Pets in Rentals: Landlord Rules in New Brunswick

Many tenants and renters in New Brunswick want clear, practical guidance about keeping a pet where they live. Provincial rules, lease clauses and human-rights considerations can all affect whether a landlord may refuse a pet, require extra conditions, or ask for repair costs. This article explains common tenant and landlord responsibilities, how to request permission, what official forms and tribunals can help, and steps to document your case so you can protect your rights while maintaining a good relationship with your landlord.

What landlords can and cannot do about pets

Landlords commonly include pet clauses in leases, but those clauses must align with provincial landlord-tenant law and human-rights obligations. If your lease bans pets, ask your landlord for clarification and a written exception if you need one. You can also apply to the provincial tribunal if you think a clause is unreasonable or discriminates against an assistance animal.^[1] For disputes about enforcement or damage claims, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles applications and hearings in New Brunswick.^[2]

Typical landlord rules you may see

• A written lease clause that either allows or prohibits pets; always keep a copy of the signed lease.
• Requests for additional pet fees or higher expected repair costs — ask for clear, written justification.
• Reasonable rules about noise, supervision and common-area access to reduce disturbance to neighbours.

Pet clauses, deposits and damage

Read your lease to see whether the landlord can charge extra for pets or require specific cleaning. If the lease is silent, ask your landlord in writing and keep a copy. Document the pet’s behaviour and any preventative measures you take, like pest control or regular cleaning, so you can respond to damage claims with evidence.

When to challenge a pet refusal

• If you need a pet for a disability or medical reason, request accommodation in writing and include supporting documentation.
• If a landlord enforces a ban inconsistently between tenants, keep records and consider applying to the tribunal.
• If damage is disputed at move-out, gather move-in photos and receipts for cleaning or repairs.

How to prepare if you and your landlord disagree

Try to resolve issues directly and politely: request a meeting, offer a pet agreement (written rules about supervision, cleaning and vetting), and propose measures like a refundable pet damages payment or regular professional cleaning. If informal resolution fails, you can use official forms to bring your case to the tribunal; a clear, dated paper trail helps your position.^[3]

FAQ

Can a landlord in New Brunswick ban all pets?

Yes, many leases include pet bans, but landlords must still consider accommodation requests for assistance animals and cannot enforce discriminatory rules without cause.

Can a landlord charge an extra "pet deposit"?

Landlords may request payments related to potential pet damage; ask for any fee’s legal basis and keep receipts for disputes.

What if my landlord won’t allow a repair for pet-related issues?

You should notify the landlord in writing about repairs, keep records, and if needed, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for remedies.

How-To

1. Write a polite, dated request to your landlord explaining the pet type, size, and measures you will take to prevent damage or disturbance.
2. Attach supporting documents such as vet records, proof of vaccinations, or references from previous landlords.
3. Offer a written pet agreement with clear rules about noise, waste cleanup and professional cleaning timelines.
4. Propose a refundable damage payment or a checklist for move-out inspections to manage landlord concerns.
5. If the landlord refuses, ask for written reasons and keep the response as evidence if you later apply to the tribunal.
6. File an application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you believe the refusal is unfair; bring all records and photos to the hearing.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick)
• Tribunal application and forms

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick)
3. [3] Tribunal application and forms

For pet-friendly rental searches, consider Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca.

Additional tenant resources: Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.