If your rental building in New Brunswick provides laundry or coin-operated machines, it's important to know your tenant rights and obligations. This guide explains what landlords must provide, how fees and refunds should be handled, who is responsible for repairs and maintenance, and the steps tenants can take if a machine is unsafe, overcharges, or not working. We'll also cover how to document problems, when to involve the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, and which official forms to use. The language aims to be clear for renters and tenants who need practical steps, timelines, and examples to protect their rights while keeping a cooperative relationship with their landlord.
What the law says about laundry and coin machines
In New Brunswick, tenancy matters are governed by provincial residential tenancy legislation and resolved through the appropriate provincial tribunal or office.[1] The law covers habitability, repairs, charges and the process for filing disputes with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal or Service New Brunswick dispute services.[2] Tenants should know that the inclusion of shared laundry or coin machines in a rental listing or lease may create specific expectations about maintenance, access, and charges.
Tenant rights and common expectations
- Tenants are entitled to clear receipts or records for any fees paid to on-site laundry or coin machines and should keep photos or logs of malfunctions.
- Charges for machine use should be fair and transparent; landlords cannot impose secret or arbitrary additional fees beyond what the lease or building rules disclose.
- Landlords are generally responsible for repair and maintenance of building-supplied laundry equipment unless the lease says otherwise and the tenant caused the damage.
- Access rules: tenants must have reasonable, private access to shared laundry areas unless a safety or scheduling rule is posted.
- Tenants should receive notice of any changes to laundry services, machine replacement, or adjustments to fees in writing.
Who handles repairs, collections and refunds?
Responsibility often depends on who owns the machines and what the lease states. If the landlord provides the machines, they are typically responsible for ensuring machines are in safe working order and for arranging repairs or refunds when machines take money without delivering services. If a third-party company owns and services the machines, the landlord should still supply contact details and ensure timely repairs or refunds for tenants.
- If a supplied machine breaks or causes damage, report it promptly so the landlord or owner can arrange a repair.
- If you are overcharged or a machine keeps coins, request a refund in writing and keep a copy of your request and any proof of payment.
- If the landlord does not respond, contact the service company (if known) and document your attempts to resolve the issue.
Fees, receipts and overcharge problems
Best practice for tenants is to ask for receipts or written confirmation of refunds and to keep dated photos or videos of malfunctioning machines. If a machine repeatedly takes payments without providing services, ask for a written refund and a timeline for repair. Keep copies of all communications and consider a formal complaint if the matter is not fixed.
When to ask for a refund or repair
- Request a refund immediately when a machine takes payment and fails to operate; include date, time and amount in your request.
- Request repairs in writing if the machine is unsafe, leaking, or creates hazards in the laundry area.
- Save evidence: photos, videos, payment receipts and any witness names to support your claim.
How to resolve disputes and when to use official forms
Start by communicating the problem to your landlord in writing and keep a dated copy. If that does not resolve the issue, use the official dispute process through the provincial residential tenancy office or tribunal. Common official actions include serving a written notice about repairs or filing an application with the tribunal for an order requiring a refund, repair, or other remedy. See the official application forms and instructions for examples of what to include.[3]
For practical guidance on responsibilities and repair expectations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained when you need clarity on who must act. For step-by-step repair expectations, consult Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
FAQ
- Can my landlord charge for using shared laundry or coin machines?
- Yes, landlords can charge for shared laundry if the lease or building rules state the charge; however, charges must be clear, consistent, and accompanied by a way to request refunds for failures.
- Who pays for repairs if a landlord-owned machine breaks?
- Generally the landlord pays for repairs to equipment they provide, unless you or another tenant caused the damage intentionally or through neglect.
- How do I file a complaint if I can't get a refund?
- Document the issue, send a written request for refund and repair, and if unresolved, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using the official application form referenced below.
How-To
- Document the problem immediately with photos, videos, dates, times and payment evidence.
- Notify your landlord in writing, stating the issue and requested remedy, and keep a dated copy.
- Request a refund in writing if you were overcharged, and ask for a timeline for repair.
- If the landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, prepare and file an application with the tribunal or dispute office.
- Attend any scheduled hearing, bring all evidence, and be ready to explain the actions you took to resolve the issue first.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
