Responding to Illegal Surveillance Cameras in NB Rentals

Feeling safe and respected in your rental is every tenant's right. As technology becomes more common, concerns about illegal surveillance cameras in rental properties are on the rise—especially in New Brunswick. Whether you’ve discovered a hidden camera or noticed cameras in shared spaces, understanding your rights and the steps you can take is crucial for maintaining your privacy and peace of mind.

Your Right to Privacy as a Tenant in New Brunswick

New Brunswick’s laws protect tenants’ privacy within rental units. Landlords must respect your right to reasonable enjoyment and cannot monitor your private life with surveillance devices inside your rental unit (Residential Tenancies Act ^[1]). Installing cameras inside your unit—like your living room or bedroom—without your permission is generally illegal.

• Outside the unit: Security cameras may be allowed in common areas (like a building entryway) if tenants are informed and the cameras are not aimed inside private spaces.
• Inside your unit: Cameras inside your home (including hidden ones) are a violation of tenant privacy.
• Even in common spaces, cameras should not monitor areas where you expect privacy (such as shared bathrooms or inside your door).

These privacy protections are part of your broader tenant rights. For a full overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Recognizing Illegal Surveillance in Your Rental

It’s important to distinguish between reasonable security measures and illegal surveillance. Here’s what to look for:

• Visible or hidden cameras located inside your apartment or room
• Devices disguised as smoke detectors, clocks, or other objects
• Cameras directly outside your private windows or doors, pointing inward

If you suspect illegal monitoring, document your findings discreetly before taking action.

Steps to Take if You Find or Suspect Illegal Cameras

If you discover or suspect surveillance cameras where they don’t belong, follow these recommended steps:

1. Do not tamper with or destroy the camera. Instead, take clear photos or video as evidence.
2. Record the location and type of device. Note dates, times, and any relevant conversations with your landlord.
3. Ask your landlord (in writing) to explain the device. Keep a copy of your request and any response.
4. If your landlord does not remove the camera or resolve your concerns, file a formal complaint with the tribunal.

How to File a Privacy Complaint

In New Brunswick, tenant-landlord disputes—including privacy issues—are handled by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Here’s how to start:

• Fill out the “Application for Assistance (Form 6.3)” – Use this form to file a complaint about privacy violations or illegal surveillance.
• Describe the issue and provide supporting evidence such as photos, correspondence with your landlord, and a timeline.
• Download Form 6.3 (Application for Assistance)
• Submit the completed form online, by email, or in-person to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Find instructions here.

Once your complaint is submitted, the Tribunal will review your case, may contact your landlord, and can order the removal of illegal cameras or other remedies as needed.

Know Your Landlord’s Obligations

Landlords in New Brunswick are required to maintain your right to peaceful enjoyment, including privacy from unlawful monitoring. For further details on overall landlord and tenant duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

When Can Cameras Be Allowed?

• Common spaces: Cameras in hallways, entries, or parking lots may be allowed for security—but only if tenants are notified and cameras do not violate reasonable expectations of privacy.
• Inside units: Cameras are almost never allowed inside rental units while they are occupied and require the tenant’s clear, written consent.

If you’re unsure about cameras when moving in, check your lease and do an inspection together with your landlord. For a complete move-in checklist, review Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Protecting your privacy is essential to feeling secure at home. If you are looking for a new rental that respects your rights, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with trusted landlord policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are landlords allowed to put cameras inside my rental unit in New Brunswick?
   No, landlords may not install surveillance cameras inside your private living space without your consent. This is a violation of your right to privacy guaranteed by New Brunswick law.
2. What should I do if I find a hidden camera in my apartment?
   Do not tamper with the camera. Instead, document its location, take photos as evidence, and notify your landlord in writing. If the issue is not resolved, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
3. Can landlords have cameras in apartment hallways or entrances?
   Yes, in some cases, landlords may install cameras in shared or common areas for security, but not in places where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Tenants should be notified about such cameras.
4. What government body handles these issues in New Brunswick?
   The Residential Tenancies Tribunal oversees tenant-landlord disputes, including illegal surveillance concerns.
5. Can I break my lease if my landlord refuses to remove illegal cameras?
   You must file a formal complaint with the Tribunal before taking further action, such as ending your tenancy. The Tribunal can order remedies to resolve the violation.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Rights and Privacy

• New Brunswick tenants have strong privacy protections—illegal cameras inside rental units are not allowed.
• If you find or suspect unauthorized surveillance, collect evidence and use official complaint channels.
• Support and clear steps are available if your landlord does not respect your rights.

If you ever have questions, reviewing your rights or reaching out for help is always encouraged.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal – New Brunswick (start complaints, get official forms, or ask questions)
• Government of New Brunswick Housing Tenancy Services
• For a full list of your basic rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, New Brunswick, see the full legislation here
2. New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal, official tribunal info page
3. Application for Assistance (Form 6.3), official complaint form link

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