Storms and floods can damage rental homes quickly, leaving tenants with safety concerns, lost belongings and urgent repair needs. If you rent in New Brunswick, it helps to know your rights — who must fix damage, when you can seek temporary housing, and how to document losses for the landlord or tribunal. This guide explains practical steps tenants can take right after water or storm damage, what landlords are usually required to do, how to request emergency or routine repairs, and when to file an application with the provincial residential tenancies body. It also covers communication tips, evidence to collect, short-term housing options, and how to protect your security deposit during recovery.
What to do first after storm or flood damage
Act quickly to protect health and safety, and create a clear record of the damage. These first steps help preserve your rights and make any future claims clearer.
- Within 24 hours, check for immediate safety hazards and evacuate if necessary.
- Take clear photos and videos of interior and exterior damage, noting dates and times for records[1].
- Serve a written notice to your landlord or property manager describing the damage and request repairs; keep a copy for your records.
Repairs, habitability and landlord responsibilities
Under New Brunswick tenancy rules landlords are typically responsible for maintaining basic habitability, including heat, hot water and protection from water intrusion; the specific obligations are set out in provincial legislation and tribunal decisions[2]. If a repair is urgent — for example, loss of heat, major water leakage, or electrical hazards — request an immediate emergency repair in writing and keep proof of that request.
- Emergency repairs: ask the landlord to fix hazards immediately and document any contractor visits or invoices.
- If the landlord does not act within a reasonable time, you can apply to the tribunal for an order requiring repairs.
- Keep receipts for mitigation (e.g., drying equipment, temporary repairs) and photos showing before/after condition.
Temporary housing, rent and deposits
If your unit is unsafe or uninhabitable, ask the landlord about temporary accommodation and whether rent will be reduced during displacement. In some cases, landlords may arrange or pay for temporary housing; if not, document your extra expenses. For guidance on tenant safety and health concerns after water damage, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. For emergency repair rights and steps, review Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities. To read more about Tenants and Landlords in this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
If you need to find alternate listings quickly, consider using a national rental search tool like Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to check short-term availability while repairs are completed.
FAQ
- Who is responsible for fixing flood or storm damage in a rental unit?
- Generally the landlord must maintain the unit and complete repairs needed to keep it habitable; tenants should notify the landlord in writing and keep records. If the landlord fails to act, you can apply to the provincial residential tenancies body for orders or remedies[2].
- Can I reduce my rent or move out if the unit is uninhabitable?
- If a unit is unsafe or uninhabitable, tenants may be entitled to temporary relocation or rent adjustments depending on the circumstances; always notify the landlord in writing and seek a tribunal order if you cannot reach an agreement.
- How do I file a complaint or application with the tribunal?
- File an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to request repairs, rent reduction or other remedies; include your documentation (photos, receipts, written notices). See the official tribunal site for filing steps and forms[1].
How-To
- Assess immediate safety: turn off electrical sources if safe to do so and leave if there is risk to health or structure.
- Document damage with photos, videos and a dated log of events and communications.
- Send a written notice to your landlord requesting emergency repairs and keep a copy of the message and delivery proof.
- Arrange reasonable mitigation (drying, tarps) and keep receipts; inform the landlord of costs before seeking reimbursement or tribunal action.
- If repairs are delayed, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with your evidence to request an order or remedy.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Service New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) - CanLII
- Emergency Measures Organization — New Brunswick emergency info
