Temporary Relocation Rights During Major Repairs NB

Renters facing major repairs in New Brunswick often worry about whether they must leave, who pays for temporary housing, and how repairs affect their tenancy. This guide explains tenant rights and practical steps if relocation is required for safety or habitability reasons. You’ll learn when a landlord can lawfully require temporary relocation, what notices and forms to expect, timelines for return, and how to seek compensation or dispute decisions with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Plain-language examples show how to document costs, keep your lease protections intact, and where to get official forms and help. Use this information to make informed choices and to protect your rights as a tenant in New Brunswick during major repairs.

When major repairs require relocation

Major repairs that affect safety or basic habitability — such as severe water damage, major electrical upgrades, or structural work that prevents safe use of the unit — can justify a temporary relocation. The rules in New Brunswick set out when a landlord can require you to move, what notice they must give, and whether the landlord must cover costs. For legal definitions and provincial requirements, review the applicable Residential Tenancies legislation and tribunal guidance.^[1]

• Repairs that make a unit unsafe or unusable typically justify temporary relocation.
• Within reasonable time the landlord must provide a written timeline for the work, including expected return date.
• Provide a clear written notice before asking tenants to move, stating the reason and expected duration.
• Compensation or reimbursement may be required for reasonable relocation or storage costs depending on the situation.

Tenant protections and practical steps

If you are told to relocate, follow these steps to protect your rights and limits on expense exposure.

• Document the condition that led to relocation with photos, dates and short notes about impact on habitability.
• Ask for written notice and a schedule for repairs; if the landlord does not provide clear information, request it in writing.
• Keep receipts for hotel, short-term rentals, movers or storage you pay for and send copies to your landlord when asking for reimbursement.
• Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you cannot agree on compensation, timelines, or return conditions.^[2]

If repairs are urgent and life-safety related, you may be able to move immediately; in non-urgent cases a landlord must still follow proper notice procedures. For guidance on health and habitability concerns that commonly trigger relocations, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Notices, forms and official steps

You may see formal documents from a landlord or the tribunal. Common items include:

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (form to start a dispute resolution process) — use when you and the landlord cannot agree about relocation, compensation or return timing.^[3]
• Written notice of temporary relocation from the landlord — describes reason, expected start and end dates, and any offered compensation.
• Receipts, photos and copies of communications — use these as evidence if you need the tribunal.

Finding temporary housing during repairs

Talk to your landlord about reasonable alternatives and whether they will arrange or pay for short-term housing. If you need to look for temporary rental options on your own, consider options that protect your lease: short-term sublets with written agreements, or a nearby furnished unit for the repair period. For help locating rentals during your move, you can Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

If the repairs are part of an emergency or involve health risks, also see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for immediate steps and safety priorities.

FAQ

Do I have to move out if my unit needs major repairs?

Not always; a landlord can only require relocation when repairs make the unit unsafe or unusable. If relocation is required, the landlord must provide written notice explaining the reason and expected timeline.^[1]

Who pays for temporary housing and moving costs?

Who pays depends on the circumstance. If the relocation is necessary due to landlord-required work that affects habitability, the landlord may be required to compensate reasonable expenses; otherwise you may need to negotiate or apply to the tribunal for a decision.^[2]

How do I challenge a relocation or get reimbursements?

First try to resolve the issue directly with your landlord in writing. If that fails, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and attach your documentation and receipts.^[3]

How-To

1. Document the problem with photos, dates and a short written log to describe how habitability is affected.
2. Ask the landlord for written notice that explains the repair, expected start and end dates, and any offers for temporary housing.
3. Save all receipts for accommodation, movers and storage and send copies to your landlord when requesting reimbursement.
4. Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or tenant advice services if you cannot reach an agreement.
5. File any necessary tribunal application within the time limits shown on the tribunal website to preserve your right to a hearing.
6. Keep a clear folder with all notices, photos and receipts until the issue is fully resolved.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick)
• Government of New Brunswick: Residential Tenancies information and forms

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act and provincial guidance (New Brunswick)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick)
3. [3] Official forms and application information (New Brunswick)