Smart Locks in Rentals: New Brunswick Tenant Rights

Smart locks are becoming increasingly common in Canadian rentals, helping tenants and landlords manage access securely and remotely. If you’re renting in New Brunswick, it’s important to know how smart locks affect your privacy, what laws apply, and who controls the keys or codes. This guide covers your rights, landlord responsibilities, and what to do if you have concerns about entry or privacy in your rental home.

Tenant and Landlord Rights: Who Controls Access?

Smart locks can offer convenience and security, but they also raise questions about who holds access, how landlord entry is handled, and what to do if codes are changed. In New Brunswick, both tenants and landlords have specific rights under the Residential Tenancies Act¹.

• Tenants have a right to reasonable privacy and secure enjoyment of their home.
• Landlords have a right to enter the rental unit for reasons like repairs, inspections, or emergencies, but they must follow strict notice rules.

Any system, such as a smart lock, must not unfairly limit either party’s legal rights.

Installing or Replacing Locks: What’s Allowed?

If your rental is equipped with a smart lock, or you wish to add one, New Brunswick law requires that:

• Neither party can change the locks (traditional or smart) without the other’s consent, except by Order from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick.
• Both you and your landlord must have access. For smart locks, this usually means sharing the code or a digital “key”.
• Changes to locks or access methods should be documented in writing between tenant and landlord.

For full details on tenant and landlord rights in New Brunswick, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Rules About Landlord Entry with Smart Locks

Even with smart locks in place, your landlord must follow entry rules set by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and the Residential Tenancies Act:

• 24-Hour Written Notice: Except in emergencies, your landlord must give 24 hours’ written notice before entering for repairs, inspection, or showing the apartment.
• Emergencies: No notice is required for emergencies (like flooding or fire).
• Entry Time: Landlord can only enter between 8am and 8pm, unless otherwise agreed.

If your landlord uses a smart lock or digital key to enter, all standard notice requirements and privacy protections still apply.

Consent, Communication, and Best Practices

It's a good idea to document all agreements about lock codes, app access, or changes—especially if more than one person controls the smart lock. If disagreements arise, keep written records of your communication.

For more on a successful move, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Forms and Official Steps: Changing Locks or Reporting Entry Concerns

In some situations, such as disputes over lock changes or unauthorized entry with a smart lock, you may need to use official forms or seek help from the Tribunal:

• Application for Assistance (Form RTB-9): Use this form if you believe the landlord has changed the locks without consent, refuses to provide access, or enters without proper notice. Access the official RTB-9 Form.
  • Example: You move in and the landlord won’t give you the new smart lock code. You complete Form RTB-9 to request an order for access or to resolve the dispute.
• Standard Notice of Entry: Landlords must use written notice for non-emergency entry. You can request a copy for your records.

Always keep a copy of any forms sent or received and note important dates.

Security and Technology: Tenant Tips

• Choose smart locks with strong security and unique codes for every tenant.
• Reset or update smart lock codes and app permissions when you move in or out.
• Do not share smart lock access with people you do not trust.
• Report any unauthorized entry immediately to your landlord and document it.

If you’re looking for your next home, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—a great way to browse safe and secure rentals nationwide.

FAQ: Smart Locks and Privacy in New Brunswick Rentals

1. Can my landlord install a smart lock without my consent?
   Generally, the landlord cannot change or install locks (including smart locks) during your tenancy without your agreement. Any lock change should be discussed and agreed to in writing according to provincial law.
2. Who should have the smart lock code or access?
   Both the tenant and landlord are entitled to access (except in very limited situations, like a Tribunal Order). This means both should know the code or have a digital key. If the code changes, each party should be notified.
3. What if my landlord enters my home without notice because of a smart lock?
   All entry—whether with a smart lock or traditional key—must comply with the 24-hour written notice rule except in emergencies. If this is violated, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and submit Form RTB-9 for assistance.
4. Can I change the smart lock code myself?
   You should only do so with your landlord’s consent or if you have written permission. Otherwise, changing codes without agreement may be a violation of your rental agreement.
5. How can I protect my privacy with smart locks?
   Use unique codes, limit sharing, reset codes when moving, and keep written records of agreements regarding access.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for New Brunswick Tenants

• Smart locks do not change your fundamental rights to privacy and reasonable enjoyment of your home.
• Both tenants and landlords must agree to any lock change and both must have access unless the Tribunal orders otherwise.
• If you have concerns about entry or lock changes, use official forms and contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for help.

Understanding your rights when it comes to smart locks and entry is the best way to protect your privacy and resolve disputes quickly.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – Official body for disputes, forms, and information.
• New Brunswick Rental Forms – Download official forms, including Application for Assistance (RTB-9).
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick – Detailed facts about renting in the province.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – Government of New Brunswick

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