Understanding Tenant Rights in Special Tenancy Situations

Special Tenancy Situations New Brunswick 3 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of New Brunswick

As a tenant in New Brunswick, it's critical to understand your rights, especially when faced with special tenancy situations like rent increases, evictions, or maintenance concerns. The province's Residential Tenancies Act outlines the legal framework governing tenant and landlord responsibilities, ensuring fair practices for both parties.

Navigating Rent Increases in New Brunswick

Rent increases can be a significant concern for tenants. In New Brunswick, landlords must adhere to specific guidelines when increasing rent. These include providing adequate notice and ensuring the increase aligns with any caps imposed by the provincial guidelines.

Collect the landlord’s written rent increase notice and your tenancy agreement, then confirm the three-month notice period and any caps in provincial guidelines. If the increase seems unfair or exceeds caps, you can file a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and present your documentation at the hearing.

Understanding Your Rights

  • Landlords must give tenants a three-month notice before the rent increase takes effect.
  • There are no specific controls on the amount of a rent increase, but any increase must be considered reasonable.
Tip: Keep a written record of all rent discussions, notices, and promises from the landlord. This helps if you need to challenge a future increase or negotiate a new lease.

If you believe a rent increase is unjustified, you can seek assistance from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to evaluate the situation further1.

Eviction Processes and Tenant Protections

Evictions in New Brunswick are guided by strict processes aimed at protecting tenant rights. A landlord must provide a valid reason and a formal notice of eviction that specifies the cause and the required notice period.

Common Grounds for Eviction

  • Non-payment of rent
  • Breaches of the rental agreement
  • Necessary renovations or property sale

Tenants have the right to dispute an eviction notice with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, ensuring a fair review process2.

If you receive an eviction notice, act quickly to review the notice for accuracy, gather your lease, receipts, and communications, and prepare to file with the tribunal before the deadline.
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Maintenance and Safety Responsibilities

Every tenant deserves a safe and well-maintained living environment. New Brunswick law mandates landlords to conduct necessary repairs and maintain habitability standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Landlords must address significant health and safety issues promptly.
  • Failure to comply can lead tenants to file a complaint or seek repairs through legal channels.
Urgent repair issues should be documented in writing with photos and dates; request prompt action in writing and keep a copy for your records in case you need to escalate to the tribunal or housing authority.

For more guidance on handling issues, explore our detailed resource on Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Explore affordable homes for rent in Canada for relocation options if necessary.

Lease Renewals and Agreements

At the end of a lease term, both tenants and landlords have specific rights and obligations concerning renewal or termination. It's essential to understand these to make informed decisions.

For more detailed information, consider visiting our guide on Lease Renewals: What Tenants Should Know About Their Rights.

FAQ

  1. What is the minimum notice period for rent increases in New Brunswick? The minimum notice period for rent increases is three months.
  2. Can I dispute an eviction notice in New Brunswick? Yes, tenants can dispute an eviction notice by appealing to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
  3. What are my maintenance rights as a tenant? Tenants are entitled to a safe and well-maintained property. Landlords must address urgent repairs swiftly.
  1. How to file a dispute regarding a rent increase?
    1. Gather all relevant details about the rent increase, including the notice and justification provided by the landlord.
    2. Submit a formal application for dispute resolution to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
    3. Attend the scheduled hearing to present your case.
  2. How to contest an eviction notice?
    1. Review the eviction notice for compliance with legal standards.
    2. File an appeal with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
    3. Prepare evidence for the hearing and attend on the scheduled date.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

If you need assistance, reach out to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for New Brunswick or consult local tenant advocacy groups. Remember, knowing your rights is a key part in ensuring you have access to safe and fair housing.

If language barriers or access issues arise, contact local tenant advocacy groups or legal aid for assistance with disputes and tribunal filings.

1. See "Residential Tenancies Act." Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. Available at: https://laws.gnb.ca/en/ShowTdm/cs/2013-c.13/
2. See "Residential Tenancies Tribunal." Service New Brunswick. Available at: https://www.snb.ca/RTT-CET

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Marie Dubois
Marie Dubois

Bilingual Housing Rights Advisor, Tenant Rights Canada

Marie covers tenant rights across Quebec and the Atlantic provinces in both English and French. With a background in Quebec civil law and residential tenancy, she is a trusted voice on the Tribunal administratif du logement process and francophone tenant rights.

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