Smart Home Devices in New Brunswick Rentals: Tenant Rights Guide

Smart home technology is increasingly common in New Brunswick rental properties, from Wi-Fi security cameras to smart locks and thermostats. For tenants, understanding how these devices fit within your privacy rights and your landlord’s obligations is essential for a safe and respectful rental experience. This article explains the rules around smart home devices, including your privacy protections under New Brunswick tenancy law, landlord entry rights, and what to do if concerns arise.

Key Privacy Considerations for Smart Home Devices

Smart devices—like connected doorbells, thermostats, and cameras—can benefit security and convenience, but they can also raise important privacy and consent concerns for tenants.

• Landlord-Owned Devices: If your landlord has installed smart devices (such as security cameras in common areas), these must never be used to record inside your private living space.
• Tenant-Owned Devices: You may generally install your own smart devices (like a smart lock or camera facing your unit door), provided you don’t damage the property or violate the lease.
• Consent and Notification: Landlords must inform you of any monitoring devices on the premises at the time of leasing. Secret surveillance inside rental units is not allowed.

These rules are supported by the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick and Canada’s federal privacy laws.^[1]

Landlord Entry and Smart Home Technology

Landlords may need to access areas where smart devices are installed, either for repairs or to show the property. In New Brunswick, the rules for entry are:

• At least 24 hours’ written notice for non-emergency entry (including to inspect or repair smart home devices).
• Entry must occur between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. unless you agree otherwise.
• Immediate entry is allowed only for emergencies, such as a fire or urgent water leak.

Tenants have the right to privacy and control over their home environment, even where smart technology is present.

What About Smart Locks and Access Codes?

If your rental uses a smart lock or keypad, you are generally expected to provide the landlord with access, as required by the Residential Tenancies Act. However, landlords cannot enter without proper notice except in emergencies. Be aware that changing locks (including digital ones) often requires the landlord's permission. Details like these should be discussed before move-in, and written into your lease for clarity.

Using Your Own Smart Devices: What Tenants Should Know

Installing your own smart cameras or sensors can improve security, but certain best practices and rules apply:

• Get written landlord permission before wiring or drilling hardware into walls.
• Do not install cameras in shared or common areas without all occupants’ consent.
• Ensure your devices do not invade others’ privacy (for example, by recording areas outside your exclusive rental space).
• Be transparent with roommates or guests about any recording or monitoring devices.

If a dispute arises about device use or privacy, you can apply to the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal for guidance.

Your Rights and Responsibilities in a Smart Home Rental

Both tenants and landlords share responsibility for respecting privacy, safety, and lease conditions. It’s a good idea to document all smart devices present at move-in and note any agreed rules around their use. For more information about general rights and responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Smart Device Concerns: Steps to Resolve Issues

If you feel your privacy has been compromised or a landlord is misusing smart technology:

• Raise your concerns in writing to your landlord first, outlining the issue and requesting a resolution.
• If the problem is not resolved, you can file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. Use the "Application for Assistance" form available on their official site (Form 1).
• Keep copies of all communications and evidence, like photos or written agreements.

Generally, try to resolve misunderstandings with your landlord before escalating your complaint.

Relevant Official Forms for Tenants

• New Brunswick Application for Assistance (Form 1): Used to request help from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you believe your privacy rights were violated, or you have a dispute involving smart home devices.
  Find it on the tribunal's official forms page. Complete and submit the form with details about your situation and any supporting documentation.

For more support with lease, privacy, or technology concerns after moving in, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Smart Devices and Your Broader Tenant Rights

For a full overview of tenant protections—including privacy, security, and rules around your rental unit—see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Looking for your next rental? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—Canada's trusted rental listings platform.

Frequently Asked Questions about Smart Devices in New Brunswick Rentals

1. Can my landlord install security cameras in my rental unit?
   Landlords cannot install cameras or monitoring devices inside your private living area. Cameras in shared areas or outside the building may be allowed but must be disclosed at the start of tenancy.
2. Do I need my landlord’s approval to install a smart lock?
   Usually, yes. Installing smart locks, or changing any locks, typically requires the landlord’s written consent. Always check your lease and get permission first.
3. What are my rights if my landlord enters my unit using a smart lock?
   Your landlord must follow the 24-hour written notice rule (unless it’s an emergency). Smart locks do not change these entry rights under the Residential Tenancies Act.
4. How can I report a privacy concern about smart devices?
   First, communicate in writing with your landlord. If not resolved, you can submit the Application for Assistance (Form 1) to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, detailing your concerns.
5. Can my landlord monitor internet or smart device activity?
   No. Landlords cannot monitor your personal internet use or activity on your smart home devices unless specifically authorized and consented to in your lease.

Key Takeaways

• Smart home devices must respect a tenant's privacy. Hidden cameras or unauthorized monitoring are never allowed in your private space.
• Landlords need to follow notice requirements before entering your rental, even if using smart locks or keys.
• If a problem arises, begin by communicating clearly. The Residential Tenancies Tribunal can help resolve disputes about smart home technology and privacy.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Information, forms, and dispute resolution
• Residential Tenancies Act - Full Legislation Text
• For support on general tenancy concerns, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, SNB 1975, c R-10.2: read the Residential Tenancies Act
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: official tribunal website
3. New Brunswick rental application and complaint forms: official forms page

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy