Using Municipal Bylaws for Repair Enforcement in NB

Many tenants in New Brunswick face delays when needed repairs are not made. Municipal bylaws can sometimes give tenants another route to get unsafe or unhealthy conditions fixed when a landlord is slow or unresponsive. This guide explains how bylaws interact with provincial tenancy rules, when to involve your municipality, and how to prepare clear documentation for enforcement. You will learn which forms and tribunals to contact, what evidence helps a case, and practical next steps so you can protect your health and safety without unnecessary delay.

How municipal bylaws can help tenants

Municipal bylaws often cover property standards, building safety, pest control, septic and sewer issues, and unsanitary conditions. If a rental unit breaks municipal rules—for example, dangerous wiring, persistent mould, or unsafe stairs—the municipality can order repairs or issue fines to the property owner. This route is distinct from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal process and can work in parallel: you can report bylaw breaches to your local municipal office while keeping a tenancy application or complaint with the provincial tribunal.^[1]

When bylaws are most useful

• Reportable hazards that affect habitability, such as heating failures, major plumbing leaks, or structural dangers.
• Sanitary or pest issues where the municipality has explicit property standards enforcement.
• Cases where the landlord has been notified in writing but fails to act within a reasonable time.

Use municipal enforcement when the problem is clearly within the scope of a bylaw and the municipality can compel the owner to fix it. While municipalities enforce standards, the Residential Tenancies Act remains the main law governing landlord and tenant obligations in New Brunswick; you may need to use both systems to get a timely result.^[2]

Practical steps for tenants to use bylaws and tribunal options

Follow these steps to make a strong, documented case. Keep copies of everything you send or receive and keep a dated photo log of problems.

1. Notify your landlord in writing about the problem, describe the issue clearly, and state a reasonable deadline for repairs.
2. Collect evidence: photos, videos, written notes of dates and times, and copies of messages and receipts.
3. Contact your municipal property-standards or bylaw office to ask if the condition breaches local bylaws and to learn their complaint process.
4. File the municipality's complaint form if advised, and request an inspection; ask for written confirmation or a file number.
5. If repairs are not made, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and include copies of municipal reports or inspection notices.
6. Follow up on deadlines, attend any inspections or hearings, and keep communication professional and focused on facts.

Filing forms: what tenants should expect

• Municipal complaint or property standards form — used to request an inspection and enforcement of local bylaws.
• Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal — used when a landlord does not fix problems or when you need an order for repairs or remedies.
• Evidence package — photos, dated correspondence, and municipal inspection reports to support your claim.

When you mention the tribunal or the Residential Tenancies Act in correspondence, include the relevant municipal file number if there was an inspection. Bringing municipal reports to a tribunal hearing helps show the seriousness and official recognition of the issue.^[1]

FAQ

Can a municipality force my landlord to make repairs?

Yes. If a property fails to meet municipal property standards or building bylaws, the municipality can order the owner to fix defects and may impose fines for non-compliance.

Should I wait for the municipality before applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal?

No. You can start both processes at the same time; municipal action and tribunal orders are different tools and can support each other.

What proof does the tribunal expect for a repair claim?

The tribunal looks for clear evidence such as dated photos, communications with the landlord, receipts, and any municipal inspection reports or orders.

How-To

Follow these concise steps to report a bylaw issue and pursue repair enforcement as a tenant in New Brunswick.

1. Write a clear request to your landlord describing the problem, its health or safety impact, and ask for repairs by a specific date.
2. Take dated photos and notes showing the ongoing issue and any attempts to fix it.
3. Contact your municipalitys property-standards or bylaw office to report the issue and follow their complaint instructions.
4. Submit the municipal complaint form and request a written inspection report or file number.
5. File an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if the landlord does not act, attaching municipal documents as evidence.
6. Attend any hearings, keep copies of all decisions, and follow Tribunal or municipal orders promptly.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Service New Brunswick
• Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
• Local government and municipal services - Government of New Brunswick

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Service New Brunswick
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
3. [3] Local government and municipal services - Government of New Brunswick