Unsafe Employer Housing in New Brunswick: Tenant Action Guide

Many New Brunswick workers live in housing provided by their employers, such as for farm, hospitality, or resource jobs. But what if the property is unsafe—lacking repairs, heat, or has health hazards? This guide explains your rights, key steps, and official resources if you’re facing unsafe conditions in employer-owned housing in New Brunswick.

Identifying Unsafe Living Conditions in Employer Housing

Unsafe or unhealthy conditions can seriously impact your safety and well-being. Common issues include:

• No heat, water, or electricity
• Mould, pests, or structural problems
• Lack of fire exits or smoke detectors
• Broken doors or windows making your unit unsecure
• Overcrowded or unsanitary living spaces

Tenant protections apply to most employer-provided housing—but there are exceptions. For specific legal details, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

What Are Your Rights in Employer Housing?

Employer housing falls under the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)¹, with some exceptions. As a tenant, you have the right to:

• Safe, healthy, and reasonably maintained living conditions
• Timely repairs for vital services (e.g. heat, water, plumbing)
• Not be evicted unfairly or without proper notice and legal procedure

Employers acting as landlords must fulfill basic Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained. For urgent threats (such as no heat in winter or unsafe wiring), action should be taken quickly—for your safety and by law.

How to Address Unsafe Conditions in Employer Housing

If you feel your employer-provided housing is unsafe, follow these steps:

• Notify your employer/landlord in writing about repairs needed. Keep a dated copy.
• If there’s no response, contact New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Tribunal to file a formal repair request or complaint.²
• In urgent cases (e.g. dangerous electrical/structural issues), contact municipal by-law offices or provincial health and safety authorities.

Unsafe conditions qualify as serious “health and safety issues.” Review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for common risks and tips.

Official Forms for Reporting Unsafe Conditions

• Form 6 – Application for Repairs: Use this to formally request repairs when your employer/landlord hasn’t fixed essential problems after written notice.
  Example: If you have repeatedly asked for mould removal or to fix no heat, fill out this form and submit it to the Tribunal.
  Download Form 6 – Application for Repairs (PDF)
• Form 16 – Tenant's Complaint: For broader complaints (e.g., neglect, harassment, unsafe environment).
  Example: If your employer refuses to make the housing safe after repeated requests, submit this form.
  Download Form 16 – Tenant's Complaint (PDF)

Send completed forms to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (by email, fax, mail, or through Service New Brunswick centers).²

What Happens After You Submit a Complaint?

The Tribunal may investigate, order repairs, or arrange a hearing. If the housing is unsafe, they have authority to order urgent action—sometimes even ending your lease if conditions are “impossible to live in.”

Tip: Keep copies of all correspondence, photos, and forms. This strengthens your case and helps ensure your rights are respected.

For general challenges, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. If pests are the main concern, visit Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

If Repairs Aren’t Made and Housing Remains Unsafe

• You may be allowed to withhold rent in some situations, but always get approval from the Tribunal first
• If the Tribunal finds the housing uninhabitable and your employer refuses to act, you might be allowed to end your tenancy early
• Alternative accommodations or compensation may be available

If your safety is at immediate risk, the local fire department or public health inspector can step in. For general rental searches and alternatives, Canada's best rental listings platform can help you explore safer rentals in your area.

FAQ: Unsafe Employer Housing in New Brunswick

1. What should I do if my employer refuses to make urgent repairs?
   You should immediately submit a written repair request, then file Form 6 with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if there’s no prompt response.
2. Are tenant rights different in employer-provided housing?
   Most rights are the same, but check for exceptions in the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick. For serious health/safety issues, protections are strong.
3. Can my employer evict me if I complain about unsafe housing?
   Retaliatory eviction is not allowed. Any eviction must follow legal procedures under the Residential Tenancies Act.¹
4. Is municipal inspection available for unsafe employer housing?
   Yes, you can request safety or health inspections (e.g., by-laws, public health) alongside Tribunal action.
5. What if my lease is tied to my employment?
   Your rights still apply, but employment-linked tenancies can have special rules—always review your lease and consult the Tribunal if unsure.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• You have strong rights as a tenant, even if housing is provided by your employer.
• Document unsafe conditions, communicate clearly in writing, and use official Tribunal forms if action is needed.
• Support is available from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and local inspectors.

For a summary of New Brunswick’s system and helpful links, check the provincial resource below.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal – New Brunswick (complaints, forms, info): 1-888-762-8600
• Service New Brunswick (file forms, get assistance): Service NB Locations
• Public Health and Safety: Contact your local municipal office
• Guides for tenant rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick
• Additional advocacy: New Brunswick Tenants Rights organizations (search local listings)

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal (New Brunswick)

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