What to Do If Your Heat or Water Is Shut Off in New Brunswick

If you’re a tenant in New Brunswick and suddenly discover your heat or water has stopped working, it can feel overwhelming. Essential services like heat and water are critical to your health and wellbeing, especially during New Brunswick's long winters. This article gives you a clear guide on your rights, your landlord’s responsibilities, and what steps you should take right away if these vital utilities are disrupted.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant in New Brunswick

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick), landlords must provide and maintain essential services like heat and water. Shutting off or failing to provide these services without a valid reason is not allowed, even if there are issues such as unpaid rent.^[1]

• Heat must be available from October 15 to May 1, and temperatures in your unit must be kept at or above 20°C.
• Tenants have the right to continuous cold and hot water unless interrupted for necessary repairs (with proper notice).

These minimum standards are enforced to ensure all rental homes are healthy and safe. To learn more about safe housing, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Immediate Steps to Take if Your Heat or Water Is Shut Off

If you notice your heat or water is off or not functioning properly, consider the following actions:

• Check your unit: Ensure the problem is not due to a blown fuse, tripped breaker, or turned-off valve within your space.
• Contact your landlord: Notify your landlord (preferably in writing) as soon as possible and document the situation with dates, times, and photos.
• Ask for immediate repairs: Request a timeline for when the problem will be fixed.
• Retain all communication: Save emails, texts, and notes of phone calls regarding your complaint.

Emergency Situations: When Health and Safety Are at Risk

If your rental unit becomes unsafe—for example, due to loss of heating in winter—it is classified as an emergency. Landlords are legally required to act promptly in emergencies. For more guidance, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Filing a Complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal

If your landlord does not restore heat or water in a reasonable time, you can request help from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal in New Brunswick (formerly the Office of the Rentalsman).

Here is how you file a complaint:

• Complete the "Tenant Application for Assistance" (Form 3): Use this form if your landlord will not address your heat or water shutdown.
  Download Form 3 - Tenant Application for Assistance (PDF)
• State the issue clearly with dates, documentation, and a record of your communication attempts.
• Submit to the Tribunal: You can file online, by mail, or in person. Keep a copy for your records.

Obligations of Landlords and Tenants

Both landlords and tenants have important duties regarding rental units:

• Landlords: Must maintain essential services. Failure to do so is an infraction under the Act.
• Tenants: Are responsible for informing landlords about issues promptly and not withholding rent as a way to resolve service disruptions.

Understand your rights and obligations further with Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Happens Next?

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal will review your application and may order your landlord to restore the essential service immediately or take other actions. They may also allow you to end your lease early or provide compensation if the problem is severe and ongoing.

For a complete look at local rental laws and how they affect you, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.

You can also find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you're considering relocating within the region or need a new place quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord legally shut off my heat or water to force me to move or pay rent?
   No. Your landlord is not allowed to shut off essential services like heat or water, even if you owe rent or they want you to move. This is prohibited under New Brunswick law.^[1]
2. How long does my landlord have to restore heat or water?
   Repairs must be completed as quickly as possible, especially when temperatures are cold or a lack of water poses a health risk.
3. What happens if nothing is fixed after I contact my landlord?
   File a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using the appropriate form and keep records of all your communications and attempts to resolve the problem.
4. Can I withhold rent if I lose heat or water?
   No. You should continue paying your rent even if these services are disrupted. Withholding rent could put your tenancy at risk. Seek legal remedies instead.
5. Where can I get official forms or help in New Brunswick?
   All necessary forms and guidance are available on the Residential Tenancies Tribunal official site.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Heat and water are essential services your landlord must provide in New Brunswick rentals.
• Report issues to your landlord promptly and document everything.
• If the problem isn't resolved quickly, use official forms to get help from the Tribunal.

Staying informed and acting quickly will help protect your health and your rights as a tenant. For more practical moving advice, see Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Official government resource for tenants
• New Brunswick Legal Aid Services: 1-888-664-8444
• Service New Brunswick – Service centers and housing support
• Tenant advocacy groups often provide advice and can help with complaints and forms.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (NB): full legislation text here

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