Roommate Agreement Essentials for New Brunswick Tenants

Sharing a rental home with roommates in New Brunswick has many benefits—but it also comes with unique challenges. Setting clear expectations early on through a written roommate agreement can save you stress, help prevent disputes, and ensure everyone's rights are respected. Whether you’re moving in with friends, acquaintances, or new people, understanding how to structure a roommate agreement is essential for a positive housing experience in New Brunswick.

Why a Roommate Agreement Matters in Shared Housing

Unlike leases, which are legal contracts between the landlord and tenants, a roommate agreement is a private contract just among the individuals living together. In New Brunswick, your landlord is not responsible for enforcing roommate arrangements. Instead, roommates must manage their own shared responsibilities.

Key Topics Your Roommate Agreement Should Cover

Your agreement should be tailored to your situation, but it is recommended to address these topics:

• Rent and Deposits: How rent is divided and who pays whom, plus responsibility for the security deposit. For official rules on deposits in New Brunswick, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Bills and Utilities: Electricity, internet, water, and other shared costs—who pays, and how will you split them?
• Household Chores: Cleaning schedules and responsibilities for common spaces.
• Guests and Overnight Stays: Are overnight visitors allowed? Are there limits or courtesy notification rules?
• Food and Shared Items: Will you buy groceries individually or together? How do you handle shared cleaning supplies?
• Noise and Quiet Hours: Expectations for study, work, or relaxation time.
• Move-In/Move-Out Duties: Who is responsible for cleaning and repairs when someone moves out?
• Conflict Resolution: Steps for handling disagreements.

This agreement helps clarify each person’s rights and obligations, reducing misunderstandings down the road. For more, review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting to ensure your living arrangement meets New Brunswick standards.

Legal Considerations: New Brunswick Law and Tenancy Agreements

In New Brunswick, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal oversees residential rental issues and enforces the Residential Tenancies Act¹. Roommate agreements are not covered under this Act, but the rental lease signed with your landlord is. Make sure to clarify:

• Who is listed on the official lease and responsible to the landlord.
• How joint and individual responsibilities to the landlord are divided.

Remember, if you and your roommates are all co-tenants on the lease, you are each liable for the full rent. If only one person is on the lease, that tenant is legally responsible for payments to the landlord—and may have to collect money from the others themselves.

Official Forms and Helpful Action Steps

While there is no mandatory government roommate agreement form in New Brunswick, the Tribunal provides important tenancy forms:

• Notice of Termination (Form RT 1215-1E): Used to give proper notice when moving out. For example, if your lease is ending and you plan to move, use this form to notify your landlord in writing.

Roommates should also prepare their own detailed written agreement and have all parties sign and date it. It’s wise to keep digital copies and share them by email so everyone can access the document anytime.

Practical Example: Settling Rent or Bill Issues

If one roommate misses a payment or refuses to contribute their share, the others should first discuss the matter politely as outlined in the agreement. If it can't be resolved, you may need to seek legal advice or utilize small claims court if significant money is owed.

For more detailed rules about tenant and landlord relationships in the province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Tips for Preventing Common Roommate Disputes

• Hold occasional house meetings to check in on shared responsibilities and concerns.
• Document any significant rule changes or agreements in writing and share with all roommates.
• Establish clear written steps for how someone can move out or be replaced.
• If one roommate wants to bring in someone new, require agreement from all parties before changing the arrangement.

Moving In and Settling as Roommates

When moving into a new rental, inspect the unit together and document its initial condition. This makes it easier to resolve disputes over damage or deposits later. For step-by-step guidance in this area, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Roommate agreements are private contracts, so take time to ensure everyone’s expectations and commitments are realistic and clearly stated.

If you’re still looking for the perfect apartment or house to share, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—helping you and your roommates discover comfortable and affordable options.

FAQ: Creating and Managing Roommate Agreements in New Brunswick

1. Are roommate agreements in New Brunswick legally binding?
   Roommate agreements are considered private contracts between the parties involved. While not enforceable by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, they can be upheld in small claims court under contract law if signed by all roommates.
2. What happens if a roommate moves out early?
   If a roommate leaves before the end of the lease, the remaining tenants may be fully responsible for the complete rent unless another arrangement is made with the landlord. Update your roommate agreement and notify your landlord using official forms if needed.
3. Must every roommate be on the main lease?
   Not necessarily. However, only those who sign the lease are responsible to the landlord. Consider the pros and cons and record this clearly in your agreement.
4. How can disagreements among roommates be resolved?
   Start with civil discussion as outlined in your agreement. If no resolution is found, mediation or small claims court may be options for serious disputes.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for New Brunswick Tenants

• A written roommate agreement helps prevent disputes and clarifies everyone’s responsibilities.
• Official tenancy forms, like the Notice of Termination, apply to your relationship with the landlord—not roommate arrangements.
• Consult the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for lease issues and use contract law for roommate disputes if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal: Information, forms, and contact options for tenancy matters
• Government of New Brunswick—Tenant Services: Guides and assistance
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick: Tenants’ rights resources

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) – Full Text
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick

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