An eviction can have a lasting impact for tenants in New Brunswick, especially when it comes to finding a new place to live. Many renters worry that a past eviction may affect their ability to secure future rentals. This article explains whether it is possible to seal or remove an eviction record in New Brunswick, what information landlords can access, and practical steps tenants can take to move forward.
How Eviction Records Work in New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, eviction records are generally created when a landlord successfully applies for a termination (eviction) order with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. This record is maintained by the Tribunal and may also be available through public court records if the eviction is challenged in court.
Are Eviction Records Public?
Eviction decisions made by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal are typically not published online. However, landlords can request information about prior Tribunal decisions directly from the Tribunal if they are considering renting to a new tenant. Some tenant screening services use publicly available court information, but New Brunswick does not have a centralized public eviction database like some other provinces.
Is It Possible to Seal or Remove an Eviction Record?
New Brunswick law does not currently provide a formal process for sealing or expunging eviction records from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Once an order is issued, it remains part of the Tribunal's records. However, these records are not automatically shared with credit bureaus or uploaded to public rental registries.
If your eviction matter went through the regular court system (rather than just the Tribunal), you may want to seek legal advice on whether there are record closure possibilities, but for most residential tenancy cases, this does not apply.
What About Credit Reports?
Evictions may affect your credit report only if the landlord reports an unpaid rental debt to a collection agency. The eviction itself is not automatically sent to credit bureaus in New Brunswick.
What Can Tenants Do After an Eviction?
Even though you can't erase an eviction record, there are important steps you can take after an eviction to protect your future rental opportunities:
- Request a written reference from previous landlords if you maintained a good relationship before the eviction.
- Pay off any outstanding amounts owed to your former landlord to avoid debt collection reports.
- Be upfront and honest when applying for future rentals—explain your situation and what you've done to resolve previous issues.
- Consider attaching supporting documents, such as proof of employment or letters of recommendation, to rental applications.
- Explore new rental opportunities on platforms like Canada's best rental listings platform.
Being proactive and transparent can help you rebuild trust with future landlords, especially after an eviction. For more details on tenants' rights and obligations in New Brunswick, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
Your Rights Under New Brunswick's Tenancy Law
Tenant and landlord relationships in the province are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick. This law outlines the rules for evictions, tenant protections, and landlord obligations.[1]
Eviction decisions and enforcement are handled by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.[2] The Tribunal can answer questions about records, notices, and tenant rights, but currently cannot seal or erase an eviction history.
Official Forms and When to Use Them
- Notice of Termination (Form 6): Used by landlords to officially notify tenants of the end of tenancy. Tenants should read this carefully and act quickly if they want to dispute the notice. Download Form 6 and instructions from the Government of New Brunswick.
- Application(s) to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Form 11): If you wish to dispute an eviction order or raise a related concern, use Form 11 to submit your case. Download Form 11 and see submission guidelines for tenants.
As a practical example, if you receive an eviction notice you disagree with, use Form 11 as soon as possible to formally dispute the action before the Tribunal's deadlines.
Key Takeaway: New Brunswick tenants cannot seal eviction records, but prompt communication, resolution of debts, and positive references can help mitigate the impact of a past eviction.
Related Issues and Moving Forward
After experiencing eviction, New Brunswick tenants often have questions about their rights, next steps, and how to prevent similar issues in the future. For advice on common tenant challenges, including moving out and resolving disputes, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I clear an eviction from my record in New Brunswick?
If your eviction occurred through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, there is no formal process to clear or seal the record. However, Tribunal records are not made public online and are only available upon request to certain parties. - Will an eviction affect my credit score?
Not directly—eviction details are not sent to credit bureaus unless there is unpaid rent or a court judgment resulting in debt collection activity. - What official forms should I use if I want to dispute an eviction?
Use Form 11—Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal—to dispute an eviction notice or order. Submit this form promptly after you receive the notice. - How can I improve my chances of renting again after being evicted?
Be open with prospective landlords, demonstrate stable income, resolve any outstanding debts, and provide positive references from other landlords or employers. - Where can I find more information about tenants’ rights in New Brunswick?
A helpful resource is Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick, which provides an overview of tenant and landlord obligations.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for New Brunswick Tenants
- Eviction records cannot be sealed in New Brunswick, but they are not publicly accessible online.
- Paying outstanding debts and providing references can help you secure future rentals.
- Use the appropriate Tribunal forms if you want to challenge an eviction order, and seek additional support when needed.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – Guidance on evictions, forms, and tenant rights
- Provincial Forms and Applications – Access official Notice of Termination and Tribunal application forms
- Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick – Free tenant support and legal information
- Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings if you’re searching for your next home
