New Brunswick renting guide
Guests and occupants in New Brunswick
New Brunswick law does not set a limit on how long a guest can stay. A guest does not become a tenant just by staying a while, but you are responsible for your guests' behaviour.
Can my landlord limit guests or who lives with me in New Brunswick?
For tenants
The Act does not put a time limit on guests, and a guest does not automatically become a tenant by staying. But you are responsible for how your guests behave, and they cannot cause a disturbance or nuisance. To actually add someone to the lease you would assign it, which needs your landlord's okay. Any rule about guests or extra occupants comes from your lease, so check it.
For landlords
The Act is silent on guests, so there is no automatic point where a guest becomes a tenant, and no statutory guest limit. If you want to limit guests or occupants, it has to be a reasonable term in the lease. To add someone as a tenant is an assignment, which you cannot unreasonably refuse. A tenant is responsible for their guests' conduct.
The key facts
- Guest time limit
- None in the Act
- Does a guest become a tenant?
- Not automatically
- Responsibility
- You answer for your guests' conduct
- Adding someone
- Done by assigning the lease
Common questions
How long can a guest stay before they count as a tenant?
New Brunswick law does not set a limit, and a guest does not automatically become a tenant by staying. Someone only becomes a tenant by being added to the lease. Any guest rules come from your lease, not the Act, so check what you signed.
Sources
This is general information, not legal advice. For a decision on your situation, contact Tenant and Landlord Relations Office (formerly the Residential Tenancies Tribunal).
Have a specific question? Ask the rental assistant for a plain answer with a source.
