If you have been evicted from a rental property in New Brunswick, you may worry about the long-term effects on your credit and rental history. This page explains what "record sealing" means in a Canadian context, outlines credit repair steps for evicted tenants, and highlights your legal rights and options under New Brunswick law. Supportive guidance helps you make informed decisions about moving forward after a difficult experience.
Understanding Eviction Records in New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, eviction decisions typically come from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. These decisions may be recorded by courts or the Tribunal, and landlords often report eviction proceedings or debts to credit bureaus, which can affect your credit report and future rental prospects.
Is Record Sealing Possible in New Brunswick?
Unlike the U.S., Canadian provinces—including New Brunswick—do not offer a formal eviction record sealing process. Eviction records from the Tribunal are generally public, though they're not posted in a public online database. However, credit records and some court records may remain accessible for several years.
What you can do is:
- Address any reported debts to minimize credit impact
- Request corrections to your credit report if information is inaccurate
- Show evidence of resolved disputes when applying for future rentals
Which Legislation Applies?
All eviction proceedings are handled under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick[1]. This Act outlines landlord and tenant rights, the eviction process, and remedies available to tenants. For more on what tenants and landlords can expect, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
Credit Reporting and Repair After Eviction
Evictions themselves may not always appear directly on your credit report. However, if a monetary judgment (such as unpaid rent or damages) is awarded to the landlord and not paid, this information can be reported to major credit bureaus like Equifax and TransUnion.
Steps to Repair Your Credit History
- Obtain a copy of your credit report from both Equifax and TransUnion. Review all entries for accuracy.
- If you notice debt related to your former landlord, resolve outstanding amounts as soon as possible.
- Dispute any errors in writing with the credit bureau(s) and provide documentation from the Tribunal if relevant.
- Request a statement of explanation be added to your file, especially if you had extenuating circumstances.
To learn about other common tenant challenges and ways to address them, visit Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.
Keep a personal file with Tribunal decisions, payment receipts, and communication with your landlord. These documents can help if future landlords request proof or clarification about your past tenancy.
Relevant Forms and How to Use Them
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Form 6): Used if you believe the eviction process wasn't followed properly or your rights were violated. Access the form from the official government website.
- Request for Review (Form 8): If you disagree with the Tribunal’s decision, you can apply for a review using this form. Download Form 8.
- Dispute of Debt with Credit Bureau: Each bureau (Equifax, TransUnion) has its own dispute request form available on their websites.
Example: If you are evicted but paid outstanding rent promptly, you may use Form 6 to dispute lingering debt claims or request to clarify your record. Submit the completed form with supporting documents to the Tribunal by mail or online, as indicated on the form.
How to Improve Your Chances When Applying for Future Rentals
Landlords often check credit history and may inquire about past evictions. That's why it's important to take proactive steps to present yourself as a reliable tenant:
- Offer references from current employers or previous landlords (especially those after your eviction)
- Provide proof of steady income
- Explain the circumstances of your eviction honestly and show how issues have been resolved
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Quick Summary
While eviction records cannot be sealed in New Brunswick, you can manage credit effects, correct errors, and present yourself positively to new landlords. Taking these practical steps offers a path forward after eviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can evictions be removed from my record in New Brunswick?
There is no direct way to seal or erase an eviction record in New Brunswick, but you can minimize its impact through credit repair and clear communication with future landlords. - Will an eviction show up on my credit report?
Evictions themselves are not usually recorded, but unpaid rental debts or court judgments related to your tenancy can affect your credit report for several years. - How can I correct an error about my eviction on my credit report?
Contact Equifax or TransUnion, provide documentation from the Tribunal or court, and submit a dispute form. If resolved, your report should be updated by the credit bureau. - Can I apply for new rentals after being evicted?
Yes. Honest explanations, proof of changed financial circumstances, and references can all help you secure a new rental home.
Key Takeaways for Tenants
- Eviction records in New Brunswick cannot be officially sealed
- Tenants can dispute credit errors and provide explanations on their credit file
- Responsible steps after eviction—like repaying debts—help improve future rental chances
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – ask questions about your file or forms
- Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick – overview of your legal rights and obligations
- Service New Brunswick Tenant Services – support for tenants relating to forms and disputes
- For rights and obligations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick
