Renting in New Brunswick comes with the right to safe, clean water for basic needs like drinking, cooking and bathing. If you notice discolouration, unusual taste, odour, or recurring plumbing problems, you have options: report the issue to your landlord, request testing, and seek repairs under provincial rules. This guide explains what tenants should expect from landlords, how to document concerns, which official forms and tribunal to contact, and practical steps for getting water tested and fixed. It assumes no legal background and focuses on clear actions you can take to protect health and ensure your rental meets habitability standards in New Brunswick.
Your rights and landlord duties
Under New Brunswick tenancy rules, landlords must provide and maintain a rental unit that meets basic habitability standards, which includes safe water suitable for ordinary household use. If water is visibly contaminated or unsafe, ask your landlord to arrange testing and repairs. If they do not act, you can file an application with the provincial Residential Tenancies Tribunal for dispute resolution.[1] The applicable legislation sets out obligations and remedies for both tenants and landlords.[2]
Common water problems to watch for
- Discolouration or sediment in taps or hot water heaters.
- Persistent low water pressure, continuous brown water, or frequent plumbing failures.
- Unusual taste or odour indicating contamination.
- Repeated bottled-water or boil-water advisories from local authorities.
How to document and report a water issue
Good documentation makes it easier to get prompt action. Start by taking clear photos or videos, noting dates and times, and saving any bills or advisories. Send a written request to your landlord describing the problem and asking for testing or repairs; a written record helps preserve your rights if the issue continues.[3]
- Contact your landlord immediately and ask for a written response.
- Serve a written notice describing the problem and requesting testing or repairs.
- Keep copies of all messages, receipts for bottled water or testing fees, and any official advisories.
Testing, repairs and who pays
Often the landlord is responsible for arranging and paying for testing and repairs when the issue stems from building systems, plumbing, or municipal supply. If the problem is tenant-caused, costs may be the tenant's responsibility; discuss options in writing. If a landlord refuses to arrange or pay for necessary testing or repairs, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to seek an order requiring action or compensation.[1]
When to arrange independent testing
If you lack confidence in a landlord-arranged test or if the landlord wont act, you may arrange independent, accredited testing. Keep receipts and chain-of-custody documents and share results with your landlord and, if needed, the tribunal. Independent testing can be persuasive evidence in a dispute.
Practical tenant options and remedies
- Request immediate repairs or temporary measures (e.g., bottled water) for safety.
- Serve written notices and keep copies as proof of the request and any delays.
- Apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for orders requiring the landlord to act or to obtain compensation.
If you want to learn more about general hazards and what to watch for when you move in, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. For help understanding who should do routine fixes, consult Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
When looking for a new rental or comparing units, consider using a national rental search to check listing details and neighbourhood alerts: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- Who is responsible for testing water in a rental unit?
- Usually the landlord is responsible for arranging and paying for water testing when the issue arises from building systems or the municipal supply, but responsibilities can vary based on the cause.
- Can I withhold rent if the water is unsafe?
- Withholding rent is risky and may not be permitted; instead, document the problem, request repairs in writing, and apply to the tribunal for remedies rather than stopping payments without legal advice.
- How quickly should a landlord act on water quality complaints?
- Landlords should respond promptly and arrange temporary safety measures and testing as needed; if they delay, tenants can apply to the tribunal for expedited resolution.
How-To
- Document the issue with dated photos or videos and keep any municipal advisories.
- Serve a written request to your landlord asking for testing and repairs and keep a copy.
- If the landlord does not act, arrange accredited independent water testing and save receipts and lab reports.
- File an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal including all documentation and test results.
Key Takeaways
- Tenants have the right to safe water and should document any problems immediately.
- Always make written requests to landlords and keep copies to protect your rights.
- If landlords do not act, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal can order testing, repairs or compensation.
Help and Support / Resources
- [1] Residential Tenancies Tribunal, Government of New Brunswick
- [2] Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
- [3] Application form for Residential Tenancies Tribunal
