Tenant Insurance FAQs for Renters in New Brunswick

Renting a home in New Brunswick? Protecting yourself and your belongings is crucial, and tenant insurance can play a key role. Many renters aren't sure whether tenant insurance is required, what it actually covers, or how it relates to your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in New Brunswick. Here, you'll find plain-language answers to common questions about tenant insurance, so you can feel confident and prepared as you settle into your rental home.

What Is Tenant Insurance and Do New Brunswick Renters Need It?

Tenant insurance (sometimes called renter's insurance) is a policy you purchase to cover your personal belongings, provide personal liability protection, and sometimes pay for temporary living expenses if your rental unit becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event (like a fire or flood).

• Coverage for your belongings: Protects furniture, electronics, clothes, and other items against theft, fire, and some types of water damage.
• Personal liability: Covers you if you accidentally cause damage to the rental property or someone is injured in your unit.
• Additional living expenses: Pays for a hotel or alternative housing if you can’t live in your apartment after an insured event.

In New Brunswick, tenant insurance is not legally required by law. However, landlords often include a requirement for tenant insurance in the rental agreement. Review your lease carefully and confirm what is expected of you. If you have signed a lease with a tenant insurance clause, you may be required to maintain insurance as a condition of your tenancy.

How Does Tenant Insurance Relate to Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities?

Having tenant insurance can make the rental experience much smoother and protect you from unexpected expenses. It’s important to know that:

• Landlords’ property insurance does not cover your personal items or your own liability risks.
• Tenant insurance cannot be used to pay for routine repairs in your rental unit; landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the property’s condition. For details on repair obligations, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
• Tenant insurance helps protect you financially from events or accidents you might be found responsible for.

Want to know more about your general rights as a renter? Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick to read about tenancy laws in this province.

What Does Tenant Insurance Typically Cover?

Standard tenant insurance policies in New Brunswick usually include the following:

• Personal property protection (theft, fire, some water damage)
• Personal liability coverage (injuries to others, accidental damage)
• Living expenses if your unit is temporarily uninhabitable

Policies vary between insurance providers and coverage limits can differ. Read your policy documents carefully to be sure you have the coverage you need.

How to Get Tenant Insurance in New Brunswick

You can purchase tenant insurance from any licensed insurance company or agent in New Brunswick, either online or in-person. When comparing policies, consider:

• The value of your belongings (make an inventory list)
• The amount of personal liability coverage you want
• Whether you need special coverage (for expensive electronics, bikes, or jewelry)

Insurance costs depend on the amount of coverage, your location, and claims history. Policies often start at just a few dollars per month for basic coverage.

Practical Example

If a pipe bursts and damages your furniture, your tenant insurance (if it covers that type of damage) will help cover the costs of replacement. If a friend slips in your apartment and is injured, your personal liability coverage can help with legal or medical bills.

Tenancy Forms and Insurance Evidence

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick—a department of Service New Brunswick—oversees rental housing matters and can be contacted if you experience issues related to your lease or a landlord's insurance requests. (See their official site: New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal)

While there is no official form for tenant insurance in New Brunswick, your landlord may request written proof of insurance. Always provide your landlord with a copy of your insurance certificate if your lease requires it, and keep your policy documents accessible.

Relevant Legislation

Tenant rights and responsibilities in New Brunswick are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick).^[1] For details about how tenant insurance can impact your tenancy, always review your lease and communicate with your landlord in writing about insurance requirements.

Further Reading and Practical Rental Tips

Preparing to move or sign a new lease? See What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for advice on next steps, including documentation, inspections, and building relationships with your landlord.

To explore rental options or compare properties, Browse apartments for rent in Canada and get a sense of pricing, amenities, and what’s standard in your area.

FAQs: Tenant Insurance in New Brunswick

1. Is tenant insurance mandatory for renters in New Brunswick?
   Tenant insurance is not required by law in New Brunswick, but your landlord can include it as a condition in your lease agreement.
2. Does tenant insurance cover damage to the building?
   No. Building damage is covered by your landlord's insurance. Tenant insurance covers your belongings and your own liability only.
3. Can my landlord ask for proof of tenant insurance?
   Yes, if it is specified in your lease, your landlord can request documentation showing you have obtained tenant insurance.
4. What happens if I don’t have tenant insurance and something goes wrong?
   If you don’t have tenant insurance and there is a fire, theft, or someone is injured in your unit, you may be responsible for replacing your items and paying for damages or injuries out-of-pocket.
5. Can I get tenant insurance if I have roommates?
   Usually, policies only cover items owned by the policyholder. Roommates should consider separate policies or confirm “named insureds” with the provider.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal, New Brunswick – Contact for tenancy disputes, lease information, and rights questions.
• Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) – Read the official tenancy legislation.
• For support or advocacy, consider contacting local tenant organizations or legal aid offices in New Brunswick.
• More facts about being a renter: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

---

1. See: Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy