Renting in New Brunswick means understanding what counts as normal wear and tear so you can protect your security deposit and avoid disputes. This guide explains common examples of fair wear, versus damage a landlord can charge you for, and shows how tenancy inspections, photographs, and written records help tenants prove normal use. You will learn when routine maintenance is the landlords responsibility, what minor repairs are reasonable for tenants to handle, and practical steps to document a clean move-out. Clear, tenant-focused advice makes it easier to prepare for the final inspection, respond to deductions, and decide whether to raise a concern with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if needed.[1]
What is normal wear and tear?
Normal wear and tear are the natural, gradual changes that happen when a rental unit is used as intended. Typical examples reflect aging and ordinary use; they are not the same as careless or intentional damage that a landlord can deduct from your security deposit.
Common examples of normal wear and tear
- Minor scuffs on baseboards or paint that occur over time when living normally.
- Fading or slight wear in carpets from normal foot traffic.
- Loose faucet washers or small mechanical issues due to regular use that need routine repair.
- Small, superficial marks on countertops from normal cooking activity that do not affect function.
Examples that are usually considered damage
- Large holes in walls, broken windows, or stains and burns that require replacement or extensive repair.
- Pet urine damage, mold caused by neglect, or deliberate alterations without landlord approval.
How landlords assess deductions
Landlords must decide whether an issue is normal wear or tenant-caused damage; they may estimate repair costs and, where applicable, deduct reasonable amounts from a security deposit. In New Brunswick the Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles disputes about deductions and enforcement of the Residential Tenancies Act[2]. Tenants should expect landlords to consider the items age, expected lifespan, and whether the condition affects habitability.
- Final inspection reports and move-in condition checklists are commonly used to compare the units condition.
- Photographs with dates and copies of repair receipts help document when wear happened and who paid for fixes.
- If a landlord deducts from a deposit, ask for an itemized list of costs and receipts.
Steps tenants should take before moving out
Plan ahead to reduce the chance of disputed deductions: clean thoroughly, repair any accidental damage you caused, keep receipts, and be present for the final inspection when possible. Use the move-out checklist to compare against your move-in report, and ask for a written final inspection report.
For guidance on preparing for inspections, see the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants. If you need help recovering a deposit or contesting deductions, review practical steps in How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.
FAQ
- How do I know if a mark is normal wear and tear?
- Normal wear and tear is gradual and expected from everyday living; sudden or extensive damage from neglect or misuse is not normal and can be charged to you.
- Can a landlord charge me for repainting?
- Landlords generally cannot charge for routine repainting due to aging, but they may charge for excessive marks, holes, or unauthorized paint colours that require restoration.
- What if I disagree with deductions from my deposit?
- If you cannot resolve the issue directly, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for a review and decision.
How-To
- Document the unit on move-in: take clear dated photos and keep the signed move-in inspection report.
- Fix minor, tenant-caused issues before move-out and keep all repair receipts as evidence.
- Attend the final inspection or request a written report if you cannot attend.
- If there is a dispute, gather your documentation and apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal following their form and instructions.
- If you win a dispute, follow the tribunals order for repayment or remedy; if you lose, review options before appealing.
Key Takeaways
- Document the unit carefully on move-in and move-out to protect your deposit.
- Normal wear is not chargeable; damage from neglect or misuse can be deducted.
- The Residential Tenancies Tribunal can resolve deposit disputes in New Brunswick.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Government of New Brunswick)
- Tenant information and resources (Government of New Brunswick)
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