Top 5 Privacy & Entry Rights Tenants Must Know in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, tenants have specific privacy rights that landlords must respect, especially when it comes to entering your rental unit. Understanding these rules helps ensure you feel secure and know what to do if you believe your landlord is overstepping. Let’s break down the top 5 things you need to know about privacy and landlord entry in New Brunswick rental housing.

1. Landlords Must Provide 24 Hours’ Written Notice Before Entering

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick), your landlord cannot enter your apartment without reasonable notice. They must give at least 24 hours' written notice, clearly stating their reason for entry and intended time.^[1]

• Valid reasons for entry include repairs, showing the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, or inspecting the property.
• Entry should occur between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., unless you agree otherwise.

This gives tenants peace of mind and a chance to prepare or ask questions in advance.

2. Emergencies Are the Exception

Your landlord doesn’t need to provide notice if there’s an emergency (for example, a fire or urgent water leak). In these cases, landlords can enter immediately to address the issue.^[1]

3. Your Privacy Is Protected Against Unreasonable Entry

Repeated, unnecessary, or harassing entry is not permitted. If you feel your privacy is being invaded or the landlord is entering too often without valid reason, you can file a complaint with the Rentalsman—the official Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Rentalsman) in New Brunswick.^[2]

After signing your lease, it’s important to understand both your rights and responsibilities. For more, read What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

4. There Are Official Forms for Entry Disputes

If you want to challenge your landlord’s right to entry, you can use the Tribunal’s official forms:

• Notice of Complaint Form (Form 6): Use this form to formally complain to the Tribunal about privacy violations or entry without notice. For example, if your landlord enters your unit repeatedly without notice for non-emergency reasons, complete the Notice of Complaint Form and submit it to the Tribunal.^[3]

Action Steps:

• Fill out the Notice of Complaint Form (Form 6).
• Include full details of the dates and circumstances of the landlord's entry.
• Submit to the Rentalsman in person, by mail, or electronically.

5. Tenant and Landlord Rights & Responsibilities Go Both Ways

Both landlords and tenants have rights and obligations. Tenants must allow access for necessary repairs or inspection with proper notice, while landlords must respect your private space. Harassment or improper entry can result in penalties.

For a comprehensive overview, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you’re searching for a new place where your privacy is respected, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and find the home that suits you best.

Summary of Privacy Entry Rules in New Brunswick

• Landlords must give 24 hours’ written notice, in most cases
• No notice is needed for true emergencies
• Unreasonable or harassing entry can be challenged
• Official complaint processes are available to tenants
• Both landlord and tenant rights are legally protected

For more details on your protections and those of your landlord, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can my landlord enter my apartment without notice in New Brunswick?
   Generally, no—except in emergencies. Otherwise, landlords must give at least 24 hours’ written notice stating the reason and time.
2. What qualifies as an emergency for landlord entry?
   Emergencies include situations where immediate entry is necessary to prevent damage or ensure safety (like burst pipes, fire, or gas leak).
3. How can I complain if my landlord violates my privacy?
   Complete the Notice of Complaint Form (Form 6) and submit it to the Rentalsman.
4. Can I refuse entry if the notice is too short or the time is inconvenient?
   You may ask to reschedule if the landlord hasn’t given the required notice or proposes an unreasonable time. Discuss your concerns first, but repeated denial without valid reason may not be allowed.
5. What if entry is needed for repairs?
   Your landlord must still give 24 hours’ notice unless it’s urgent. Entry should only happen between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., unless you agree otherwise.

How To Protect Your Privacy and Handle Entry Disputes

1. How to respond to a landlord's notice of entry:
   Read the notice carefully. If the date or time does not work, contact your landlord as soon as possible to propose an alternative.
2. How to file a complaint about improper entry:
   Complete the Notice of Complaint Form (Form 6) and submit it to the Rentalsman. Include dates and descriptions of incidents.
3. How to document privacy concerns:
   Keep a written log of any incidents, including dates, times, and witnesses. Save any written communications related to entry or privacy disputes.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords usually need to give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering your home.
• Emergencies allow immediate entry, but routine repairs and showings do not.
• Use official forms to protect your rights if you believe your privacy has been violated.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Rentalsman) – Information, forms, complaint submission
• Province-wide Tenant Associations: Search your city or town for local tenant advocacy groups
• Legal Help: Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick
• More details: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act, New Brunswick
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Rentalsman)
3. [3] Notice of Complaint Form (Form 6), Service New Brunswick

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