Tenant Rights When Garbage Collection Stops in NB

Garbage pickup can stop unexpectedly, leaving tenants unsure about health, odours, pests, and building cleanliness. This guide explains practical steps tenants and renters in New Brunswick can take when municipal or private garbage collection pauses or stops. It covers immediate safety actions, how to notify your landlord, when you might be entitled to repairs or remedies, and how to use official complaint channels. The information uses plain language and focuses on tenant rights, common obligations for landlords, and time-sensitive actions to reduce risks to health and habitability. You will also find how-to steps for filing a formal complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and links to relevant provincial forms and legislation.

What to do right away

If your building or street misses a scheduled pickup, act quickly to reduce health and safety risks. Remove food waste to sealed containers, keep indoor garbage in closed bins, and avoid leaving bags in common hallways where pests can access them. Document missed collection dates, take photos of overflowing bins or unsafe conditions, and keep receipts if you pay for interim removal.

• Call your landlord or property manager as soon as you notice a missed collection and ask for instructions and remedial plans.
• Keep records: photos, emails, messages, and receipts for any extra disposal services you buy.
• If pests, odours, or unsanitary conditions follow, report the issue in writing and request prompt corrective action.

Rights and responsibilities in New Brunswick

Tenants have the right to safe and sanitary living conditions; landlords have a responsibility to maintain common areas and ensure reasonable services are provided. If garbage collection is the landlords responsibility (for example, if included in your lease or building services), they must arrange alternatives or repairs. Where local municipal service interruptions are to blame, landlords should still take steps to reduce health risks in the building and notify tenants about timelines and temporary measures.^[1]

When to use official complaint channels

If your landlord does not respond, or the condition creates a health or safety risk, you can file a formal complaint with the provincial tribunal or your municipality. Before applying to the tribunal, gather evidence: dated photos, written requests to the landlord, neighbour statements, and any receipts for interim services. The Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles disputes about repairs and services in New Brunswick and explains application steps and required documents.^[2]

Official forms and when to use them

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal  use this to request a hearing if the landlord fails to fix a service or remedy unsafe conditions (for example, if building waste becomes a pest hazard and the landlord does not act).
• Notice to Landlord or Tenant forms  use a written notice to formally record a request for repair or service before filing with the tribunal; always keep a copy for your records.^[3]

Filing a tribunal application: step-by-step

If informal steps dont resolve the problem, follow the tribunal process and stick to deadlines. The tribunal will require evidence and a clear statement of the remedy you seek (for example, an order to compel the landlord to arrange garbage removal or a rent reduction while service is missing).

1. Prepare evidence: photos, messages, receipts, and a short timeline of events.
2. Send a written notice to your landlord requesting action and state a reasonable deadline.
3. Contact your municipal waste services to confirm service outages and expected resumption times.
4. Complete and submit the tribunal application form with attachments and the filing fee, if applicable.
5. Attend the hearing or teleconference and present your evidence clearly and respectfully.

FAQ

Can my landlord bill me for additional garbage pickup they arrange?

If your lease says garbage services are included, the landlord should not bill you separately without written agreement; discuss the charge in writing and keep records.

What if the missed pickup creates a pest problem?

Report pests right away and ask the landlord to arrange professional pest control; document requests and responses and consider filing with the tribunal if the landlord fails to act.

How long does the tribunal process usually take?

Timelines vary; the tribunal will provide scheduling details after you file. Keep following interim health and safety steps while you wait.

How-To

1. Document the problem with dated photos and a short log of missed pickup dates.
2. Notify your landlord in writing and request corrective action within a clear deadline.
3. Confirm the municipal or contractor status with local waste services and note any official outage notices.
4. If unresolved, complete the tribunal application form, attach evidence, and submit per instructions.
5. Prepare for the hearing: organise photos, receipts, and a concise timeline to present.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Government of New Brunswick)
• Residential Tenancies legislation and provincial acts (New Brunswick)
• Forms and tenant information (Government of New Brunswick)

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Government of New Brunswick)
3. [3] Forms and tenant guidance (Government of New Brunswick)