Being evicted can be overwhelming, but knowing where to store your belongings in New Brunswick helps protect your rights and reduces stress. This guide explains safe, affordable, and temporary storage options for tenants, how to document and retrieve items, when to contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, and which official forms you may need. It also covers storage cost tips, how to protect important records like IDs and rent receipts, and steps to take if a landlord has moved or disposed of your property. The language is plain and practical, aimed at renters who need clear next steps after an eviction, whether arranging a locker, asking a friend for help, or filing a dispute.
Immediate steps to protect belongings
Act quickly after receiving an eviction notice or when you are asked to vacate. Prioritize items you cannot replace (IDs, medication, financial documents, small electronics) and remove them first. Photograph or video the unit and any items left behind to create an evidence record in case of disputes. If you cannot take everything immediately, lock what you can and get written confirmation from anyone who agrees to hold your property.
Short-term storage options
- Short-term commercial storage units with daily or monthly fees for boxed items or furniture.
- Ask friends or family for help to hold essential boxes and IDs for a few days or weeks at no cost.
- Rent a moving POD or moving van for short-term on-site storage while you secure housing.
- If a landlord offers to store items, get a written inventory and receipt to avoid later disputes.
When choosing a commercial unit, check insurance coverage and lock requirements. Ask the facility about access hours and whether they require proof of tenancy or ID.
How long can a landlord keep or dispose of your belongings?
Laws vary by province. In New Brunswick, tenants who need help with retrieval or who believe their items were wrongfully disposed of should contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for advice or to begin a dispute process[1]. Before taking action, document what happened with photos, dates, and any communication with the landlord.
Official forms and when to use them
Filing the right form helps start an official review or order. Commonly relevant documents include:
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (tenant application) — used to request an order to recover belongings or dispute an eviction; for example, a tenant files this after a landlord refuses access to stored items.[3]
- Notice or proof of service forms — used when serving official notices to a landlord or vice versa; for example, delivering written retrieval requests and keeping a copy as evidence.
- Order or decision forms from the Tribunal — outcome documents the tenant uses to enforce return of property or compensation.
If you are unsure which form applies, contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for guidance and to find downloadable forms and filing instructions[1]. Keep copies of any filing receipts and delivery confirmations.
Recording and proof: what to keep
- Photos or videos of items in the unit before and after you leave to show condition and presence.
- Receipts for storage payments and moving services to document costs you may claim back.
- Copies of notices, emails, texts, and any written agreement about storage or retrieval to support your claim in tribunal or mediation.
Costs, deposits and getting compensation
You may be able to recover reasonable storage costs or repairs if the tribunal finds the landlord acted improperly. Keep all receipts and a clear timeline of events. If you expect to claim costs, include that request when you file an application with the Tribunal and attach supporting receipts.
How to retrieve belongings safely
Arrange retrieval with the landlord or storage provider in writing, agree a time, and bring a friend or witness when collecting items. If access is denied, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and follow the tribunal’s directions to gain lawful access[1]. Avoid confrontations; let the tribunal or police handle safety or trespass concerns.
When to get legal help
If you face threats, illegal disposal of property, or complex disputes about compensation, contact Legal Aid or a community legal clinic for advice. Legal help is especially important when large-value items are involved or when the landlord claims abandonment without following proper notice rules under the legislation[2].
Key Takeaways
- Act quickly: secure essential documents and evidence immediately.
- Document everything: photos, receipts and written agreements help when filing a dispute.
- Use the Tribunal forms and process to request return of property or compensation when needed.
FAQ
- Can a landlord legally throw away my belongings in New Brunswick?
- Not without following the legal process; if you believe items were wrongfully disposed of, contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to file a complaint and preserve evidence immediately.[1]
- How quickly should I act to retrieve items?
- Act as soon as possible and document communications; storing items with a friend or short-term commercial storage can buy time while you sort housing or start a tribunal application.
- Do I need a form to start a dispute?
- Yes. File the appropriate application form with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to request orders for the return of property or compensation; check the Tribunal site for current forms and filing steps.[3]
How-To
- Secure urgent items: take IDs, medications, and important papers with you or give them to a trusted person.
- Arrange short-term storage or ask friends/family to hold boxes while you find housing.
- Document the situation with photos, a dated inventory, and all messages or notices.
- File the tenant application form with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, attach evidence, and request a retrieval order if needed.[3]
- If the Tribunal issues an order, follow its instructions to retrieve items and keep receipts for any costs you incur.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Service New Brunswick
- Residential Tenancies Act and related legislation - Government of New Brunswick
- Legal Aid New Brunswick
