Tenant Insurance 101: What Policies Cover in New Brunswick

Renting a home in New Brunswick comes with important responsibilities—including understanding how tenant insurance can protect your belongings and offer peace of mind. Many tenants are surprised to learn what is and isn’t covered, and whether tenant insurance is required under New Brunswick’s rental laws. This guide will walk you through the essentials of tenant insurance, highlight your rights, and help you decide what coverage makes sense for you as a tenant in New Brunswick.

What is Tenant Insurance?

Tenant insurance, also called renter’s insurance, is a policy designed to protect tenants’ personal belongings and provide liability coverage while renting a property. In New Brunswick, while it is not mandated by law, many landlords require tenants to purchase insurance as a condition of the lease agreement.

What Does a Typical Tenant Insurance Policy Cover?

• Personal Property Coverage: Protects your belongings—like furniture, electronics, clothing, and appliances—from risks such as fire, theft, or water damage.
• Personal Liability: Covers costs if you unintentionally cause damage to the rental property or someone is injured while visiting your home.
• Additional Living Expenses: If your home becomes unlivable due to a covered peril (e.g., major fire), your policy may pay for temporary accommodations and related costs.

What Isn’t Covered?

• Intentional damage to the property
• Normal wear and tear
• Damage to your landlord's building or property that you did not cause
• Certain high-value items (like jewelry or art) may need separate coverage

Is Tenant Insurance Required by Law in New Brunswick?

There is no legal requirement under New Brunswick’s Residential Tenancies Act for tenants to purchase insurance¹. However, it is common for landlords to include an insurance requirement in lease agreements. Always read your lease carefully to see if you need to provide proof of coverage. In case of any uncertainty regarding your landlord’s or your obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How Much Coverage Should You Get?

Coverage needs differ by tenant. Make an inventory of your belongings and estimate replacement costs. Many insurers offer $30,000 to $50,000 in personal property coverage as a starting point, but higher-value situations may require more. Liability coverage of at least $1 million is commonly recommended.

Common Tenant Insurance Claims in New Brunswick

• Water damage from burst pipes or leaks
• Loss from theft or break-ins
• Fire or smoke damage
• Injury claims from visitors (slips, falls, etc.)

It’s important to note that if your property is damaged due to an issue that falls under landlord responsibility—like poor maintenance—your policy may still be your first line of defence for personal items. To understand where landlord obligations end and tenant responsibilities begin, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Tenant Insurance and Rental Agreements

Many landlords in New Brunswick require proof of tenant insurance either before move-in or at lease renewal. Your policy may need to list your landlord as an “additional interest” so they are notified if you cancel coverage. For more on what need to know after signing, check out What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

What to Do If You Have a Claim

• Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible
• Document all losses with photos or written notes
• Retain receipts, police reports (if needed), and a copy of your policy
• Communicate with your landlord about repairs to shared or building property

Official Forms and Where to Get Help

In New Brunswick, disputes about landlord insurance requirements, damages, or responsibilities are managed by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick.² There are no specific standard forms for tenant insurance disputes, but common tenancy forms that may become relevant include:

• Application for Assistance / Complaint Form (RTB-3): Used if you have a formal complaint, such as a disagreement over property damage responsibility. View and download here.
  For example, if your landlord claims you caused property damage and seeks to use your insurance deposit, but you disagree, submit this form to the tribunal.

There is no government-mandated tenant insurance policy; you can obtain one from any major insurer, bank, or credit union. Be sure your provider is licensed in New Brunswick.

Where to Search for Rentals and More Information

If you’re looking to rent a new place, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to view apartments and homes in New Brunswick and other provinces.

1. Is tenant insurance mandatory in New Brunswick?
   Tenant insurance is not legally required under the Residential Tenancies Act, but landlords can require it as a lease condition.
2. What happens if I don’t have tenant insurance and there’s a fire?
   If your belongings are damaged by fire and you don’t have insurance, you are responsible for replacing them yourself. Insurance helps cover those losses and any liability if you accidentally caused the damage.
3. Does tenant insurance cover my roommate’s possessions?
   No. Each tenant should have their own policy unless your insurer specifically allows shared coverage and all names are included.
4. Can my landlord force me to buy tenant insurance?
   While not mandated by provincial law, your landlord can include this requirement in the lease agreement. You would have to comply to meet lease terms.
5. Where do I file a complaint if I have an insurance-related dispute with my landlord?
   File with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick using the RTB-3 Complaint Form.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Tenant insurance is not legally required in New Brunswick but is often a lease requirement.
• Coverage protects your belongings, covers liability, and pays for temporary housing in emergencies.
• Read your lease carefully and verify coverage needs for your situation.

Tenant insurance offers vital financial protection in unexpected situations—be proactive in understanding what you are and aren’t covered for!

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – For complaints and dispute resolution.
• Read the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) – Official rental legislation.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick – More on your legal rights and responsibilities.
• Contact your local tenant advocacy office or legal aid for personalized support.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, read full legislation here
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick, official site here

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