Sharing a rental with roommates can save money, but it can also complicate how security deposits are collected, held and returned. This article explains what tenants in New Brunswick should know about who pays the deposit, whether the landlord can demand separate deposits, how to document payments, and practical steps if deductions are disputed. It covers provincial rules, common arrangements between roommates, and what to do when one person moves out or fails to pay their share. Written for renters and tenants, the guide uses plain language and practical examples so you can protect your money and avoid conflicts with roommates or your landlord.
Who pays the security deposit?
In New Brunswick, landlords usually collect a single security deposit for a rental unit, but how roommates handle who pays that deposit is an internal matter between co-tenants. The lease determines whether roommates are jointly and severally liable for the full deposit and any damages at the end of the tenancy. If your lease lists all roommates as tenants, the landlord can hold each person responsible for the whole amount.
Agreeing how to split and document payments
Before moving in, agree in writing how the deposit is split, who paid what, and what happens if someone leaves early. Use dated receipts, bank transfers, or written acknowledgements so each person has proof of their contribution.
- Decide whether one roommate pays the landlord and others reimburse them or whether you pay the landlord separately.
- Keep copies of receipts, photos of the unit at move‑in, and a shared ledger showing who paid which portion.
- Include a short written roommate agreement that outlines deposit shares and responsibilities.
Practical steps if a roommate owes money
If a roommate fails to pay their share, the paying roommate may need to cover the full amount to the landlord to avoid breach of the lease. That paying roommate can then pursue the owing roommate for reimbursement, using written notices and, if needed, small claims court.
- Talk to the roommate and set a repayment plan in writing.
- Send a written notice outlining the amount owed and a deadline to pay.
- If informal steps fail, consider small claims court to recover money from a former roommate.
Move-out, deductions and returning the deposit
When the tenancy ends, the landlord inspects the unit and may deduct for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. If roommates are jointly responsible, the landlord may apply the entire deposit to the account, leaving roommates to sort out internal claims. Document the condition with photos and share copies with all roommates.
- Do a joint move-out inspection and take dated photos to dispute unfair deductions.
- If the landlord keeps any of the deposit, ask for an itemized list of deductions in writing.
- Request the deposit refund be made payable as agreed in your lease or roommate agreement.
If you plan to replace a departing roommate, make sure any change is documented in writing and the landlord is notified, especially if the lease requires tenant changes to be approved. For more on deposit basics, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know and for moving-out specifics see How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.
Official forms and where to get help
New Brunswick tenants who cannot resolve a dispute with a landlord can apply to the provincial tribunal that handles residential tenancy issues. Typical forms include an application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and notices related to ending a tenancy or requesting repairs. Use the official application form to explain the dispute, attach copy of your lease, receipts, photos, and any written roommate agreement when you file.[1]
FAQ
- Can a landlord demand separate deposits from each roommate?
- No. Landlords commonly accept a single deposit for the unit and rely on the lease; whether they accept separate deposits is up to the landlord and should be written into the agreement.
- What if the landlord returns the deposit to one roommate only?
- That can create an internal dispute; keep your proof of payment and attempt to resolve it with the roommate, then consider small claims or a tribunal application if needed.
- How long do I have to apply to the tribunal after a dispute?
- Deadlines vary by issue; file as soon as possible and use the tribunal application form to preserve your rights.[2]
How-To
- Collect and organize evidence: move-in photos, receipts for deposit payments, and any written roommate agreement.
- Communicate in writing with your landlord and roommates about the deposit and request an itemized deductions list if applicable.
- Attempt to settle the internal roommate debt through a written repayment plan or mediation.
- If you cannot resolve the dispute, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and include your documentation.
- Attend any tribunal hearing prepared and follow the tribunal directions for evidence and timelines.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies information from Service New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
- Tenant information and forms - Government of New Brunswick
