Student Housing Lease Rules in New Brunswick: Key Tenant Tips

Are you a student renting in New Brunswick? Knowing your rights and responsibilities under local tenancy rules is vital to having a safe, hassle-free rental experience. Student housing in New Brunswick comes with its own unique features and risks: from short-term leases to special rules around deposits, rent, and maintenance. This guide breaks down the essentials, so you can move in and out with confidence.

Who Oversees Student Housing Rentals in New Brunswick?

All student rentals, whether off-campus apartments or university-managed housing, fall under the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. This tribunal enforces the Residential Tenancies Act, which sets out the legal rights and responsibilities for tenants and landlords across the province.^[1]

For general rules on tenant rights in the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

What Makes Student Leases Different?

Student rental agreements can be short-term (covering the school year), furnished, and may be offered individually (renting a room rather than a full apartment). Key things to watch for:

• Lease term: Many student rentals use fixed-term leases, but your rights are similar to those of any tenant.
• Deposits: New Brunswick law limits security deposit amounts (see section below).
• Subletting: Some leases let you sublet your room—read your agreement closely.
• Eviction rules: Even in student housing, regular eviction protections apply.

Security Deposits and Fees

New Brunswick restricts the amount and use of security deposits. As a student, never pay "key fees" or "damage deposits" beyond what the law allows. Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know covers the basics for all NB tenants:

• The maximum security deposit is one week's rent for week-to-week tenancies, or one month's rent for month-to-month or fixed-term leases.
• Your deposit must be held in trust by the landlord/tribunal and returned with interest if you meet all move-out conditions.
• You must receive a written receipt for your deposit.

When moving out, follow inspection and notice rules to ensure your deposit is returned.

Key Terms in Student Leases

Always review these parts of your agreement:

• Term Length: Most student leases are fixed-term (e.g., 8 or 12 months). You must pay rent until your end date, unless the landlord agrees to early termination.
• Utilities: Note who is responsible for power, internet, or heating.
• Furnishings: Ask for an inventory if furniture is included. Take photos during move-in.

Review all terms before signing. If in doubt, contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for clarification.

Essential Forms for New Brunswick Student Tenants

New Brunswick provides official forms to help tenants and landlords resolve issues. When renting student housing, you may need:

• Application for Assistance (Form available here): Use this form to ask the Tribunal to resolve a dispute (for example, if your landlord withholds your deposit or doesn't do repairs). Submit it by mail, email, or in person with supporting documents.
  Example: You moved out on time, but your deposit hasn’t been returned after 7 days. Use this form to request intervention.
• Notice of Termination (multiple forms depending on notice type, available here): Use to end your lease legally (e.g., at term end or for cause).

Always keep copies of completed forms and submit them as per the tribunal's instructions. For more tenant checklists and next steps, read What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Repairs, Maintenance, and Safety in Student Housing

Your landlord must ensure the rental unit meets health and safety standards, including plumbing, heating, and pest control. For common issues and ways to respond, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

• Landlords must fix serious problems as soon as possible.
• Put repair requests in writing and keep records.
• Report unresolved health or safety issues to the tribunal.

Proper maintenance creates a safe environment for all tenants and can prevent disputes about damage at move-out.

Rent Payments and Increases

Pay rent on time by the method stated in your lease. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months for existing tenants and requires proper written notice. The Tribunal's website offers details and sample forms. Ask for receipts for every payment.

For a wide range of student rentals and tips on finding the right apartment for your needs, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Ending Your Lease and Moving Out

Many student leases coincide with the academic year. If you wish to end your lease early (for instance, due to dropping out or relocating), you must typically:

• Provide written notice, using the correct form, as soon as possible
• Leave the unit clean and in good condition
• Arrange a final inspection with your landlord

Failing to provide proper notice or leaving before your term ends may mean losing your deposit or owing extra rent. Plan ahead and communicate in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

FAQ: Student Housing Lease Rules in New Brunswick

1. Can a landlord keep my deposit for damages in student housing?
   Landlords can deduct for actual damages or unpaid rent beyond normal wear and tear. They must return your deposit within 7 days of move-out, minus any deductions and provide a written explanation if they keep part of it.
2. How much notice do I need to give to end my student lease?
   This depends on your lease type. For a fixed-term lease, you generally do not need to give notice at the end of the term, but you must leave on the end date. For month-to-month, one full month's written notice is required.
3. Does my landlord have to make repairs in student rentals?
   Yes. Landlords are required by law to keep the unit safe, clean, and in good repair. You can request repairs in writing and seek help from the Tribunal if they are not addressed.
4. Can I sublet my student room while away for the summer?
   Many student leases allow subletting, but you need landlord permission in writing. Review your lease terms and inform your landlord before subletting.
5. Are there special eviction rules for student housing?
   No. Student tenants have the same eviction protections as any tenant in New Brunswick. The landlord must follow legal notice procedures and reasons as set out in the Residential Tenancies Act.

Conclusion: What Student Tenants Should Remember

Getting familiar with lease rules and tenant rights early helps students avoid housing hassles. Key takeaways:

• Read your lease carefully and understand your notice and deposit rights
• Use official forms for repairs, complaints, or to end your lease
• Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for guidance on any housing dispute

Learn more about your rights by visiting Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – Forms, guides, and contact info
• Residential Tenancies Act (official legislation)
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick – Free legal info for tenants
• Your university or college's housing office – Help with conflicts, resources, and off-campus housing lists

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

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