Protected Collective Actions for Tenants in New Brunswick

Working together can make a big difference for tenants in New Brunswick who want to address shared issues such as rent increases, repairs, or fair treatment. If you’re a renter facing problems or considering collective action with others in your building or community, it’s important to understand your rights and how New Brunswick’s laws protect you as you organize.

What Are Protected Collective Actions?

Collective action means tenants join forces—through petitions, meetings, or advocacy—to address mutual concerns or seek changes from a landlord. Examples include:

• Filing a group complaint about maintenance or repairs
• Petitioning for fair rent practices
• Organizing tenant meetings to discuss rights

In New Brunswick, it is illegal for a landlord to intimidate, threaten, or retaliate against tenants who organize or take part in collective actions, as protected under the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)¹. Forms of retaliation—such as eviction, threats, or bad-faith rent increases—are prohibited by law.

Key Rights for Tenants Engaging in Collective Action

• Protection from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot evict, fine, threaten, or penalize you for participating in a tenant group, lodging a group complaint, or asserting your rights.
• Right to Organize: Tenants can form groups or associations, hold meetings in their homes, and communicate with neighbours about rental concerns.
• Access to Official Complaint and Dispute Systems: Tenants have a right to present issues—even as a group—for review or formal decision by New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick Tenancies Tribunal).

These protections help ensure tenants can speak up about shared problems without fear of punishment.

How to Take Collective Action in New Brunswick

Here’s how you and your fellow tenants can protect your housing rights together:

• Connect with your building’s other tenants or neighbours with similar concerns.
• Gather evidence: Document issues (such as photos of needed repairs or written communications).
• Prepare a group statement or petition outlining the shared issue(s).
• Organize a meeting (in a unit or common area, as allowed by building rules) to discuss next steps and responsibilities.
• Decide if you’ll approach the landlord together first or file a formal group complaint directly.
• If the matter isn’t resolved, consider applying as a group to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Supporting each other and keeping records strengthens your position if the dispute goes to a formal process.

Filing a Group Complaint or Application

In New Brunswick, tenants can submit written complaints—individually or jointly—to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. The following official forms and steps apply:

• Notice of Application Form (Form 6): Used for tenant applications or disputes (e.g., requesting repairs, contesting an eviction, alleging retaliation). Download the form and filing details at the Service New Brunswick – Forms for Tenants page.
  • Example: If several tenants experience heating issues, you may submit one Form 6 together, clearly listing all affected tenants and units.
• Tenancy Complaint Form: For reporting problems with the landlord about the rental unit or tenancy terms. Access official forms and instructions on the Tenancies Tribunal website.
  • Example: Tenants petition for overdue repairs and jointly sign this complaint form.

Return completed forms to your local Service New Brunswick Centre, or follow the online submission process as described on each form.

If you’re unsure, tenants are encouraged to call the Tenancies Tribunal inquiry line for guidance before filing. Detailed information on tenants’ responsibilities can be found in the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What the Tribunal Can Do

The Tribunal can:

• Order landlords to make repairs promptly
• Prevent unlawful rent increases
• Reverse retaliatory eviction notices
• Address bad-faith actions against organized tenants

For complete details on what is covered under New Brunswick law, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Tenant Responsibilities When Acting Collectively

While tenants are protected from retaliation, you must:

• Follow lawful processes for submitting complaints
• Stick to the terms of your lease during a dispute
• Communicate respectfully and avoid disruptive behaviour

Staying organized and respectful strengthens your case and protects all participants.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Collective Action in New Brunswick

1. Can my landlord evict me for joining a tenant group?
   No. It is against New Brunswick law for a landlord to evict, threaten, or penalize you for participating in protected tenant activities, such as group petitions or complaints.
2. Is there a limit to how many tenants can sign or submit a group application?
   No, as long as each participating tenant is affected and provides their name and unit number on the form or complaint.
3. What if my landlord responds with a rent increase after collective tenant action?
   If the increase appears to be in retaliation for your participation, you can challenge it with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and may have it reversed if deemed unlawful.
4. How can we make sure our group complaint is taken seriously?
   Gather clear evidence, keep written records, and submit all names and units. Follow the correct Tribunal process and communicate calmly and professionally at all steps.
5. Where do I get collective action or tenant rights forms?
   Official forms and sample documents are available on the Service New Brunswick Tenancies Tribunal website.

Key Takeaways for New Brunswick Tenants

• It is your legal right to organize and act collectively with other tenants.
• Landlords may not retaliate against you for participating in group action.
• Submit complaints or applications as a group to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using official forms.
• Stay informed about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for up-to-date protections and responsibilities.

By working together and understanding your legal protections, tenant groups in New Brunswick can be stronger and more effective in resolving issues and improving rental conditions for everyone.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Service New Brunswick: Guidance, forms, and dispute resolution. Call 1-888-762-8600 for help.
• Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick): Full official legislation text.
• Printable and online forms for group complaints and applications: Service New Brunswick Tenant Forms
• Tenant advocacy: New Brunswick Tenant Associations (in major cities or by searching local resources).
• General information: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick), available at official government source.
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal information and forms at Service New Brunswick.

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