New Brunswick renting guide

Leases and the standard form in New Brunswick

You do not need a written lease in New Brunswick, but it helps. Even a verbal deal is covered, because the law treats it as the Standard Form of Lease.

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What should be in a New Brunswick lease, and do I need a written one?

For tenants

A written lease is recommended, not required. If you have no written lease, the Residential Tenancies Act still applies and treats your agreement as the Standard Form of Lease. If you do sign, the landlord gives both of you two duplicate originals to sign, and you keep one. Nothing added to a lease can take away a right you have under the Act.

For landlords

Use the Standard Form of Lease, have both parties sign two duplicate originals, and each of you keeps one. You can add terms in the space provided, but you cannot alter or delete the standard sections, and no added term can override the Act. A clear, written lease prevents most disputes.

The key facts

Written lease: Recommended, not required
Verbal lease: Still covered by the Act
Standard Form of Lease: Applies either way
Copies: You keep a signed original

Common questions

Do I need a written lease in New Brunswick?

No. A written lease is recommended but not required. Without one, the law still protects you and treats the deal as the Standard Form of Lease. If you do sign, you keep one signed original.