Living in a safe and healthy environment is not just a preference—it's your legal right as a tenant in New Brunswick. If your landlord is failing to address serious issues affecting your health or safety, you may need to report the situation to Public Health. This guide explains when, why, and how to take action, and what resources support you throughout the process.
When Should You Contact Public Health?
Sometimes, problems like mold, pest infestations, lack of running water, or no heat can threaten the health and safety of everyone in the building. While minor repairs can often be resolved by directly contacting your landlord, severe or neglected issues should be reported to Public Health Services. According to New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Act[1], landlords have a duty to provide and maintain a habitable, safe residential environment.
Common Health Concerns That Qualify
- Persistent mold or dampness
- Unsafe drinking water or plumbing issues
- Pest infestations (bedbugs, rodents, cockroaches, etc.)
- No heat during winter, or dangerous temperatures
- Unsanitary conditions in common areas
- Structural hazards that threaten safety
Becoming familiar with Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting can help you recognize problems that need urgent attention.
Steps to Take Before Making a Public Health Report
Before you reach out to Public Health, it's important to:
- Document the problem. Take photos or videos, and keep dated notes.
- Notify your landlord in writing about the issue. Describe the problem clearly and request a reasonable timeline for repairs.
- Keep all records of communication with your landlord (emails, letters, texts).
This information will support your case if Public Health needs to investigate or if disputes arise later with your landlord.
How to Report to Public Health in New Brunswick
To report health or safety violations in your rental unit, contact your regional branch of Public Health New Brunswick. They will assess your complaint, possibly inspect the rental, and can order landlords to address serious issues.
Which Form to Use?
There is no standardized provincial Public Health complaint form for all environmental health issues. However, tenants typically need to:
- Call or email their local Public Health office. Find contacts by region at this official government link.
- Provide details about the rental, the issue, what actions have been taken, and your contact details.
If an outage or infestation is present, you may be asked to fill out additional forms or provide copies of your written complaint to your landlord.
Your Rights and Landlord’s Responsibilities
Under New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Act[1], landlords must maintain every rental property so it is "fit for habitation and in a good state of repair." Serious or ongoing violations may result in fines or orders to comply. Learn more about Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
For recurring issues such as pests, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.
What Happens After You Report?
Once you make your complaint, Public Health will:
- Contact you for more information or visit your home to inspect
- Contact the landlord directly, often with official notice
- May order immediate repairs or actions if health or safety is at risk
Most issues can be resolved if all parties cooperate. If the issue persists, you can also apply for dispute resolution at the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick.
Reporting in Urgent or Emergency Situations
Some hazards—like carbon monoxide leaks or missing heat in winter—need immediate attention. Call 911 in emergencies. For urgent repairs, contacting Public Health and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal can help ensure rapid action.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of landlord neglect can I report to Public Health? You can report any neglect that results in unsafe, unsanitary, or unhealthy living conditions, like no heating, water leaks, pest infestation, mold, structural hazards, or contaminated water.
- Will Public Health keep my complaint confidential? While your name may be disclosed during the investigation, you can request confidentiality, but it can’t always be guaranteed if legal action is taken.
- Can I be evicted for making a public health complaint? No. It is illegal for your landlord to evict or threaten you simply because you filed a complaint in good faith.
- What if the landlord doesn’t fix the issue after Public Health gets involved? Public Health can issue orders, and further non-compliance can be reported to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for enforcement or additional penalties.
- Are there resources to help me understand my tenant rights in New Brunswick? Yes, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for a complete overview.
Key Takeaways for Tenants
- Document issues, notify your landlord, and communicate in writing before reporting.
- Contact Public Health if major health or safety violations exist and your landlord does not act.
- You are legally protected from retaliation after making a genuine complaint.
- You can always Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you need a new place to live.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- New Brunswick Public Health Services – Environmental Health: Contacts and complaint procedures
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: For dispute resolution and formal complaints
- New Brunswick Legal Aid Services Commission: Information for low-income tenants
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick: Know your rights and obligations as a tenant
- New Brunswick, Residential Tenancies Act
- New Brunswick Public Health Services – Environmental Health (Government of New Brunswick)
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick
