Living in a rental with unfinished repairs can be stressful and affect your health, safety and daily life. If you are a tenant in New Brunswick, you have clear steps to take: notify your landlord, document the problem, and, if repairs are not completed, use provincial complaint processes and forms to seek remedies. This guide explains what repairs landlords must make, how to gather evidence, when to use official forms and where to apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. It also shows practical examples of writing a repair request, protecting your rights as a renter, and choosing between informal resolution and a formal application. Keep records and act promptly to preserve your options.
What repairs must a landlord make in New Brunswick?
Landlords in New Brunswick must maintain rental units so they meet basic health and safety standards and the terms of the lease. Problems that affect heating, hot water, plumbing, electrical safety, structural integrity or create mould or pest hazards are typically the landlord's responsibility. If a repair affects habitability, raise it in writing and, if unresolved, consider using the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.[1]
When to act and what to expect
Act early: many disputes are resolved simply by giving a clear written request and a reasonable deadline. If the landlord does not respond or the fix is incomplete after a reasonable time, the tribunal can order repairs or monetary remedies.
- Serve a written repair request to the landlord describing the problem and asking for a fix by a specific date.
- Set a reasonable deadline (for example, 7–14 days for routine issues or sooner for heating or water).
- Document the issue with dated photos, videos, and a short log of incidents and communications.
- Contact local public health or building services for urgent safety hazards if immediate danger exists.
Detailed evidence helps the tribunal understand the scale and duration of the problem. Save copies of texts, emails, written requests and repair promises. If you hire a contractor for an urgent repair with the landlord's prior refusal, keep invoices and receipts to support any claim for reimbursement.
Using official forms and the tribunal
If informal steps fail, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for orders requiring repairs, rent abatement, or compensation. Start by reviewing the tribunal guidance and the official application form. The common form is the Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (often called Form 1) and explains required evidence and filing steps.[2] The tribunal page explains timelines, hearing procedures and possible outcomes.[1]
If an issue is urgent and life-safety related, raise it immediately with emergency services and mention it in your tribunal application. For routine maintenance questions and responsibilities, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and for urgent hazards see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
FAQ
- What can I do if my landlord ignores a written repair request?
- If your landlord ignores a written request, document follow-ups and use the tribunal application form to ask for an order. Provide photos, dated logs and copies of all communications when you apply.
- Can I deduct repair costs from my rent?
- You should not unilaterally deduct repairs from rent unless the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or a written agreement with the landlord allows it; instead, apply to the tribunal for reimbursement or rent abatement.
- How long does the tribunal process take?
- Timelines vary: some matters are scheduled for a hearing within weeks, others take longer. Use the tribunal guidance to understand expected wait times and required documents.
How-To
- Gather evidence: take dated photos or videos, keep a short log of incidents and save all communications with the landlord.
- Serve a written repair request: describe the problem, ask for repairs by a clear deadline and keep a copy for your records.
- Complete the tribunal application form (Form 1): attach your evidence and a concise statement of what you want the tribunal to order.[2]
- Attend the hearing or submit written materials: follow tribunal instructions, bring originals of receipts and be ready to explain the impact on habitability.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
- Consumer and Tenancy Information - Service New Brunswick
- Public Safety and Building Code Contacts - Government of New Brunswick
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