After a break-in, renting in New Brunswick raises urgent questions about safety, lost property and insurance. Tenants often need clear steps to report the incident to police, document damage, contact their tenant insurance provider, and know when to involve the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or landlord. This guide explains what renters should do first, how to prepare an insurance claim, which official forms and deadlines may apply in New Brunswick, and practical tips to protect belongings and privacy. If you rent and feel unsafe after a break-in, follow these straightforward actions to preserve evidence, speed reimbursement, and understand your rights under provincial rules.
What to do immediately after a break-in
Start with safety: leave the unit if you feel unsafe and call 911 for any immediate danger. If it is safe, call the non-emergency police number to report the break-in and request an incident report; ask for a copy or the file number. Document damage and missing items with dated photos or short videos and write a brief timeline of events. Do not disturb obvious evidence such as broken locks or footprints until the police advise you.
Reporting, evidence and communication
When you speak with police, obtain the incident number and officer contact information. Share that information with your insurance company and your landlord so repairs can begin. Keep all receipts for emergency repairs you arrange (locks, boarding windows) and record calls and emails related to the incident.
- Contact police promptly and request an incident report to support an insurance claim and any tribunal application.
- Document every damaged item and missing property with dated photos and short descriptions as evidence for insurers and dispute processes.
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs and temporary housing costs to claim reimbursement where your policy or tribunal allows.
Filing a tenant insurance claim
Contact your tenant (renter's) insurance provider as soon as possible and follow their claims process. Provide the police incident number, photos, receipts, and a written inventory. Ask your insurer about timelines for filing a claim and whether they require quotes for repair or replacement. If you do not have tenant insurance, you will need to rely on police reports, conversations with your landlord about repairs, and any tribunal remedies that apply under provincial rules.
When to involve the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or landlord
If the break-in caused damage to doors, locks or other habitability issues the landlord must usually arrange repairs; if they delay or refuse, you may apply to the provincial adjudicator. Tenants in New Brunswick who need to resolve a dispute about repairs, entry, or compensation can contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for guidance and to file an application[1]. The governing law is the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick), which sets out rights and timelines for repairs and dispute resolution[2].
Practical tips for preserving rights and speeding reimbursement
- Keep a single folder (digital or paper) for police reports, photos, receipts and insurer correspondence to make claims and tribunal filings faster.
- File insurance claims and tribunal applications within the timelines your policy and the Residential Tenancies Act require to avoid losing entitlements.
- Change or rekey locks if your safety is at risk; save invoices and notify your landlord and insurer right away.
Insurance basics tenants should know
Tenant insurance typically covers personal property loss, certain theft-related expenses, and liability if someone is injured in your unit. Policies vary: some reimburse replacement cost while others pay actual cash value. Read your policy to understand deductibles, exclusions (for example, theft due to negligence), and any requirements to report within a set number of days.
When to seek help or legal advice
If an insurer denies a valid claim, a landlord refuses necessary repairs after a break-in, or you face conflicting evidence, consider contacting tenant support services or legal clinics for low-cost advice. You can also apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using the official application form if the dispute involves repair, entry, or compensation from a landlord[3]. For broader tenant issues related to safety, repairs and dispute handling see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them and the local rights summary Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
FAQ
- Do I need tenant insurance to live in a rental in New Brunswick?
- No. Landlords cannot legally force you to buy tenant insurance, but some leases encourage it and it is strongly recommended to protect personal property and liability.
- What if my landlord refuses to repair a broken door after a break-in?
- If the landlord does not arrange timely repairs, document your requests and consider filing an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to order repairs or compensation.
- How quickly should I report the incident to my insurer?
- Report the break-in and start your claim as soon as possible; insurers often have specified reporting timelines in the policy that affect coverage eligibility.
How-To
- Call police, get an incident number, and request a copy of the report to support insurance and tribunal filings.
- Photograph and inventory damaged and missing items with dates and short descriptions to build evidence.
- Notify your insurer and landlord, submit the police report, photos, and receipts, and follow the insurer's claim instructions.
- If the landlord delays repairs or compensation, file the official tribunal application and attach your documentation.
Key Takeaways
- Document everything right away: photos, receipts and a written timeline improve claim outcomes.
- Contact police, your insurer and your landlord promptly to trigger repairs and begin reimbursement.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) - Official legislation
- Contact local police or non-emergency numbers in New Brunswick
