Who Handles Condo Repairs? Tenant Rights in New Brunswick

Renting a condo in New Brunswick comes with unique questions—especially around who handles repairs and maintenance. Whether you’re experiencing a leaky faucet, a broken appliance, or something more serious, knowing your rights is essential. This guide explains how repair responsibilities are managed under New Brunswick law, what to do if repairs aren’t made, and how to ensure your condo stays safe and comfortable.

Understanding Condo Rentals in New Brunswick

When you rent a condo, you are entering a legal agreement (often called a tenancy agreement or lease) with either the condo's owner or, in rare cases, the condo corporation. Most commonly, you're renting from the individual owner, who acts as your landlord. This relationship is regulated by the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick^[1].

Who Is Responsible for Repairs in a Rental Condo?

Generally, condo landlords in New Brunswick are responsible for ensuring the premises remain in good repair and comply with health and safety standards—even if a problem arises that was not their fault. Tenants, meanwhile, must take reasonable care of their unit and report problems promptly.

Landlord Responsibilities Include:

• Maintaining structural elements (walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows)
• Ensuring essential services work (heat, electricity, water, plumbing)
• Addressing issues that may affect health or safety, such as mould, pests, or broken locks
• Repairing appliances provided with the condo as part of your lease
• Making repairs required under the Residential Tenancies Act^[1]

Tenant Responsibilities:

• Keeping the unit reasonably clean
• Repairing any damage you or your guests cause (beyond normal wear and tear)
• Reporting needed repairs promptly in writing to your landlord
• Notifying your landlord of any urgent issues, such as leaks or heating failures

In a condo situation, the condo corporation is often responsible for repairs to common areas (like the lobby, elevators, or exterior). However, anything within your unit is usually your landlord’s responsibility unless specifically excluded in your lease.

Exceptions & Check Your Lease

Occasionally, leases may ask tenants to handle certain minor repairs, but these must not contradict basic protections in the Residential Tenancies Act. If your lease says otherwise, your landlord’s obligations under the law still apply. For a summary, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Should You Do If Repairs Aren't Made?

If your landlord fails to complete repairs, take the following actions:

• Document the issue (photos, notes, dates, and copies of all communications).
• Send a written request to your landlord with specific details.
• If the repair isn’t done in a reasonable time, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick for help.

For repairs that are urgent—such as no heat in winter or a burst pipe—refer to Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for steps and your immediate rights.

Key Form: Application for Assistance (Form 6)

If informal requests don’t work, tenants can complete Form 6: Application for Assistance through the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Use it to officially report unresolved repair issues and request an order for the landlord to fix them.

• When to use: After giving your landlord reasonable time to address your written request and no action is taken.
• Where to get the form: Form 6 - Application for Assistance (PDF)
• How to use: Complete and submit it online or by mail to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

Keeping Your Condo Safe and Healthy

It’s your landlord’s responsibility to ensure your condo remains free from hazards such as pests, mould, or unsafe wiring. For more on these requirements and your rights concerning the safety of your rental, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you are moving into a new unit, it is wise to do a walk-through inspection to document existing issues. See the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for a helpful checklist.

New Brunswick’s Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick offers a comprehensive overview of provincial rental rules.

Looking for a new place or need to find a condo with responsive management? Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view to find your next home.

FAQ: Condo Repairs in New Brunswick Rentals

1. Who pays for repairs in a rented condo?
   Typically, the landlord is responsible for necessary repairs and ensuring the unit is livable. Tenants only pay for damage they cause beyond normal wear and tear.
2. Can my landlord make me pay for regular maintenance?
   No. Routine maintenance and major repairs are the landlord’s responsibility. Tenants may only be charged for repairs if they caused the damage.
3. What can I do if my landlord ignores repeated repair requests?
   If written requests are ignored, file Form 6 with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to ask for help getting repairs completed.
4. Does the condo corporation ever get involved in my repairs?
   Only for issues with common areas or building-wide systems. Repairs inside your unit are your landlord’s job.
5. Should I stop paying rent if repairs aren’t done?
   No, do not withhold rent. Instead, use the Tribunal’s complaint process to resolve the issue, which protects your rights.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Landlords are responsible for most repairs, except damage caused by tenants.
• Report problems in writing promptly and keep records.
• Use official forms and the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if repairs aren’t completed.

Remember, staying informed is the first step towards safe and comfortable condo living in New Brunswick.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick: Main office for complaints, forms, and dispute resolution
• Download all official tenant forms
• New Brunswick Department of Social Development – Housing: Support for social housing and tenant advice
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick: Overview of provincial regulations and resources

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1. Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick

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