Tenant Responsibilities in New Brunswick

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities New Brunswick 3 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of New Brunswick

Renting a home in New Brunswick comes with a set of responsibilities that every tenant should understand. Knowing your rights and duties not only helps in maintaining harmony with your landlord but also creates a safe and comfortable living environment for you. This article provides an overview of tenant responsibilities under New Brunswick's rental laws.

Your tenancy is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act. Keep copies of your lease, rent receipts, and any notices from your landlord. If a dispute arises, contact the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal for guidance and timelines on resolving issues.

Your Responsibilities as a Tenant

In New Brunswick, tenants have several key responsibilities they must adhere to as per the Residential Tenancies Act. These include:

  • Paying Rent on Time: Rent should be paid by the due date as agreed in your rental agreement. Not adhering to this can lead to late fees or other consequences. For more information on managing rent payments, refer to our Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.
  • Keeping the Property Clean: Maintaining cleanliness is crucial for health and safety standards. Ensure that your rental unit is kept in good condition.
  • Avoiding Damage: You are responsible for any damage caused by you or your guests. Ordinary wear and tear is an exception.
  • Conducting Routine Repairs: Minor repairs or maintenance are the tenant's responsibility. Get acquainted with Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for guidance on your obligations.
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Keep a written record of all routine repairs and maintenance requests, including dates and responses. Gather copies of repair requests, photos of issues, and repair receipts to support any future claims to the landlord or the tenancy tribunal.

Health and Safety

Ensuring your rental unit meets health and safety standards is a joint responsibility between you and your landlord. You should report any issues immediately. Visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for detailed information on this topic.

Report health and safety issues in writing and keep dated copies of your notices and any responses. Take photos or videos of the problem and note when it was reported to protect your rights if the issue worsens.

Before Signing the Lease

It's vital to understand your rights and responsibilities before committing to a lease agreement. Read What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement to ensure you are fully informed.

Before you sign, ask for a written lease with all terms, request a move-in condition report, and note the security deposit terms. Keep copies of the signed lease and any amendments for reference.

Lease Termination

When the time comes to leave your rental, conducting the process properly is crucial. Learn more about this in our Houseme article for nationwide rental listings or visit the government site for official forms and instructions.

When giving notice to end your tenancy, do so in writing per your lease terms and keep a copy. Return all keys on move-out and document the unit’s condition to avoid disputes over the security deposit.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

For further assistance, contact the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal for inquiries regarding tenant issues. This tribunal manages disputes and provides authoritative guidance.


  1. What happens if I don't pay my rent on time? If rent is not paid on time, landlords may charge a late fee or issue a notice to terminate the lease.
  2. Am I responsible for repairs in my rental unit? Generally, tenants should address minor repairs, while landlords handle significant ones unless differently specified in the lease agreement.
  3. How can I address health and safety concerns in my rental? Immediately report concerns to your landlord. Unsanitary conditions may breach health regulations, and landlords are obliged to rectify such issues promptly.

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Marie Dubois
Marie Dubois

Bilingual Housing Rights Advisor, Tenant Rights Canada

Marie covers tenant rights across Quebec and the Atlantic provinces in both English and French. With a background in Quebec civil law and residential tenancy, she is a trusted voice on the Tribunal administratif du logement process and francophone tenant rights.