Short-Term Rentals vs Leases in New Brunswick

Renters in New Brunswick often face a choice between short-term rentals and month-to-month or fixed-term leases. Understanding how each option affects your rights, responsibilities, and protections is key to staying secure and avoiding surprises. This guide explains the practical differences for tenants, including how habitability, deposits, notice periods, and dispute options typically work in New Brunswick. It also outlines the official forms and tribunal contacts to use if problems arise and shows simple steps you can take to document issues, request repairs, and protect your security deposit. Whether you are moving into a temporary short-term rental or signing a longer lease, these clear, tenant-focused tips will help you make informed decisions and assert your rights.

Short-term rentals vs leases: key differences

Short-term rentals (days to weeks) are often treated like temporary lodging, while leases give tenants statutory protections under provincial tenancy law. In New Brunswick, tenants in a lease have clearer notice rules, eviction protections, and formal dispute routes through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal ^[1]. Short-term hosts may still need to follow health and safety standards, but enforcement and timelines can differ from those under a formal lease.

Legal status and tenant protections

Leases—whether fixed-term or periodic—are governed by provincial tenancy legislation and usually offer stronger processes for resolving disputes. For province-specific summaries see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick. Short-term rentals may fall under different consumer, municipal, or tourism rules depending on the municipality, so confirm local bylaws and platform terms before booking or renting.

Deposits and payments

Security deposits, damage deposits, and payment methods can be treated differently depending on whether you have a lease or a short-term arrangement. Keep receipts for every payment and ask for written terms about how deposits are handled.

• Ask for a signed receipt for any deposit or rent payment and keep a copy.
• Confirm in writing when and how a deposit will be returned and what deductions are permitted.
• If you have questions about deposits on a lease, read Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Notices, entry, and duration

Leases define rental periods and legal notice requirements for ending a tenancy; short-term rentals usually have booking terms with cancellation windows. For leases, landlords generally must give specific notice periods before entering or ending the tenancy—keep written records of all notices and when they were delivered. If a landlord tries to force you out without following the law, you may have grounds to apply to the tribunal ^[1].

Repairs and habitability

Regardless of rental length, tenants are entitled to a safe and livable space. For lease tenants, there are clearer timelines and remedies for repairs; for short-term stays, the remedies may be limited to platform dispute processes or consumer protection rules.

• Report repair issues in writing and keep copies of messages and dates.
• If urgent hazards arise, call emergency services if needed and notify the landlord immediately.
• Document damage with photos or video and store backups.

When to file with the tribunal and official forms

If informal attempts to resolve an issue fail, lease tenants can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for hearings and orders. Below are common official forms and how tenants use them in practice.

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Form RT-1) — Used to start a dispute over unpaid rent, illegal entry, or unaddressed repairs. Example: you submit Form RT-1 after the landlord fails to fix heating for two weeks and does not respond to written repair requests ^[3].
• Notice to End Tenancy (Form N-1 or municipal equivalent) — Used when a landlord or tenant serves formal notice to end a lease for reasons allowed under the legislation. Example: a tenant receives a written notice alleging repeated non-payment and uses the notice to check deadlines and options ^[2].
• Evidence Submission or Hearing Documents (Form E-1) — Used to provide photos, receipts, and witness statements before a tribunal hearing. Example: attach dated photos and receipts to show unpaid repairs or damage disputes ^[3].

FAQ

Can a short-term rental host evict me the same way as a landlord?

Short-term hosts usually follow booking and platform rules; they do not always have the same eviction procedures as a landlord under lease law, so check the booking terms and local bylaws and keep records of communications.

How long does a landlord have to make repairs after I report a problem?

Timelines vary by the urgency of the repair and local rules; report problems in writing, allow a reasonable time for response, and document dates—if the landlord does not act, you may apply to the tribunal for an order.

What happens to my security deposit when I move out?

If you have a formal lease, the landlord must follow provincial rules about deposit returns and provide an itemized list of deductions; keep evidence of the unit condition to challenge unfair deductions.

How-To

1. Document the issue with dated photos, messages, and receipts so you have clear evidence for a discussion or hearing.
2. Contact the landlord or host in writing explaining the problem and requested fix, and keep copies of your messages.
3. If the issue is unresolved, complete and file the appropriate tribunal application form following the Residential Tenancies Tribunal instructions ^[1].
4. Attend the hearing with organized evidence and a clear timeline; follow tribunal directions and keep notes of the outcome.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
• Residential Tenancies Act - Government of New Brunswick
• Official tribunal forms and filing instructions - Government of New Brunswick

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act - Government of New Brunswick
3. [3] Official tribunal forms and filing instructions - Government of New Brunswick

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