Tenant Duty to Report Crime in NB Rentals

Tenants who rent in New Brunswick sometimes face situations where crime affects their home or neighbours. This guide explains what renters and tenants should do after a suspected crime: when to contact the police, how to document damage or threats, and when to notify a landlord or property manager. It also explains tenant responsibilities under provincial tenancy rules, how to use official forms and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if safety or habitability problems are left unaddressed, and practical tips to protect your rights and tenancy. The language is plain and focused on step-by-step actions that a typical renter can take to stay safe and avoid losing their housing.

What tenants should know

There is a difference between criminal enforcement and tenancy rights. Police handle criminal matters; landlords and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal handle repairs, security and eviction issues. Tenants should prioritise safety, preserve evidence, and follow written procedures so their tenancy rights remain protected.

• Call 911 or your local police immediately if you or others are in danger.
• Preserve evidence: take dated photos, save messages, and write a log of events with times and witnesses.
• Give written notice to your landlord describing any damage, threats, or safety risks and keep a copy for your records.
• If repairs or security changes are needed, request them in writing and ask for a timeline for completion.

Legal responsibilities and tenant protections in New Brunswick

Tenants are not usually criminal investigators — reporting crime to police is the correct first step. However, tenants may also have to notify a landlord if the incident creates a habitability problem (damage, broken locks, threats) or leads to repairs. If a landlord fails to address a safety or habitability issue, a tenant can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for remedies such as orders to repair or compensation^[1]. The provincial legislation that governs tenancy duties and remedies is the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)^[2].

Official forms and when to use them

Use the official application or notice forms when you need tribunal help or to document requests to a landlord. For example, complete the Tribunal application form when you want an order for repairs or compensation after the landlord fails to act. There is an official forms page with the exact application and notice documents you must use^[3].

Practical steps to protect yourself and your tenancy

1. Call police for emergencies and get an incident number or report reference.
2. Document everything: photos, messages, names of witnesses, dates and times.
3. Send a written notice to your landlord describing the problem and the remedy you want; keep a copy.
4. Request repairs or security upgrades in writing and ask for a completion date.
5. If the landlord does not act, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for orders or compensation^[1].
6. Contact tenant advisory services or legal aid for help preparing applications and understanding your rights.

FAQ

Do I have to report a crime to my landlord?

Not in place of contacting police; you should report criminal acts to the police first. You should also notify your landlord when the crime affects the safety, locks, or habitability of your rental unit so they can address repairs or security.

Will calling the police affect my tenancy?

Calling police for an emergency or to report criminal activity should not, on its own, be a reason for eviction. If tenancy actions follow, keep documentation and seek advice from tenant services or the tribunal.

What if my landlord ignores repair or security requests after a crime?

If written requests are ignored, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for orders to repair, change locks, or for compensation; use the official tribunal application form to start the process^[1].

How-To

1. Call emergency services if needed and obtain a police report number.
2. Collect and save evidence: photos, messages, and a written log of events.
3. Draft a short written notice to your landlord describing the issue and requested fix, and send it by email or registered mail.
4. If repairs are required, state what must be fixed and request a reasonable deadline for completion.
5. If the landlord fails to act, complete and file the tribunal application form to ask for orders or compensation^[1].
6. Seek tenant support groups or legal aid for help preparing evidence and representing your case.

Key Takeaways

• Call police first in emergencies and get an incident report.
• Document everything and keep copies of all communications.
• Use official forms and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if a landlord does not address safety issues.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
• Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) - Consolidated Legislation
• Residential tenancies forms - Government of New Brunswick

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) - Consolidated Legislation
3. [3] Residential tenancies forms - Government of New Brunswick