Safety and Security for Tenants in New Brunswick

Safety & Security New Brunswick 2 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of New Brunswick

Living safely and securely in a rental property is a priority for every tenant in New Brunswick. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you address any challenges that arise. Here, we answer common questions about tenant safety and security.

Fact: Landlords must provide functioning smoke detectors and secure entry features. If any are missing or not working, document the issue with photos and write to your landlord to request repairs; if not fixed promptly, you can seek help from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

What Are My Rights Regarding Safety and Security?

Tenants in New Brunswick have the right to a safe and secure living environment. This includes ensuring that the rental property meets basic safety standards, such as proper locks and functioning smoke detectors.

Health and Safety Standards

Landlords must adhere to health and safety regulations. If a property does not meet these standards, tenants can refer to Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for a detailed overview of their rights and actions they can take.

Tip: Keep a dated log of safety issues, take photos, and request written confirmations of repairs or safety upgrades from the landlord. This helps when you later reference the issue with the landlord or Tribunal.
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How Can I Address Safety Concerns?

  • Document any safety issues, like broken locks or poor lighting.
  • Notify the landlord in writing about these issues, referencing the Tenancies Act if necessary.
  • If unresolved, tenants can contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
Tip: Keep a dated log of issues and responses, circulate updates in writing to the landlord, and preserve copies for 6–12 months. If there’s no resolution, you can file with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Who Is Responsible for Security Measures?

The responsibility for security measures can vary. Generally, landlords must ensure the property is initially secure, but tenants must also take reasonable care to maintain that security.

Insight: Security responsibilities can vary by lease and property age. Check your lease for who must repair doors, locks, and lighting, and consult the Emergency Situations and Repairs page for specifics on “significant security concerns.”

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What should I do if there is no smoke detector in my rental unit? Notify your landlord immediately, as having a functioning smoke detector is legally required.
  2. Can I change the locks on my rental unit? You need the landlord's permission to change locks unless it’s an emergency situation.
  3. What recourse do I have if my landlord doesn't address safety issues? You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for resolution.
Fact: If safety concerns persist, you have a right to seek a formal decision from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

For further assistance, tenants can contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal in New Brunswick. For more information regarding tenant rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

If you're looking for rental properties, explore Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

1. New Brunswick Residential Tenancy Act: [link to legislation]

2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal: [link to official site]

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Marie Dubois
Marie Dubois

Bilingual Housing Rights Advisor, Tenant Rights Canada

Marie covers tenant rights across Quebec and the Atlantic provinces in both English and French. With a background in Quebec civil law and residential tenancy, she is a trusted voice on the Tribunal administratif du logement process and francophone tenant rights.

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