When Can a Landlord Enter My Unit for Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance helps keep a rental home safe and functional, but tenants in New Brunswick also have a right to reasonable privacy and peaceful enjoyment. If your landlord wants to inspect equipment, repair plumbing, test smoke alarms, or complete seasonal work, the timing and notice generally matter. Understanding the entry rules can help renters cooperate with legitimate maintenance while recognizing when a proposed visit may not be reasonable. This guide explains landlord access, notice expectations, emergencies, tenant responsibilities, documentation, and practical ways to respond to an entry dispute. It also points New Brunswick tenants toward official residential tenancy resources and tribunal processes if communication does not resolve the problem.

When can a landlord enter for routine maintenance?

Under New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord may enter a rental unit for a lawful purpose such as inspecting the premises or carrying out repairs, maintenance, or improvements. For ordinary, non-emergency entry, the landlord should provide reasonable notice and come at a reasonable time. The notice should identify the purpose of the visit and the expected time or time range. See the official Residential Tenancies Act for the governing rules.^[1]

Entry may be allowed without advance notice when there is an emergency, when the tenant consents at the time, or in other circumstances permitted by the Act. A landlord may also have specific access rights connected with showing the unit or complying with an order, but the reason for entry should still be legitimate.

Examples of routine maintenance

• Repairing a leaking tap, heating system, plumbing, or other fixture.
• Inspecting or servicing smoke alarms, electrical equipment, ventilation, or heating equipment.
• Completing a scheduled seasonal inspection or maintenance appointment.
• Checking a condition that may affect health, safety, or the building.

For broader information about repair duties and habitability, read Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities. If the proposed work involves a serious safety concern, the related guidance in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting may also help.

How much notice should a landlord give?

New Brunswick's legislation uses the standard of reasonable notice and a reasonable time rather than a single universal notice period for every routine visit. In practice, tenants should receive enough information and time to prepare, unless there is an emergency or another lawful exception. A vague message such as “I will come sometime tomorrow” may be difficult to assess without more details about the purpose and timing.

• Ask for the purpose of the visit, the date, the expected arrival window, and who will attend.
• Check whether the proposed time is reasonable and tell the landlord promptly if it creates a genuine scheduling problem.
• Keep access routes clear and secure personal or sensitive items without obstructing necessary work.
• Save messages, notices, appointment details, and photographs if the entry or condition of the unit later becomes disputed.

Can a tenant refuse routine maintenance?

A tenant generally should not unreasonably prevent lawful access for necessary repairs, inspections, or maintenance. Refusing every proposed appointment can delay important work and may create a dispute. At the same time, a tenant can ask reasonable questions, request proper notice, raise safety concerns, and seek a different time when there is a practical conflict.

Do not change locks, use a chain that prevents lawful entry, or threaten the landlord. Instead, explain the concern in writing and suggest specific alternatives. The obligations of both parties are discussed in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What if the landlord enters without proper notice?

First, write a calm message describing what happened and ask the landlord to follow the entry rules for future visits. Include the date, time, stated reason, whether notice was provided, and anyone who entered. Keep copies of emails, texts, letters, door notices, and relevant photographs. A repeated pattern is easier to explain when it is recorded consistently.

If the issue continues, contact the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal for information about the applicable process. You can ask whether an application or other remedy is available based on the facts. The official provincial landlord and tenant service provides tribunal information, contact options, and forms.^[2]

Official forms and dispute steps

For a routine-entry disagreement, begin with written communication rather than immediately filing a case. If the problem is not resolved, review the official Residential Tenancies Tribunal forms and instructions. The relevant filing is generally an Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, sometimes described in provincial materials as an application to the Director; use the current version supplied by the province because form names and online filing options can change. For example, a tenant who has documented several unannounced entries can use the application process to ask the tribunal what remedy or order may be available.

1. Record each attempted or completed entry, including dates, notices, reasons, witnesses, and any resulting damage.
2. Send a written request that future routine visits include the purpose, reasonable notice, and a proposed time.
3. Contact the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal and confirm the correct current application and filing method.
4. Submit the completed application and supporting records if the tribunal confirms that the dispute is within its authority.

FAQ

Can my landlord enter my New Brunswick rental unit without asking?

For routine maintenance, a landlord should generally provide reasonable notice and enter at a reasonable time. Emergency circumstances or another lawful exception may allow entry without advance notice.

Can I be home during routine maintenance?

Yes. You can usually remain in the unit while lawful maintenance is performed, provided you do not unreasonably interfere with the work.

What should I do if the notice time does not work?

Reply promptly, explain the conflict, and offer one or more reasonable alternative appointments while keeping a copy of the exchange.

Where can I get help with an entry dispute in New Brunswick?

Contact the New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal through the province's official landlord and tenant service and ask about the current process and forms.

How-To

1. Record the proposed or completed entry and save every related message.
2. Request the purpose, date, time range, and expected attendees in writing.
3. Suggest a reasonable alternative appointment if the proposed time creates a genuine conflict.
4. Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if the landlord continues entering improperly or the dispute remains unresolved.

Help and Support / Resources

• New Brunswick landlord and tenant services
• New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal information
• New Brunswick residential tenancy forms and applications
• Service New Brunswick contact information

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1. [1] New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Act
2. [2] Government of New Brunswick landlord and tenant services

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