New Brunswick Tenant Rights for Broken Door and Window Locks

Feeling safe at home starts with secure windows and doors. But what if the locks on your rental unit in New Brunswick don’t work properly, putting your safety and belongings at risk? Tenants in New Brunswick have clear rights and pathways to address these crucial security concerns.

Landlord Responsibilities for Door and Window Locks

Landlords in New Brunswick are legally required to provide safe and secure rental accommodations. This responsibility includes ensuring that all doors and windows have working locks. Security is part of the landlord’s overall duty to keep a rental “fit for habitation” under the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1].

• Front and back entry doors must have operable locks.
• Windows accessible from outside must be able to be securely locked.
• Locks must be maintained and promptly repaired if broken.

If your landlord fails to maintain functioning locks, it may be considered a health or safety issue. For more details, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What Should Tenants Do if Their Locks Don't Work?

If you notice a lock isn’t functioning properly—whether at move-in or during your tenancy—addressing it as soon as possible is essential for your security.

Reporting the Problem

• Immediately notify your landlord or property manager in writing (email or letter works best).
• Describe the exact problem (e.g., "front door deadbolt won't turn").
• Request a timeline for the repair. Keep a copy of all communications.

What if the Landlord Won't Fix the Locks?

If the landlord does not respond or delays fixing window or door locks, you have the right to escalate the situation:

• Follow up with a written reminder, stating the repair affects safety and must be addressed urgently.
• If nothing happens, tenants may apply to the Office of the Rentalsman—the official residential tenancy board in New Brunswick—for assistance.

Having an accurate inspection report can help establish whether a problem existed at move-in. See the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for inspection tips.

Filing a Complaint or Repair Request with the Office of the Rentalsman

The Office of the Rentalsman oversees tenant-landlord issues in New Brunswick. If your landlord refuses to repair broken locks, you can file a formal complaint.

Official Form: Request for Assistance (Form 2)

• Name: Request for Assistance (Form 2)
• When to Use: If your landlord will not complete necessary repairs that affect health, safety, or security—including faulty locks.
• How to Use: Complete Form 2 and submit it to the Office of the Rentalsman. Include details about your repair request, the landlord’s response (or lack of response), and evidence like photos or communication records.
• Where to Get It: Download Request for Assistance (Form 2) from the New Brunswick government site.

The Rentalsman’s office will review your claim and can order the landlord to make repairs. Their official page is here: Office of the Rentalsman.

Emergency Repairs for Security Issues

A broken lock can be classified as an emergency if it puts you or your property at immediate risk. In urgent cases, contact the Rentalsman’s Office directly for advice on next steps.

Discover more about what qualifies as an urgent repair by reading Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Can Tenants Change the Locks Themselves?

Tenants should never change locks without their landlord’s consent. New Brunswick law requires that tenants obtain written permission before altering, rekeying, or replacing any locks, even if repairs are urgent. Unauthorized changes could put you in breach of your lease.

Key Points for New Brunswick Tenants

• Landlords must ensure all entry doors and accessible windows have functioning locks.
• Broken locks should be reported in writing as soon as noticed.
• If repairs are not made, tenants can seek help from the Office of the Rentalsman using official forms.

For a full picture of your legal protections, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick and the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick.^[1]

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Frequently Asked Questions About Window and Door Locks in NB Rentals

1. Can I withhold rent if my landlord does not fix broken locks?
   No, you cannot legally withhold rent because of a repair issue. Instead, follow the official complaint process to have the issue resolved.
2. What if I lose my keys—will my landlord have to change the locks?
   Typically, replacing locks due to lost keys is a tenant’s responsibility and may incur a fee, unless the lock was faulty.
3. How long must my landlord take to repair a broken lock?
   The law requires repairs be made within a reasonable time, especially for urgent safety issues. Contact the Rentalsman if there is unreasonable delay.
4. Can I install extra security (like a chain lock) on my rental?
   Any lock modifications require written permission from your landlord. Unauthorized alterations could break your lease.
5. Does the landlord have to give me a copy of all keys?
   Yes. You must be provided with keys for every lock on doors and windows you are entitled to use.

Conclusion: Essential Takeaways for Tenants

• Always prioritize your safety by reporting lock issues promptly.
• Written communication and documented evidence protect your rights during disputes.
• Know your support options, including forms and provincial contacts, when landlords don’t cooperate.

Understanding your options helps you maintain a secure, comfortable home in New Brunswick.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of the Rentalsman – New Brunswick: Primary resource for tenant complaints, repair requests, and dispute resolution.
• Form 2: Request for Assistance (PDF)
• Government of New Brunswick, Service New Brunswick Tenants’ Resources: Residential Tenancies – Services for Tenants

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick

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