Living with roommates or in buildings with shared areas raises common questions about who must pay for repairs. This guide explains tenant and landlord responsibilities for maintenance of hallways, shared laundry, stairs, entrances and other common spaces in New Brunswick, and shows how to make a request, document damage, and escalate unresolved issues. It uses clear, tenant-focused language so renters can understand what to expect from their lease, when to ask the landlord to fix problems, and when to consider filing an application with the Tenancies Tribunal. Practical steps, forms to use, and examples are included to help tenants protect their rights while keeping safe and comfortable shared spaces.
Who is usually responsible?
In New Brunswick, landlords are generally responsible for keeping common or shared areas in a safe, clean and habitable condition, unless the rental agreement clearly assigns a different responsibility. Tenants are normally responsible for damage they or their guests cause. When responsibility is unclear, document the issue, tell the landlord in writing, and keep a copy of your request and any responses.[1]
Typical examples
Common situations and general practice in shared spaces often look like this:
- The landlord arranges repairs for broken stair railings, malfunctioning shared lighting, or building-wide plumbing faults.
- Tenants may be charged for repairs if a damage report shows they or their guests caused the problem by negligence or misuse.
- If multiple tenants use a shared appliance, the landlord usually handles maintenance unless the lease says otherwise.
How to request repairs
Start by notifying the landlord or property manager in writing with dates, photos and a description of the issue. Refer to any lease clauses about common-area maintenance and attach evidence. If the landlord delays or refuses, you may be able to apply to the Tenancies Tribunal for an order requiring repairs or cost adjustments.[2]
When it may be your responsibility
Tenants should pay for repairs when they or their guests caused damage through careless behaviour. If the landlord claims tenant responsibility, ask for an itemized quote and the repair receipt. If you disagree, keep all evidence, communicate in writing, and consider filing an application with the tribunal or seeking mediation.
Related tenant resources
For guidance on routine and emergency repair responsibilities, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities. If you need to look for alternative housing while a problem is being fixed, consider using Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to view available units.
FAQ
- Who pays for a broken hallway light?
- The landlord usually pays to repair lighting in common areas. If wiring damage is caused by a tenant, the landlord may request compensation and should provide an itemized cost and receipt.
- Can a landlord charge tenants for snow clearing of shared walkways?
- If the lease or building rules assign snow clearing to tenants collectively, the landlord can rely on that agreement; otherwise, the landlord typically arranges and pays for building-wide services.
- What if the landlord doesn't fix a safety hazard in a shared area?
- Notify the landlord in writing, document the hazard, and if it is not fixed promptly you can apply to the Tenancies Tribunal or contact local building or health authorities for urgent safety issues.
How-To
- Document the problem with photos, videos and dates to create clear evidence for the landlord or tribunal.
- Send a written repair request to the landlord, including a clear description, date, and a deadline for a response.
- Follow up by phone if needed and save any voicemail or message details as part of your record.
- If the landlord fails to act, file an application with the Tenancies Tribunal and attach your documentation and copies of written requests.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Act (New Brunswick)
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Service New Brunswick)
- Renting and tenant information (Service New Brunswick)
