When Landlords Violate Entry Laws in New Brunswick

Privacy & Entry by Landlord New Brunswick 3 min read · published March 09, 2026 Flag of New Brunswick

Living in rental accommodation comes with certain rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords. One crucial aspect is the landlord's right of entry into the rental unit. In New Brunswick, these rules are clearly defined under the Residential Tenancies Act. However, there may be instances where landlords violate these regulations, and it’s essential for tenants to be aware of their rights.

Keep a dated log of every entry attempt: note the date, time, what the landlord said, and whether written notice was provided. This log will be strong evidence if you need to challenge an entry in court or at the tribunal.

Understanding Landlord Entry Rights in New Brunswick

In New Brunswick, landlords must follow specific rules to enter a rental unit legally. Generally, they are required to provide at least 24 hours' written notice and enter the unit only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The reasons for entry should be legitimate, such as performing necessary repairs or showing the unit to potential tenants.

Entering without the required notice is typically a violation. If this happens, document the incident and consider seeking guidance from a tenant rights organization or the tribunal.

When a Violation Occurs

If a landlord enters the property without the required notice or for non-legitimate reasons, they may be violating the law. Tenants need to understand their rights and the appropriate steps to resolve such issues.

Legitimate reasons include essential repairs, safety inspections, or showing the unit to prospective tenants; if you're unsure, ask for the exact purpose in writing and keep that note for your records.
Ad

Steps to Take If Your Landlord Violates Entry Rights

  • Document the Incident: Keep records of every time your landlord enters without notice. This should include dates, times, and the reasons given, if any.
  • Communicate with Your Landlord: Address the issue directly with your landlord, reminding them of the rules under the Residential Tenancies Act.
  • Seek Legal Advice: If the issue persists, you may want to consult with a legal expert or tenant rights organization for guidance.
  • File a Complaint: You can submit a complaint with New Brunswick's Residential Tenancies Tribunal if the violation continues.

Submitting a Complaint

The process of filing a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal involves completing the necessary form and providing evidence of the landlord's violation. You can download the form here.

When submitting the complaint, attach evidence such as entry notices, dates and times, photos, and any written correspondence; this strengthens your case with the Tribunal.

Resources for Tenants

Staying informed is key for tenants. Resources like the Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them page offer valuable insights. Moreover, familiarize yourself with Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick for comprehensive legal guidelines.

Keep a quick reference of tenant resources and service center contact numbers so you can reach help quickly if a dispute arises.

Finding Rental Solutions

Exploring supportive resources can make navigating rental challenges easier. For those looking to move or considering other options, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings. This platform offers easy access to available rentals across Canada.

  1. What can I do if my landlord violates my rights? If your landlord fails to adhere to the legal entry requirements in New Brunswick, document each incident, communicate the issue, and seek further resolution through the Tribunal if necessary.
  2. How much notice must my landlord give before entering? Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering your rental unit, and the purpose should comply with allowable reasons under law.
  3. Can I deny my landlord entry if they don't follow the rules? Yes, if a landlord attempts to enter without proper notice or legal reason, you have the right to deny entry.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

If conflicts concerning landlord entry arise, tenants in New Brunswick can contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for assistance. For further information and guidance, check out New Brunswick Service Centers.

If you need help, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for guidance; bring your timeline and copies of notices to get a clear assessment of your options.

Get connected with a tenant rights attorney

Tell us about your situation and a local attorney may reach out. Free, no obligation.

Please enter a valid email address.
Select a valid location from the list.

We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. We connect tenants with independent attorneys.

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy

Was this article helpful?

Thank you for your feedback!
Marie Dubois
Marie Dubois

Bilingual Housing Rights Advisor, Tenant Rights Canada

Marie covers tenant rights across Quebec and the Atlantic provinces in both English and French. With a background in Quebec civil law and residential tenancy, she is a trusted voice on the Tribunal administratif du logement process and francophone tenant rights.