Living with a roommate who commits illegal acts can be frightening and put your tenancy at risk. This guide explains practical steps for tenants and renters in New Brunswick to protect personal safety, preserve your rental record and security deposit, and use official complaint and tribunal processes when necessary. You will find clear actions to document incidents, contact the police or landlord, and file a dispute with the provincial tribunal if the situation affects habitability or your ability to live safely. Keep calm, follow deadlines, and get help from official resources so you can resolve the issue while protecting your rights as a tenant in New Brunswick.
Immediate safety and documentation
If there is immediate danger, call 911. If the illegal act is not urgent but still serious, document what happens so you can show evidence later. Good documentation helps both police reports and any tribunal applications.
- Call 911 if anyone faces immediate harm or there is a crime in progress.
- Document incidents with photos, timestamps and a short written log noting dates, times and witnesses.
- Contact your landlord or property manager in writing and keep a copy of your message and any replies.
- If safety is compromised, request a lock change or other security measures from the landlord.
- Continue to pay your share of rent and keep receipts so your payment history and security deposit are protected.
Know your rights in New Brunswick
Tenants have rights under the provincial Residential Tenancies Act and can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for remedies when a rental unit is unsafe or a roommate’s behaviour breaches the tenancy agreement. Learn what your lease says about illegal activity, quiet enjoyment and security, and keep copies of all communications and payments when you act.[1][2]
For practical safety and habitability guidance, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and for provincial rights check Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
When to involve the landlord, police or tribunal
Decide your next steps based on safety and severity. If you fear harm, call police first. For non-urgent but illegal acts (drugs, theft, intimidation), tell your landlord in writing and ask them to take action. If the landlord does not respond or the unit becomes uninhabitable, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for orders such as termination of the tenancy for the problematic roommate, or repairs and security measures.[1]
Practical examples of forms and when to use them
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal: used when the landlord does not resolve safety or habitability issues; include your evidence and a clear statement of what remedy you seek.
- Police occurrence report: used when a crime has occurred; attach the report copy when you file with the tribunal to support your claim.
- Payment receipts and rent records: used to show you continued fulfilling your rent obligations while the issue was unresolved.
If you are looking for alternate housing because the situation is unsafe, consider searching listings to move quickly and avoid long exposure to risk; Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
FAQ
- Can I ask the landlord to remove the roommate who commits illegal acts?
- Yes, you can ask the landlord to act; if they do not and the living conditions are unsafe or breach the lease, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for remedies including ending the tenancy or ordering security measures.
- Will I lose my security deposit if my roommate does illegal things?
- Not automatically; keep records showing your own payments and any steps you took to stop the behaviour, and raise concerns in writing with the landlord to protect your deposit.
- Do I have to stay in the rental while the tribunal case is pending?
- No, you may choose to move for safety, but document reasons and keep evidence of expenses and communications; the tribunal can consider appropriate remedies.
How-To
- Gather and organize evidence: photos, timestamps, witness names and copies of police reports.
- Contact police for criminal acts and obtain a copy of the occurrence report.
- Notify the landlord in writing, request immediate safety measures and keep the message copy.
- Complete and file the Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with your evidence and a clear request for remedy.
- Attend the tribunal hearing with your documents and witnesses, and follow any orders issued by the tribunal.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick[1]
- Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick) - Official legislation and forms[2]
