Top 5 Maintenance & Repair Rules for Tenants in New Brunswick

Whether you’re renting an apartment or house in New Brunswick, understanding maintenance and repair rules is essential for a safe and happy home. This article covers the key facts tenants need to know about their rights and duties relating to repairs—based on the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) and the latest provincial guidelines. We’ll walk you through routine vs. emergency repairs, who’s responsible for what, and how to get help if something goes wrong.

1. Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities for Repairs

In New Brunswick, your landlord must make sure your rental unit is safe and liveable. This means fixing major issues—like heating, plumbing, or electrical concerns—promptly. As a tenant, you’re expected to keep your unit reasonably clean and notify the landlord if something needs repair. Ordinary wear and tear repairs are typically the landlord’s responsibility, while damages caused by a tenant or guest are not. For more on this topic, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Common Landlord Responsibilities:

• Keeping plumbing, electrical, and heating systems working
• Repairing leaks or damage to the roof, windows, and doors
• Addressing safety hazards quickly

Tenant Responsibilities:

• Keeping the unit clean and reporting problems promptly
• Not causing damage (beyond ordinary wear and tear)
• Letting the landlord know in writing if a repair is needed

If issues persist, you can find Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for a comprehensive overview.

2. Emergency vs. Routine Repairs

Not all repairs are urgent. In general, emergencies are situations that make your rental unsafe or unliveable—such as a lack of heat in winter, a burst pipe, or problems with essential electricity. If you face an emergency, contact your landlord immediately, preferably in writing and by phone. For less urgent matters (like a leaky faucet), written notice to the landlord is required.

For an in-depth look at handling urgent situations, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

What to Do in an Emergency:

• Try to reach your landlord right away.
• Follow up in writing (text, email, or letter).
• If the landlord doesn’t respond promptly, document your efforts.

Routine Repairs:

• Submit a written repair request describing the issue.
• Keep a copy of your request for your records.
• Allow a reasonable time for landlord response (typically a few business days).

3. Steps to Request Repairs (and What to Do if Ignored)

Always request repairs in writing, clearly describing the problem and date. If a landlord fails to respond to your request for necessary repairs, you may apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies for help.

Relevant Official Form:

• Application for Assistance Form (Form 3): Used when a landlord doesn’t address repairs. Submit this with details and any supporting documentation.
  Access it from the official New Brunswick Residential Tenancies site.

4. Health and Safety Issues

Landlords are legally required to repair problems that threaten tenants’ health or safety, such as mould, pests, broken locks, or unsafe heating. Report these conditions as soon as possible, and include as much detail as you can.

Find out more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

5. Your Rights if You Need Repairs Fixed

If the landlord does not address required repairs, you have legal options. Tenants must never withhold rent without approval from the government or a tribunal. Instead, file a complaint:

• Use the Application for Assistance (Form 3) to request a formal judgment.
• Contact the New Brunswick Office of Residential Tenancies if urgent health/safety issues are ignored.
• Read the Residential Tenancies Act for details on legal procedures and timeframes.

You can also Explore rental homes in your area if your current place becomes unliveable and you need to move.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible for fixing a broken appliance?
   If the appliance was provided by the landlord (e.g. fridge, stove), it’s generally the landlord’s responsibility to fix or replace it. If the tenant caused the damage, the tenant may be responsible for the repair.
2. Can I deduct repair costs from my rent if the landlord ignores my request?
   No. In New Brunswick, tenants must not deduct repair costs from rent. Instead, follow the official complaint process using Form 3.
3. How quickly must a landlord respond to a repair request?
   There’s no fixed legal time frame, but for emergency repairs, immediate attention is expected. For routine repairs, landlords should respond within a reasonable period (usually a few business days).
4. What if my unit is unsafe due to health hazards?
   Report serious health hazards immediately. If the landlord doesn’t act, you may contact provincial inspectors or file a complaint with the Office of Residential Tenancies.
5. How do I submit evidence if I file a complaint?
   Include copies of emails, letters, photos, and any other evidence with your official application (Form 3).

How To Handle Maintenance and Repairs Issues

1. How to request a repair in writing
   Write a short note or email to your landlord, include the date and a clear description of the issue. Save a copy for your records.
2. How to escalate if nothing is fixed
   If your landlord does not respond in a reasonable time, complete and submit the Application for Assistance (Form 3), and attach copies of previous correspondence.
3. How to report an urgent or safety issue
   Contact your landlord immediately, follow up in writing, and if unresolved, contact New Brunswick’s Office of Residential Tenancies or a health inspector.
4. How to document maintenance issues for evidence
   Take clear photos, write down the date you first noticed the problem, and keep copies of all communications.

Key Takeaways: What Tenants Should Remember

• Landlords are responsible for repairs affecting health, safety, or liveability.
• Always submit repair requests in writing and keep records.
• Know your rights: use official forms and processes, not self-help measures.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Office of Residential Tenancies — for forms, legal help, and submitting complaints
• Download all official forms and instructions
• Government of New Brunswick Rental Resources
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. Application for Assistance (Form 3)

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