If you rent in New Brunswick, knowing your rights and the landlord's obligations for repairs and maintenance helps keep your home safe and comfortable. This guide explains what counts as a landlord responsibility, how to ask for routine and emergency repairs, when to document problems, and what to do if repairs are delayed. It uses plain language and practical steps for tenants, including how to use official forms, timelines to expect, when to contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, and examples of common issues like heating, plumbing, and mould. Follow the steps here to protect your habitability rights and resolve maintenance problems with clear records and respectful communication.
Who must make repairs in New Brunswick?
Landlords must keep rental units in a state of repair that meets basic habitability standards and applicable health and safety requirements. Tenants must keep the unit reasonably clean and avoid causing damage. If a repair affects safety or essential services like heat, water, or plumbing, the landlord is generally responsible to fix it promptly [2].
Routine repairs
For non-urgent maintenance, give your landlord a written request describing the problem, the date you noticed it, and any photos or evidence. If the landlord does routine repairs, track dates and responses and review official guidance on routine repairs Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
- Keep dated photos, messages and receipts as evidence of the problem and any attempts to fix it.
- Allow a reasonable time for the landlord to arrange repairs; what is reasonable depends on the issue and the season.
- If repairs are delayed, send a formal written notice that requests the repair and states a deadline.
Emergency repairs
For urgent failures that threaten health or safety, contact your landlord immediately and, if needed, emergency services. Emergencies include loss of heat in winter, major water leaks, or gas smells. If your landlord does not act, there are steps you may take and you should check emergency guidance Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
How to request repairs
Follow a documented, step-by-step approach so you can show what happened and when. Begin with a polite written request, keep copies, and escalate only when needed.
- Document the issue with date-stamped photos, videos and a short log of problems.
- Send a clear written repair request to the landlord by email or registered mail and keep a copy.
- Provide reasonable access for repairs and keep records of appointments.
- If the landlord fails to respond, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for an order to repair or compensation [1].
When to use official forms and the Tribunal
New Brunswick has forms and a Tribunal that hears tenancy disputes. Use the official application form when you seek an order for repair, rent abatement, or compensation. The Tribunal and legislation explain timelines and evidence rules [1][2]. For urgent repairs also see government emergency guidance and consider contacting tenant services for help.
FAQ
- What counts as an emergency repair?
- Emergency repairs are problems that pose immediate risk to health or safety, such as no heat in winter, major leaks, or gas smells. Contact emergency services if there is immediate danger.
- Can I withhold rent if repairs are not done?
- Withholding rent is risky and may not be allowed without Tribunal approval; follow documented steps and apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal instead.
- Can I hire a contractor and deduct the cost?
- Only in limited circumstances and usually after notice and Tribunal permission; keep all invoices and get approval if possible.
- How long will the Tribunal take to decide?
- Hearing times vary; it depends on caseload and the complexity of your application.
How-To
- Collect evidence: photos, dates, receipts and a brief log of how the issue affects habitability.
- Write and send a formal repair request to your landlord and keep a copy of your delivery method.
- Allow access for repairs and record any missed appointments or failed attempts to fix the problem.
- If unresolved, complete the official Tribunal application form and submit it with your evidence [3].
Key Takeaways
- Landlords are responsible for repairs affecting health and essential services.
- Document issues carefully and keep dated evidence in case of a dispute.
- Use the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and official forms when repairs are delayed.
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Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal, Government of New Brunswick
- Official Tribunal forms and application guidance
