Splitting Rent and Deposits With Roommates in New Brunswick

Living with roommates in New Brunswick can make renting more affordable, but it comes with important responsibilities—especially when it comes to splitting rent and deposits. Understanding your rights and obligations will help you avoid disputes and ensure a smooth tenancy.

How Rental Agreements Work With Roommates in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, rental laws apply equally to shared rentals, but the way you and your roommates sign your lease has practical consequences:

• Each tenant's name should be on the lease (the Standard Form of Lease), making each person equally responsible for rent and damages.
• If only one roommate signs, that person is legally responsible for the whole rent and security deposit.

In New Brunswick, the official authority for residential tenancies is the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Tenancy rules are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)^[1].

Splitting Rent With Roommates: Your Rights and Practical Steps

Splitting rent can seem straightforward, but it’s important to know how New Brunswick law treats your agreement:

• All tenants named on the lease are jointly and severally liable. If one roommate fails to pay, the landlord can require the others to cover the shortfall.
• The lease should specify the total rent, but doesn’t require the landlord to recognize individual shares. You and your roommates must agree on each person's portion.
• Rent is usually collected as one payment per month. Decide who will send the payment to the landlord and keep clear records.

For more detailed tips about making rent payments and your best practices, read Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Understanding Deposits in Shared Rentals

In New Brunswick, landlords can collect a security deposit that is no more than one month's rent. This deposit is held in trust by the landlord and regulated under provincial law.

• The security deposit is for the whole unit, not per individual. Roommates usually combine their shares to make the payment.
• On move out, the landlord returns the deposit (plus interest) to the group—not individuals. Roommates are responsible for dividing it based on any prior arrangement.
• If one roommate causes damage, the landlord may deduct from the deposit, affecting everyone’s share.

See Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for more on deposit rules in New Brunswick.

Move-In and Move-Out Forms: Protect Your Share

Before moving in, it's important to complete a condition inspection with your landlord. This helps avoid disputes about damages when moving out.

• Condition Report (Form 1): Used by tenants and landlords to note the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out. Access the Condition Report (Form 1). Each roommate should sign, if named on the lease.

At the end of your tenancy, you may file a Security Deposit Claim (Form 3) if you believe the landlord has unfairly withheld your deposit. Access Security Deposit Claim (Form 3) and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Use this if there is a dispute about how the deposit should be returned among roommates.

What Happens When a Roommate Moves Out?

Roommate changes can complicate shared arrangements:

• Unless the landlord agrees to update the lease, original tenants remain liable until the lease officially ends.
• If a roommate wants to leave, try to reach a written agreement with all roommates on how to handle their share of the deposit and any rent owing.
• Notify your landlord in writing and complete a new lease if someone is to be removed or added. Use a new Standard Form of Lease for updates.

Common Challenges: Disagreements, Damages, and Payments

Roommates disputes are unfortunately common when it comes to sharing expenses or damages. To resolve issues:

• Keep written records of all payments and communications.
• Use a fair process for splitting the deposit upon move out (consider prorating according to each person's stay if not all tenants leave together).
• Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if disputes cannot be resolved within the group.

For information about common rental challenges and how tenants can address them, visit Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Where to Find Official Forms and Tenant Support

All tenancy forms mentioned are available directly from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal website. You’ll need these if you want to update your lease, protect your deposit, or settle disputes.

Summary: Roommate Rentals in New Brunswick

Roommate situations can save money, but require cooperation and an understanding of the rules. These key points will guide your shared rental experience:

• All names should appear on the lease for shared legal protection.
• The deposit and rent are for the entire unit. Organize fair splits and keep thorough records.
• Know your rights by reading up on Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

For more choices and helpful tips, Explore rental homes in your area.

FAQ: Splitting Rent and Deposits With Roommates in New Brunswick

1. Who gets the security deposit back when we move out?
   The landlord returns the deposit in full to the people on the lease; it’s up to roommates to divide it according to their agreement.
2. Can a landlord collect separate deposits from each roommate?
   No. In New Brunswick, a landlord can only collect one security deposit per rental unit, regardless of the number of tenants.
3. What if one roommate doesn’t pay their share of the rent?
   All tenants who have signed the lease are equally responsible for the full rent. If a roommate doesn’t pay, the others may have to make up the difference.
4. What happens if a roommate moves out before the lease ends?
   They remain responsible under the lease unless the landlord agrees in writing to remove them. Consider updating your lease with the landlord.
5. Can the landlord refuse to add a new roommate?
   Yes, the landlord must approve any changes to the official lease. Always get permission before adding or replacing a roommate.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick) – Official authority for rental disputes, forms, and deposit claims.
• New Brunswick Rental Housing Program – Information, forms, and tenant help.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal

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