What counts as harassment under New Brunswick tenancy law?

Harassment includes threats, intimidation, repeated unwanted contact, or interference with your use of the rental property. It can be by landlords, property managers, or other tenants.

Can I end my lease early if harassment continues?

Yes. If harassment makes it unsafe or intolerable to stay, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for permission to break the lease without penalty.

Do roommate disputes qualify as harassment complaints?

Yes, if the behaviour significantly interferes with your living situation or safety, especially if both parties are on the lease. The Tribunal can address these disputes when rights under the Act are affected.

How fast can the Tribunal resolve a harassment complaint?

Timelines vary, but urgent cases are prioritized. You can make clear on your form if the issue threatens your safety or health.

What official forms do I use to report harassment?

You can use the 'Application for Dispute Resolution' form, available on the Government of New Brunswick website. Attach evidence and a clear description of the issue.

Tenant Protections Against Harassment in New Brunswick

Roommates & Shared Housing New Brunswick published June 13, 2025

If you are renting a room, apartment, or sharing a home in New Brunswick, it’s important to know that both tenants and landlords have clear legal protections against harassment. Harassment can create a stressful and even unsafe living environment—especially in shared accommodations. This article explains your legal rights, how harassment is defined under New Brunswick law, the steps you can take, and where to get support for roommate or landlord-tenant conflicts.

What Is Tenant Harassment in New Brunswick?

Harassment in the rental context involves any conduct by a landlord, property manager, or even another tenant that seriously disrupts your right to peaceful enjoyment of your home. Examples include unwanted entry, threats, repeated and unnecessary communications, intimidation, or interfering with services you pay for.

Constantly entering your room or unit without permission
Verbal or written threats or intimidation
Interfering with your privacy or belongings
Cutting off essential services such as electricity or water
Pressure to move out or actions that make you feel unsafe

Both landlords and fellow tenants (including roommates) have a duty not to harass or disturb others in the rental property.
Harassment is prohibited under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1].

Key Tenant Rights Under New Brunswick Law

Tenants in New Brunswick have the right to quiet enjoyment and freedom from harassment. If you are being harassed—whether by your landlord, property manager, or another tenant—you have options under the law. The Residential Tenancies Tribunal is the official body for enforcing tenant protections and resolving disputes.

Your right to privacy and to exclusive use of your rental space
Your right not to be pressured, intimidated, or have your services disconnected
Ability to file complaints with the Tribunal for breaches
The right to seek remedies if your health or safety is threatened

To learn more about your rights and general responsibilities, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Protections for Tenants in Shared Housing and Roommate Situations

Roommates and shared housing arrangements are common in New Brunswick, especially among students and urban renters. If your roommate is harassing you, it’s important to understand that:

The Residential Tenancies Act applies to all tenants named on the written lease
Roommate disputes may be handled differently if leases are individual or joint
The Tribunal can address some issues, especially if harassment affects your tenancy or right to remain

For everyday issues—like noise, cleanliness, or sharing responsibilities—try to resolve matters directly first. For more serious or repeated harassment, formal action may be necessary. Familiarize yourself with your lease, your shared responsibilities, and what to do if a situation cannot be resolved amicably.

How to Respond to Harassment: Steps and Official Forms

If you are experiencing harassment as a tenant, it’s important to document everything and act promptly. Here are typical steps to take:

Keep written records of incidents (dates, times, what happened, and any witnesses).
If safe, politely ask the individual to stop unwanted behaviours.
Send a written complaint to your landlord (for roommate issues) or to the person involved.

Filing a Complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal

If harassment does not stop, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal:

Form Name: Application for Dispute Resolution (no official number)
When to Use: If you’ve attempted to resolve the issue and harassment continues, or your quiet enjoyment is seriously disrupted.
How to Use: Complete the form online, by mail, or in person. Clearly describe the harassment (who, what, when), attach your documentation, and request a remedy (such as an order to stop the harassment or permit early lease termination).
Access the Application for Dispute Resolution

Practical Example: Marissa shares a rental with three others in Fredericton. One roommate repeatedly enters her locked room without permission and sends threatening texts. After making a written request to stop with no result, she files an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Tribunal, attaching her records and text message screenshots.

Other Steps and Legal Remedies

You may request the Tribunal to allow you to end your lease early if harassment makes living conditions intolerable.
Ask the Tribunal for an order requiring the harasser to stop specific behaviours.
If immediate health or safety risks are involved, contact local police or emergency services in addition to making your Tribunal application.

For a detailed overview of common housing challenges and how to handle them, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Document every incident and keep a copy of all communications. This will help if you need to file a formal application and may protect your rights.

For added support as you search for safe shared or private housing, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada through Houseme's trusted rental listings.

Your Rights and Responsibilities After Addressing Harassment

After making a complaint, remember that both tenants and landlords must cooperate with Tribunal processes and avoid retaliatory actions. To better understand your ongoing rights and obligations, refer to Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What counts as harassment under New Brunswick tenancy law?
Harassment includes threats, intimidation, repeated unwanted contact, or interference with your use of the rental property. It can be by landlords, property managers, or other tenants.
Can I end my lease early if harassment continues?
Yes. If harassment makes it unsafe or intolerable to stay, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for permission to break the lease without penalty.
Do roommate disputes qualify as harassment complaints?
Yes, if the behaviour significantly interferes with your living situation or safety, especially if both parties are on the lease. The Tribunal can address these disputes when rights under the Act are affected.
How fast can the Tribunal resolve a harassment complaint?
Timelines vary, but urgent cases are prioritized. You can make clear on your form if the issue threatens your safety or health.
What official forms do I use to report harassment?
You can use the "Application for Dispute Resolution" form, available on the Government of New Brunswick website. Attach evidence and a clear description of the issue.

Key Takeaways for New Brunswick Tenants

You are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick against landlord or roommate harassment.
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal can address serious complaints and provide remedies.
Always document problems and submit an Application for Dispute Resolution if informal efforts fail.

If you are in doubt, reach out early—your rights matter.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Tribunal – New Brunswick: Filing complaints, tenancy information, and official forms.
Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick: Free legal information for tenants.
Government of New Brunswick: Housing programs, tenant advocacy services.

Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick