Credit checks are a common part of the rental screening process, but tenants in New Brunswick have privacy rights and practical steps they can take if a check affects their housing options. This guide explains what landlords commonly request, when you must give consent, how information can be used, and what official forms and tribunals can help resolve disputes in New Brunswick. It is written for renters who want clear, practical advice about protecting their personal information and responding if a credit report influences a decision about your application or tenancy.
How credit checks are used by landlords
Landlords may ask for references, employment verification, and a credit check to assess an applicant's ability to pay rent. In most cases you must consent before a landlord obtains a consumer credit report. If you refuse, a landlord can lawfully choose another applicant, but they cannot use personal information in ways that violate privacy laws or discriminate under provincial human rights rules.
What landlords can — and cannot — do in New Brunswick
- Request a consumer credit report or ask that you provide a recent report from a credit bureau.
- Charge an application fee only where allowed by law or where the fee is disclosed and reasonable.
- Check employment and references to verify income and rental history.
- Use personal information only for the purpose of assessing tenancy and not for unrelated profiling or marketing.
- Make tenancy decisions based on protected characteristics (race, religion, family status, disability) — such discrimination is prohibited.
Tenant privacy rights and consent
In New Brunswick, consumer privacy obligations come from federal and provincial privacy laws and fair-tenancy principles. Before a landlord obtains your credit report, they should explain why they need it and get your consent. You can ask where the report comes from, what it contains, and request corrections to inaccuracies. Keep written records of consent and any disclosures.
Official tribunal and legislation
If you have a dispute about how a credit check was used or feel your privacy was breached, you can apply to the provincial tribunal that handles residential tenancy disputes[1]. The primary legislation governing landlord and tenant issues in the province is the Residential Tenancies Act[2], which sets out rights, obligations, and remedies for both parties.
Practical steps and official forms
When a credit check affects your application or tenancy, follow clear steps and use the official forms where appropriate.
- Ask the landlord for the reason in writing and request a copy of the credit report they used.
- Use an official application or complaint form when applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal; the tribunal accepts formal applications for disputes about deposits, privacy breaches, and tenancy decisions[3].
- Contact a government tenant information line or a community legal clinic for help if you suspect discrimination or an improper use of your information.
How to correct errors on a credit report
If a credit report contains mistakes, contact the credit bureau that issued the report and the information provider (for example, a past landlord or creditor). Ask for a correction in writing and keep copies of your communications. If the error is not corrected, you can include a statement of dispute on the file and bring the issue to the attention of the tribunal or a consumer protection office.
FAQ
- Can a landlord run a credit check without my permission?
- No. A landlord should get your consent before requesting a consumer credit report; refusing consent may affect your application but you are protected against unauthorized disclosure of your credit information.
- What if a credit check leads to my application being denied?
- You can ask for a copy of the report, challenge inaccuracies with the credit bureau, and consider filing an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you suspect improper use or discrimination.
- Are there official forms I should use to file a complaint?
- Yes. Use the tribunal's application forms to start a dispute about tenancy matters, and look for consumer dispute forms with the credit bureau for errors on your report.
How-To
- Get a copy of the credit report the landlord used and read it carefully for errors.
- Contact the credit bureau to dispute inaccuracies and request a correction or a note on your file.
- Gather evidence (payment records, references, communications) to support your dispute.
- Contact tenant services or a legal clinic for advice and, if needed, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using the official form.
Key Takeaways
- Ask for written consent before a credit check and keep a copy.
- Request and review the credit report and challenge errors promptly.
- Use official tribunal forms and seek help from tenant services if disputes cannot be resolved directly.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act (official provincial legislation)
- Forms and how to apply to the tribunal - Service New Brunswick
