Living in a rental in New Brunswick means you have the right to a safe, habitable home and the ability to request repairs when something goes wrong. This guide explains practical steps tenants can take to report maintenance issues, document problems with photos and dates, and communicate clearly with landlords or property managers. It covers what repairs landlords are generally responsible for, how to handle urgent or emergency repairs, when to use official forms, and how to escalate unresolved issues to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. The language is plain and focused on real steps you can follow to protect your rights and keep your home in good condition.
Who is responsible for repairs?
In New Brunswick, landlords must maintain rental units in a state of repair that meets health, safety and habitability standards. Tenants are generally responsible for damage they or their guests cause. If a repair is needed for building systems, structural components, plumbing, heating, or other essential services, the landlord is usually responsible.
If a landlord does not respond or disputes responsibility, you can ask the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to review the issue and order repairs or compensation if appropriate[1].
How to request repairs
Follow these practical steps when asking for maintenance so your request is clear, documented, and easy to act on.
- Document the problem with dated photos, short videos, and a written log of when the issue started and any effects on your living conditions.
- Send a written repair request or notice to your landlord or property manager that describes the problem, the remedy you seek, and a reasonable deadline to complete the work.
- Allow reasonable access for repairs and ask for written notice before workers enter if the lease requires it; keep records of any access arrangements.
- If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable time, prepare supporting documentation and consider applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to request an order for repairs or reimbursement.
What counts as a reasonable time?
Reasonable time depends on the severity of the problem. Minor non-urgent repairs might reasonably wait days to weeks; essential systems (no heat in winter, severe plumbing leaks, smoke alarms not working) require immediate or same-day action. When you set a deadline in writing, be clear, polite, and realistic about timing.
Emergency repairs and urgent issues
For emergencies that pose a risk to safety, health, or major property damage, contact emergency services if needed and notify your landlord immediately. You may be able to arrange emergency repairs yourself and ask the landlord to reimburse you, but keep receipts and take photos before and after any work. For guidance on urgent repairs and tenants' rights in emergencies, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
When to use official forms and how
When informal requests do not resolve the issue, use the tribunal application process. The main official form is the Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (the application form available from the tribunal). Use this form to describe the problem, the steps you already took to resolve it, and the remedy you want (repair order or reimbursement). For example, if a landlord ignored repeated written repair requests about a plumbing leak that caused mold, include photos, dates of your notices, and receipts for any mitigation costs.
Common practical steps when filling the tribunal application:
- Attach copies of your written requests, photos, videos, and receipts as evidence.
- Explain clearly what you asked the landlord to do and when, and what you want the tribunal to order.
- File the application and be prepared to attend a hearing or provide additional documents if requested.
FAQ
- Who pays for routine repairs?
- Landlords are usually responsible for routine and essential repairs; tenants pay for damages they or their guests cause.
- Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t done?
- Withholding rent is risky and rarely recommended; instead follow the official complaint process and consider a tribunal application for orders or compensation.
- How quickly must a landlord fix an emergency issue?
- Emergency issues that affect health or safety should be addressed immediately; reasonable response time for other critical systems is typically measured in hours to days depending on seriousness.
How-To
- Create dated photos and a concise written log describing the problem and when it started.
- Send a clear written repair request or notice to the landlord, include your evidence, and state a reasonable deadline to complete repairs.
- If repairs require access, agree on a time in writing and keep a copy of the access arrangement.
- If the landlord doesn’t act, complete and file the tribunal application with attachments and ask for an order for repairs or compensation.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal, Government of New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
- Service New Brunswick - Tenant information and services
