Reporting a Non-Compliant Landlord in New Brunswick: Tenant Guide

If you’re a renter in New Brunswick and your landlord is failing to meet their legal responsibilities, you have the right to report the issue. Whether it’s unresolved health and safety problems, improper rent increases, or breaches of your lease, the province provides clear steps to help tenants hold landlords accountable.

Understanding Landlord Obligations in New Brunswick

Landlords in New Brunswick must comply with the Residential Tenancies Act. This law outlines their duties including:

• Maintaining the property in a good state of repair
• Ensuring rental units meet health and safety standards
• Following proper procedures for rent and deposit handling
• Respecting tenants’ rights to privacy and quiet enjoyment

For more details on rental responsibilities, review the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Reasons to Report a Landlord

Tenants usually file complaints for:

• Unaddressed pest infestations or maintenance issues
• Unsafe living conditions, such as mould or faulty wiring
• Illegal rent increases or security deposit disputes
• Unlawful entry or harassment

If you are experiencing persistent maintenance or repair issues, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Provincial Oversight: Office of the Rentalsman

The Office of the Rentalsman is the official authority in New Brunswick handling residential tenancy disputes. They help ensure both tenant and landlord rights are respected.

How to Report a Non-Compliant Landlord: Step-by-Step

If direct communication hasn’t resolved the issue, you can formally report your landlord to the Office of the Rentalsman. Here’s how:

• Document the Issue: Take photos, save communications, and note dates and details of the problem.
• Contact Your Landlord in Writing: Politely request repairs or address concerns in writing first. Keep a copy for your records.
• File the Proper Complaint Forms: If necessary, the Office of the Rentalsman provides official forms for different situations.

Key Forms for Tenants

• Application for Assistance (Form 12.0): Use this if you need the Rentalsman to address a breach of your rights, like failure to repair or return your security deposit.
  Where to get it: Download the Application for Assistance (Form 12.0)
  Example: If your heating has been broken for weeks and the landlord won’t fix it, complete and submit this form with supporting evidence.
• Request for Inspection: If you believe your unit is unsafe or unsanitary, you can request an inspection through the Rentalsman office.
  Where to get it: Request inspections directly through the Office of the Rentalsman or your local Service New Brunswick office.
  Example: Ongoing issues such as mold or structural safety risks qualify for inspection requests.

Actions that involve financial issues—like deposit returns—are covered under these forms. For more info on security deposits, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

After you submit your complaint, the Office of the Rentalsman will:

• Review your documents and evidence
• Contact your landlord for their explanation
• Arrange an inspection, if necessary
• Issue an order or recommendation to resolve the problem

Serious health and safety issues and major continuous breaches may lead to penalties or orders for repairs. Landlords may face fines or be required to compensate tenants. See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for more on province-specific legal protections.

Know Your Rights and Next Steps

Tenants are protected from retaliation for making a complaint in good faith. If you need housing support or want to explore affordable alternatives, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for verified and up-to-date listings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What if my landlord refuses to fix safety issues?
   If a landlord ignores written repair requests, you can file an Application for Assistance (Form 12.0) or request an inspection. Serious or ongoing violations may result in orders or penalties issued by the Office of the Rentalsman.
2. Is my landlord allowed to evict me for complaining?
   No. It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate or evict you solely because you filed a legitimate complaint or asserted your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act.
3. How do I report illegal rent increases?
   Document the increase and contact the Rentalsman. You can submit a complaint if the landlord did not follow legal procedures. Learn more about your protections at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
4. How long does the Rentalsman take to handle complaints?
   Timelines vary, but urgent health or safety matters are prioritized. Administrative issues may take several weeks to resolve after all documents are reviewed.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• You can formally report non-compliant landlords using official forms and the guidance of the Office of the Rentalsman
• Document all issues—written communication and evidence are key
• Tenants are protected from retaliation and can seek help for repairs, safety, and deposit disputes

Reporting landlord non-compliance ensures the safety and fairness of rental housing for everyone. Understanding the correct steps can resolve issues efficiently and protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of the Rentalsman — Service New Brunswick (primary complaint and dispute office)
• Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick (official legislation)
• Tenant advocacy and legal aid groups (contact Service New Brunswick for referrals)
• For moving or deposit return questions, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, SNB 1975, c R-10.2 – Read the full legislation
2. Office of the Rentalsman, Service New Brunswick – Official Complaints Portal

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