Tenant's Right to Repairs and Maintenance in New Brunswick

As a tenant in New Brunswick, you have clear rights and practical steps to request repairs and ensure your home meets basic habitability standards. This guide explains what landlords must fix, how to document problems, when a repair is urgent, and how to use official forms and the provincial tribunal if necessary. It uses simple, tenant-focused language so you can act confidently — whether you need routine upkeep, an emergency fix, or help filing an application. Following these steps will help protect your safety and living conditions while keeping communication and records that support your case if you must escalate the issue.

What the law requires in New Brunswick

Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining rental units in a good state of repair and complying with health and safety standards under provincial tenancy law. If a problem affects habitability — such as no heat, major plumbing leaks, or electrical hazards — the landlord must address it promptly. For the exact legal standard, see the provincial legislation and guidance.^[1]

How to report repairs and protect your rights

Be clear, written, and polite. Start by telling your landlord about the issue in writing, describe the problem, include dates, and propose reasonable access times. Keep copies of every message and any responses.

• Give written notice describing the repair, the date you first noticed it, and when you are available for access.
• Keep photos, videos, and a dated log of the issue as evidence.
• Contact the landlord and record phone calls, text messages, and in-person conversations.
• If the problem affects safety or essential services, state why the repair is urgent and request immediate action.

Routine versus emergency repairs

Routine repairs are those that do not immediately threaten health or safety, like a dripping tap or a stuck window. Emergency repairs are issues such as no heat in winter, major water leaks, gas smells, or electrical hazards. For urgent matters, tell the landlord right away and follow up in writing.

If the landlord does not respond to emergencies, you may have options such as arranging a qualified repair and seeking reimbursement or applying to the tribunal for an order. For specific guidance on urgent and emergency situations, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Official forms and when to use them

There are official tenancy forms you can use to start a formal process, request hearings, or file complaints. Common examples include an application to the residential tenancies tribunal (form names vary). If you plan to apply, gather your written notices, photos, receipts, and a clear timeline before filing.^[2]

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal — used to ask for orders when a landlord won’t fix serious problems (form number: if available, it appears on the official site).
• Evidence package — photos, repair logs, and receipts you submit to support your application.
• Hearing request or scheduling form — follow the tribunal’s steps to set a date if a hearing is needed.

When to apply to the tribunal

Consider the tribunal if:

• The landlord has not fixed a serious safety or habitability issue after reasonable written notice.
• You have followed the written notice steps and have documentation to support your claim.
• You need a formal order requiring repairs or compensation for damages or losses.

Before applying, try to resolve the problem directly; but if that fails, the tribunal can hear your case and issue binding decisions. See the tribunal information and forms for New Brunswick for exact filing steps and timelines.^[3]

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must maintain basic habitability and address urgent repairs promptly.
• Always give written notice, keep records, and collect photos as evidence.
• If issues aren’t fixed, you can apply to the provincial tribunal with documented evidence.

FAQ

Who is responsible for repairs in New Brunswick?

The landlord is generally responsible for keeping the rental in a good state of repair and meeting health and safety standards; tenants must report issues promptly in writing.

What counts as an emergency repair?

Emergencies include no heat in cold weather, major water leaks, gas smells, or electrical hazards that risk health or safety.

Can I arrange a repair myself and be reimbursed?

In some cases you can hire a qualified professional for urgent repairs and seek reimbursement or compensation through the tribunal if the landlord refuses to pay.

What happens at a tribunal hearing?

The tribunal reviews evidence from both sides and can order repairs, compensation, or other remedies based on the law and the facts presented.

How-To

1. Collect evidence: take dated photos, keep receipts, and write a short repair log detailing dates and communications.
2. Give written notice to the landlord describing the issue and requesting a timeline for repair.
3. If the landlord does not respond, follow up and keep copies of all messages and attempts to resolve the problem.
4. File an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal including your documentation and a clear statement of the remedy you seek.
5. Attend the hearing or arrange representation, present your evidence calmly, and follow the tribunal’s order.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential tenancies information and forms (Service New Brunswick)
• Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
• Residential Tenancies Tribunal (contact and filing information)

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. [2] Residential tenancies information and forms (Service New Brunswick)
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick)