Tenant Rights: Denying Entry to Tradespeople in New Brunswick

If you're renting in New Brunswick, there may come a time when your landlord wants to send tradespeople or repair workers into your home. Knowing when you can deny entry, what your rights are, and how the process works helps keep your home and privacy respected.

Your Right to Privacy vs. Landlord’s Right of Entry in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, tenants have the right to enjoy their home without unnecessary intrusions. However, landlords are also legally allowed to enter the rental for certain reasons, such as repairs, inspections, or showing the unit to new tenants. The rules around entry are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1].

When Can a Landlord Enter Your Home?

• To perform necessary repairs or maintenance
• To show the unit to prospective tenants or purchasers
• To inspect the condition of the premises
• In case of emergency (e.g., fire, major water leak)

For non-emergency visits, landlords must provide written notice at least 24 hours in advance, stating the time, date, and reason for entry. The entry must occur between 8 AM and 8 PM, and not on holidays, unless you agree otherwise.

Denying Entry to Tradespeople & Repair Technicians: What Are Your Rights?

You can refuse entry to tradespeople if your landlord hasn’t given proper written notice, or if the visit doesn’t meet the conditions set by law. However, you cannot deny entry simply because the timing is inconvenient if the correct notice has been given for valid reasons.

• Proper Notice Required: Always check that your landlord’s notice meets legal requirements.
• Reason for Entry: Entry should only be for reasons permitted under the Act, such as urgent or scheduled repairs.
• Emergency Exceptions: In emergencies, landlords and tradespeople can enter without notice to prevent damage or ensure tenant safety.

What If You Deny Entry? Possible Consequences

If you deny lawful entry after proper notice, your landlord can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. This could result in an official warning or, in persistent cases, lead to a notice of termination of your tenancy.^[2]

Common Reasons for Tradespeople Entry and Your Obligations

Maintaining the rental unit is a shared responsibility. Landlords must ensure the property is safe and habitable, while tenants must allow access for lawful repairs. Essential repairs often relate to heat, water, electricity, or health and safety hazards, which cannot be unreasonably delayed.

Learn more about health requirements in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Routine vs. Emergency Repairs

• Routine Repairs: Scheduled fixes for issues that aren’t urgent. Proper notice is required for entry.
• Emergency Repairs: Urgent repairs to protect health or property, like a burst pipe. Landlords can enter immediately without notice in emergencies.

For more on the difference, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Official Forms You Might Need

• Notice of Entry (Form RTB-4): While New Brunswick does not have a specific government-issued template, landlords are advised to provide written notice with details of the visit. If disputes arise, tenants or landlords can file:
  • Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RTB-6): Used if you believe entry rights have been violated or if there’s an ongoing access conflict.
    Get the official Dispute Resolution forms
    Example: If your landlord repeatedly tries to enter without notice, you may submit Form RTB-6 to the Tribunal to resolve the issue.

Tenant Rights and Landlord Obligations After Repairs

After repairs, make sure to check the work before signing off any completion acknowledgement. You should not be pressured or evicted for exercising your rights peacefully.

Understanding both sides of the rental relationship is key. For an overview, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you’re looking for a new place with greater privacy and modern maintenance standards, Browse apartments for rent in Canada on Houseme.

For a comprehensive overview of your local tenant protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I say no to my landlord sending a repair person if the timing doesn’t work for me?
   Only if the landlord’s chosen time is unreasonable or you both agree to another time. However, once proper notice is given and the reason is valid, you must not unreasonably deny access.
2. What counts as an emergency for tradespeople to enter my home?
   Examples include major leaks, fire, or any situation expected to cause immediate property damage or pose a health risk. In emergencies, landlords don’t need to give notice before entering.
3. What should I do if a tradesperson enters without notice or my permission?
   Document the incident, inform your landlord in writing, and if needed, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using Form RTB-6.
4. Who is responsible for letting tradespeople in if I’m not home?
   Your landlord may let them in using a master key if proper notice has been given. If you’re concerned, arrange to be home or ask for an alternate time within legal guidelines.

Key Takeaways for New Brunswick Tenants

• Landlords need to give 24 hours written notice for tradesperson entry, except emergencies.
• You can refuse entry if the correct notice or reason is not provided, but not for routine lawful access.
• If entry rights are violated, you can file a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using official forms.

Respecting boundaries and understanding legal procedures helps keep landlord-tenant relationships positive.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Information, forms, and complaint process
• Contact: 1-888-762-8600 or visit local Service New Brunswick office
• For health/safety concerns impacting access or repairs: Public Health New Brunswick
• Local tenant advocacy groups: Tenants Rights Network NB

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick

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