Tenant Alterations and Lease Terms in New Brunswick

Renters in New Brunswick often want to make small changes — hanging shelves, painting walls, or installing a simple lock — but lease terms and provincial rules determine what you can do. This guide explains how tenant alterations are commonly handled, what lease clauses to watch for, how to ask for permission, and what to do if a landlord refuses. It covers tenant responsibilities for repairs and restoring the unit, when written consent is required, and practical steps to document requests and disputes. Use this to prepare a clear request, understand relevant forms, and learn how the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and provincial rules affect your options as a tenant in New Brunswick.

Can I alter my rental unit?

Many minor, non-structural changes are allowed if your lease and landlord agree. Always check your written lease first and follow any required process for permission.

• Check your lease for an alterations clause and any conditions about colours, fixtures or permanent changes.
• Contact your landlord in writing to request permission, describing the work and timeline.
• Include photos, measurements and a short plan so the landlord understands the scope.
• Avoid major structural changes, electrical or plumbing work unless you have explicit, written consent and qualified contractors.

Typical lease clauses to watch

Leases often include specific language about alterations, fixtures, and restoring the unit at the end of tenancy. Read these clauses so you know when permission is automatic, when it must be requested in writing, and what you must restore.

• Clauses requiring written landlord permission before altering walls, fixtures, or locks.
• Statements on who pays for repairs caused by alterations and whether the tenant must restore the unit.
• End-of-tenancy restoration requirements, such as returning to original paint or removing added shelving.
• Any rules tied to safety, building code, or insurance that restrict certain upgrades.

If you need help interpreting a clause, consider comparing the lease language with official tenant guidance and with information about landlord and tenant duties, for example Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If a landlord refuses or sets conditions

When a landlord denies a request or attaches conditions, take steps to keep your rights and document the issue.

• Discuss alternatives (temporary, removable fixtures) and ask for written reasons if permission is denied.
• Keep evidence: dated emails, photos of the unit before changes, and any quotes from contractors.
• If negotiations fail, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to resolve disputes about permission or conditions.^[1]

Official forms and when to use them

New Brunswick provides forms and a tribunal process for tenancy disputes. Common tenant-focused filings include:

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal — used when a landlord and tenant cannot agree about permission, repairs, or conditions; for example, if a landlord refuses reasonable, non-structural alterations and you want a tribunal decision.^[1]
• Notice to Remedy or Notice to Terminate (as applicable) — landlords may use these forms to demand fixes; tenants should document any reply and can seek tribunal help if they believe a notice is retaliatory.^[2]
• Evidence packages (photos, receipts, communications) — compile these when you apply to the tribunal to show the scope of the requested change and any attempts to obtain consent.^[3]

For a clear snapshot of tenant rights in this province, see the provincial facts page for New Brunswick and legislation referenced below; you can also compare duties and remedies with general province-wide guidance such as Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

FAQ

Do I always need written permission to paint or hang shelves?

Not always, but many leases require written permission for changes that affect paint, fixtures or structure; get consent in writing to avoid disputes.

What if my landlord says I must restore the unit when I move out?

If your lease requires restoration, you may need to return the unit to its original condition or pay reasonable costs; keep receipts and photos to contest unfair charges.

Where do I file a complaint if a landlord unlawfully refuses reasonable alterations?

You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for a decision; include your written requests and evidence of the proposed alteration.

How-To

1. Write a concise request describing the alteration, who will do the work, expected dates, and any contractors involved.
2. Attach photos and measurements that show the current condition and the planned change.
3. Give the landlord a reasonable amount of time to respond, for example 7–14 days depending on the scope.
4. Keep a copy of your request and any replies; log calls with date, time and a short note of what was said.
5. If refused and you believe the refusal is unreasonable, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with your evidence and request a decision.
6. Follow any tribunal order or negotiated condition and avoid carrying out prohibited structural work without explicit approval.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
• Residential tenancies information - Service New Brunswick
• Housing and tenancy resources - Government of New Brunswick

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
2. [2] Residential tenancies information - Service New Brunswick
3. [3] Housing and tenancy resources - Government of New Brunswick

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