Tenant Rights After Fire or Evacuation in New Brunswick

If your rental unit in New Brunswick was affected by a fire or you were ordered to evacuate, you have specific rights and practical steps to protect your safety, belongings, and housing security. This guide explains what tenants and renters should do immediately, how to document damage, when the landlord must repair or offer temporary housing, and how to use provincial tenancy processes if repairs or compensation are delayed. It covers safety priorities, short-term accommodation options, filing official forms with the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal, and preserving evidence for claims. Simple language and clear action steps will help you communicate with your landlord, seek emergency repairs, and understand timelines under New Brunswick tenancy rules.

What to do immediately after a fire or evacuation

Priorities are safety, emergency services, and preserving evidence. After everyone is safe and authorities clear the scene, follow these steps:

• Call 911 or local emergency services for fires or injuries and get medical help if needed.
• Contact your landlord or property manager right away to report the incident and ask about building access and next steps.
• Document the damage with photos and video from a safe distance; keep original files and timestamps.
• Notify the landlord in writing (email or text followed by a dated message) and keep copies of all communications.
• Keep receipts for emergency expenses such as accommodation, meals, and replacement items.
• If you must vacate, secure important documents and valuables and take photos of the unit when you leave.

Repairs, temporary housing, and landlord responsibilities

Under New Brunswick tenancy rules, landlords are generally responsible for maintaining safe, habitable premises and completing repairs. If a unit is uninhabitable after a fire, the landlord may need to arrange or offer alternatives and to begin repairs promptly. If repairs are delayed or you cannot agree with the landlord about temporary housing or compensation, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal ^[1] and rely on the Residential Tenancies Act ^[2] for formal remedies.

Documenting damage and making financial claims

Good documentation improves your chance of resolving disputes. For claims or tribunal applications, include clear records and explanations:

• Take clear dated photos and video of smoke, fire, water, or structural damage.
• Keep a written inventory of damaged items with estimated values and purchase receipts where possible.
• If emergency repairs are needed for safety (e.g., broken locks, exposed wiring), request immediate repair in writing and note the date and time.
• If you file with the tribunal, use the official application form and attach supporting evidence and copies of communications with your landlord ^[3].

Communication tips and practical next steps

When talking to your landlord, insurer, or officials, be clear, factual, and organized. Consider these steps:

• Ask your landlord how they plan to secure the building and the expected repair timeline.
• Send follow-up messages by email or text and save copies; this creates a clear record.
• Check whether your renter insurance covers loss or temporary housing and file promptly with your insurer.
• If you need emergency repairs and the landlord wont act, document your requests and consider the tribunal or emergency repair remedies under the Act.

Internal resources and related reading

For more on safety and emergency repairs, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities and for general safety expectations see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. To browse housing options if you need to relocate, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ

Can my landlord charge me for temporary housing after a fire?

The landlords obligation depends on whether the unit is habitable and on specific lease terms; document costs and discuss options, and apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you cannot agree.

How soon should I file with the tribunal?

File as soon as you have basic documentation and attempts to resolve the matter with your landlord have failed; tribunals expect prompt action and some remedies have time limits.

What evidence helps the most in a claim?

Clear dated photos/videos, receipts for replacement or temporary housing, written communications with the landlord, and a dated inventory of damaged items.

How-To

1. Ensure everyone is safe and follow fire or evacuation orders from emergency services.
2. Document the scene with photos and video and keep all receipts for emergency costs.
3. Notify your landlord in writing, request repairs, and ask about temporary accommodations.
4. Contact your insurer about coverage and retain copies of any payouts or denials.
5. If you cannot resolve the issue, file the official application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and attach evidence ^[1][3].

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal information and contact
• Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
• Official tribunal application form and instructions

1. [1] Government of New Brunswick  Residential Tenancies Tribunal
2. [2] Government of New Brunswick  Residential Tenancies Act
3. [3] Government of New Brunswick  Tribunal application form