Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities in New Brunswick Explained

Being a tenant in New Brunswick comes with important maintenance responsibilities. Whether you’ve just moved in or have rented for years, knowing what you must look after—and what your landlord is obligated to repair—can help prevent disputes and keep your home comfortable and safe. This guide is built for tenants who want clarity about their legal maintenance duties under New Brunswick law.

Understanding Maintenance Responsibilities in New Brunswick Rentals

In New Brunswick, both tenants and landlords have obligations to keep rental units in good shape. These responsibilities are defined by the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) and are enforced by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Rental Tribunal of New Brunswick). As a tenant, your main duties focus on keeping your home reasonably clean and reporting any problems promptly.

What Tenants Must Maintain

• Keep your unit clean and sanitary
• Dispose of garbage correctly and regularly
• Prevent damage (outside of normal wear and tear)
• Use all appliances, fixtures, and systems as intended
• Promptly report urgent repair needs to your landlord or property manager

Tenants are not responsible for normal wear and tear, or for issues caused by structural problems, weather, or landlord neglect—only damage or problems you or your guests cause.

Common Maintenance Scenarios

• Minor repairs: You may need to replace light bulbs or change smoke detector batteries.
• Cleanliness: Regularly vacuum, mop, and clean kitchens and bathrooms.
• Pest control: If pest issues arise because of unclean living, the cost may fall to you; if due to building issues, your landlord is responsible. See our guide: Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions

Landlord Maintenance Obligations

Your landlord must:

• Ensure the rental is in good repair and complies with health and safety standards
• Handle all structural, plumbing, heating, and electrical repairs unless the tenant caused the damage
• Keep common areas safe and clean

If your landlord is not making needed repairs, you may have rights to withhold rent or file a complaint—but you must follow the correct legal steps.

When and How to Request Repairs

If something breaks that isn’t your fault, notify your landlord right away. Put your repair request in writing (keep a copy for your records). Here’s how New Brunswick tenants usually address unresolved repair issues:

• Send a written repair request to your landlord
• If ignored or denied, submit an Application for Assistance to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal

Official Form:

• Application for Assistance (Form RTB-2) — Use this form if your repair or maintenance complaint is unresolved. Download and learn how to file it on the Residential Tenancies Tribunal applications page.

Example: If your heat isn’t working in winter and the landlord has not fixed it after your request, fill out RTB-2 with details, attach any evidence, and submit it to the Tribunal to get a formal order.

Health and Safety Standards

Rental homes must be safe and healthy to live in. If your unit has mold, broken smoke alarms, or other hazards, it is the landlord’s legal duty to address them. For more information on your rights related to safety, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Moving In or Out: Your Maintenance Checklist

When moving into a new rental home, inspect the unit for any damage or issues. Use a written inspection checklist and take photos. This protects your security deposit and ensures you are not blamed for prior problems.

For walkthrough tips, visit Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Upon moving out, leave the unit clean and in good condition (except for reasonable wear and tear). This is essential for getting your deposit back. New Brunswick’s deposit rules are outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act.

Summary of Your Rights and Obligations

• Maintain basic cleanliness and promptly report issues
• The landlord handles major repairs and ensures the rental meets safety standards
• Document the unit’s condition when you move in and out

For more details on how New Brunswick’s rules compare with other provinces, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Looking for a new rental or want to see available homes? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What maintenance tasks are tenants responsible for in New Brunswick?
   Tenants must keep their rentals clean, properly dispose of garbage, prevent damage, and inform the landlord of needed repairs or hazards.
2. Who handles pest control in New Brunswick rentals?
   If pests are due to poor tenant hygiene, the tenant pays; if caused by building issues or another tenant, the landlord pays. See our full guide on this topic.
3. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t do repairs?
   Not without Tribunal approval. Always use the formal process to address unresolved repairs, or you may risk eviction.
4. What forms are needed for tenant complaints about maintenance?
   Use the Application for Assistance (RTB-2) form from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for unresolved issues.
5. How can I protect my deposit when moving out?
   Clean thoroughly, repair any damage, and document the condition of your unit. Always request a move-out inspection.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Tribunal for rental disputes, forms, and official guidance
• Residential Tenancies Act – New Brunswick: Read the full legislation
• Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB): Free tenant information and assistance
• For urgent health or safety issues, contact your local municipal inspection office

---

1. "Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)", Government of New Brunswick. Official Legislation.
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. Official Website.
3. Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB), Tenant Information Page.

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