New Brunswick renting guide

Subsidized housing and rent supplements in New Brunswick

Beyond emergency help, New Brunswick runs ongoing programs through Housing NB that lower your rent if you have a low-to-moderate income: public housing, rent supplements, a portable option for people who live with a disability, and a rural and Indigenous program. The supplement programs set your rent at 30% of your adjusted household income.

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What rent help and subsidized housing programs exist in New Brunswick?

For tenants

These programs are run by Housing NB, and you apply through one number, 1-833-733-7835. Public housing offers rental units for households with a low-to-moderate income. The Rent Supplement Program funds the difference between what you can afford and a unit's market rent, lowering your rent to 30% of your adjusted household income; it is tied to a particular building. The Portable Rent Supplement is for people who live with a disability and works the same way, with rent at 30% of adjusted income, but it follows you, so you can choose your own suitable unit. The Rural and Indigenous Housing Program does the same for households in rural communities of fewer than 2,500 people and for off-reserve Indigenous households. All of them are income-tested using the same ceilings (for example, a one-bedroom household must earn under $45,000 in an urban area, or under $50,500 rural), and you must also be in housing need, such as living somewhere crowded or inadequate, or paying too much of your income for rent. Applicants are chosen by demonstrated need, and some exceptions to the income limits can apply. There is also a Direct-to-Tenant Rent Benefit, but as of June 2026 it is not accepting new applications, so dial 2-1-1 to check its status.

For landlords

If your tenant qualifies for a rent supplement, Housing NB pays you the difference between the tenant's share, 30% of their income, and the market rent, so you receive full rent while the unit stays affordable. Landlords can ask Housing NB at 1-833-733-7835 about taking part.

The key facts

Apply through: Housing NB, 1-833-733-7835 (Mon to Fri, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Your rent is set to: 30% of adjusted household income (supplement programs)
Income ceiling, one bedroom: Under $45,000 urban / $50,500 rural
Income ceiling, two bedrooms: Under $57,500 urban / $59,500 rural
Income ceiling, three bedrooms: Under $63,000 urban / $67,500 rural
Direct-to-Tenant benefit: Not accepting new applications as of June 2026

Common questions

How is my rent decided in a rent supplement?

Under the Rent Supplement, Portable Rent Supplement, and Rural and Indigenous Housing programs, your rent is lowered to 30% of your adjusted household income, and the program covers the rest up to the market rent.

What is the income cut-off?

It depends on household size and whether you are urban or rural. For a one-bedroom household it is under $45,000 urban or $50,500 rural; larger households have higher ceilings. You must also be in housing need, and some exceptions can apply.

I live with a disability. Is there an option I can take with me?

Yes. The Portable Rent Supplement is for people who live with a disability and follows you rather than a specific building, so you can find your own suitable place. Your rent is set at 30% of your adjusted household income. Call Housing NB at 1-833-733-7835.

Is the Direct-to-Tenant Rent Benefit open?

As of June 2026, the Direct-to-Tenant Rent Benefit and the Canada-New Brunswick Housing Benefit are not accepting new applications, because the year's funds are fully allocated. Dial 2-1-1 to check the current status and other help.