

What If I Think the Rent Increase Is Unfair?

You have the right to challenge a rent increase if you believe it’s unreasonable, especially if the hike seems intended to pressure you to leave or is vastly higher than typical market increases. File an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for a review.

Relevant Form: Request for Assistance (RT Form 9)

• Form Name and Number: Request for Assistance (RT Form 9)
• When and How to Use: Use this form to ask the Tribunal to review a rent increase or help resolve a dispute about the notice you received. For example, if your landlord gives you a notice with less than three months or raises your rent by a very large amount, complete RT Form 9.
• Official Source: Residential Tenancies Forms (Government of NB)

Important Timing and Renewal Rules

Landlords can only increase your rent once every 12 months for the same unit. Tenants continuing under the same agreement after a 12-month period can be served notice again, but only with three months’ advance notice each time. If you’re signing a new fixed-term agreement, review your contract to see if any increase is already set out for the next term.

What to Do After Receiving a Rent Increase Notice

• Verify the notice is properly written and delivered at least three months in advance.
• Check if the amount or frequency of rent increases seems fair or complies with the law.
• Ask your landlord questions if anything is unclear.
• If disputing, file the Request for Assistance (RT Form 9) promptly to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

For more on what happens after a rent increase or renewal, see Lease Renewals: What Tenants Should Know About Their Rights.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Tenants must continue to pay the current rent until the new amount is legally due. As always, ensure your rent is paid on time and in full. Read Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips for more on your obligations.

For an overview of tenant and landlord rights in your province, read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

If you’re thinking of moving, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada to compare your rental options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase in New Brunswick?
   At least three months’ written notice is required before any rent increase can take effect.
2. Is there a limit on how much my landlord can increase my rent?
   There’s currently no set percentage cap for rent increases, but tenants can challenge unreasonable hikes with the Tribunal.
3. What should I do if I believe my rent increase is unfair?
   File a Request for Assistance (RT Form 9) with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to have the increase reviewed.
4. Do the rules apply if I have a fixed-term lease?
   If your lease specifies rent increases, those terms usually apply; otherwise, standard notice rules remain in effect when the lease term ends or is renewed.
5. Can my landlord raise the rent more than once a year?
   No. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months for the same unit.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Three months’ written notice is required before any rent increase in New Brunswick.
• No limit on the amount, but increases must be reasonable—challenge unfair hikes through the Tribunal.
• Always verify that notice requirements are properly followed before paying the higher rent.

Understanding the rules puts you in control and helps you protect your housing stability. When in doubt, contact the Tribunal for guidance.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick): Get information or file a complaint
• Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick): Read the full Act
• Tenant Resources: Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick
• Rental Listings: Browse apartments for rent in Canada

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick Government)
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Forms (Government of NB)

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