Living in a New Brunswick rental? If your fridge stops working or your stove breaks down, you may wonder: who has to fix it—you or your landlord? Appliance repairs can be confusing, but New Brunswick law clearly outlines responsibilities for both tenants and landlords. This article explains what you need to know about appliance repair in rental properties across the province.
Appliance Repair Responsibilities in New Brunswick Rentals
Under New Brunswick’s rental laws, the landlord is usually responsible for ensuring appliances provided with the rental are in good working order. Here’s how those responsibilities break down:
- Landlord-supplied appliances: If appliances (such as a fridge, stove, or washer/dryer) were included in the rental agreement, landlords must repair or replace them if they break down during normal use.
- Tenant’s own appliances: If you brought your own appliances, you are responsible for their repair and upkeep.
- Damage by tenant: If an appliance is damaged because of tenant misuse or neglect, you may have to pay for repairs.
It’s a good idea to check your rental agreement. Sometimes, landlords and tenants may agree to different arrangements, but these cannot override minimum protections set by the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick.
What About Routine Maintenance?
Landlords are generally responsible for keeping the property—including included appliances—fit for habitation and in a good state of repair. This aligns with their legal duty to maintain a livable and safe environment for tenants. For more on these shared obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
Common Appliance Issues & What to Do
Common rental appliance problems include a fridge that won’t cool, a broken oven, or a washing machine that leaks. If this happens:
- Notify your landlord as soon as possible in writing (email or letter).
- Describe the problem clearly and request a repair.
- Keep records of all communications.
If the problem isn’t fixed after reasonable notice, you may have options under New Brunswick’s rental laws. Sometimes, unresolved repairs—especially if they impact health, safety, or major features—may be considered a breach of the landlord’s legal obligations.
Tip: Take photos or videos of the appliance issue and make detailed notes. This documentation can help if you need to make a formal complaint.
How to Request Repairs: Step by Step
- Check your lease: Are appliances listed, and who repairs them according to your agreement?
- Contact your landlord: Inform them of the problem in writing, describing the issue and requesting a timeline for repair.
- Allow reasonable access: Landlords need reasonable time and access to arrange and perform repairs.
- Contact the tribunal if unresolved: If your landlord won’t fix the appliance within a reasonable timeframe, you can submit a complaint to the government.
Who to Contact If Repairs Are Not Made
Appliance repair disputes are handled by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick. This government body manages all landlord-tenant matters in the province.
Official Forms for Tenants
If you need to file a formal repair request or complaint, the following forms may help:
- Application by Tenant (Form 3): Use this form if your landlord is not responding to repair requests or refuses to fix essential appliances that were provided with the unit. Download from the official government site. Example: If your landlord won’t repair a broken refrigerator after you gave written notice, you can file Form 3 with the Tribunal.
- Notice of Complaint (Form 6): For more serious breaches of the tenancy agreement, such as failure to maintain essential services, you may use this notice to trigger an investigation. The form is available here. Example: If ongoing appliance issues seriously impact your housing quality, Form 6 can help escalate your complaint.
Legislation Protecting Tenant Rights
Your rights and obligations regarding appliances are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act of New Brunswick1. This law sets the minimum standards for repair, maintenance, and health and safety in rental housing.
For an overview of your legal protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick.
If appliance issues create health or safety concerns, you may also want to read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my landlord won’t repair a broken appliance?
If the landlord supplied the appliance and it stops working, notify them in writing and allow a reasonable time for repairs. If the problem isn’t fixed, file an Application by Tenant (Form 3) with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. - Can the landlord charge me for fixing an appliance?
Only if the damage was caused by your misuse or negligence. Otherwise, repairs to landlord-provided appliances are their responsibility during normal use. - What if my lease says I must fix appliances?
Clauses that ask tenants to waive minimum rights under the Residential Tenancies Act may not be enforceable. Landlords cannot contract out of their basic legal obligations. - Does the landlord have to replace an old or unsafe appliance?
Yes, if an appliance provided with the rental becomes unsafe or unfit, the landlord is responsible for replacement.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal of New Brunswick – Information, forms, and support for rental issues.
- Service New Brunswick: Renting Services – Official government resources for tenants and landlords.
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in New Brunswick – Learn about your basic rights and responsibilities.
