New Brunswick renting guide

Repairs, maintenance, and emergencies in New Brunswick

Your landlord has to keep the place in good repair and fit to live in, for the whole tenancy. If they will not, there is a clear process, but you cannot just stop paying rent.

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Who is responsible for repairs in a New Brunswick rental?

For tenants

Put your repair request in writing and keep a copy. If the landlord does not act, serve a written Notice of Complaint, give it about seven days, then file an Application for Assistance with the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office. An officer can order the repair, get it done at the landlord's cost, or even divert your rent to pay for it. One important thing: you cannot withhold or reduce rent on your own, or pay for a repair and deduct it, doing that can put you in arrears. For an emergency like no heat, water, or power, skip the wait and contact the Office right away at 1-888-762-8600.

For landlords

Keep the unit fit to live in and up to health and safety standards, and handle repairs in good time. Emergencies affecting heat, water, or power should be done immediately, and you can never cut off those services. If you do not act, an officer can step in, do the work at your expense, and order you to compensate the tenant. Good records and quick fixes keep you out of disputes.

The key facts

Landlord must: Keep it in repair and fit to live in
Can a tenant withhold rent?: No, never on your own
Process: Written complaint, then Application for Assistance
Emergencies (heat/water/power): Contact the Office right away
Officer can: Order repairs, divert rent, award compensation

Common questions

My landlord ignores my repair requests. What can I do?

Put it in writing and keep a copy. If they still do nothing, serve a Notice of Complaint, wait about seven days, then file an Application for Assistance with the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office. An officer can order the repair or have it done at the landlord's cost.

Can I stop paying rent until my landlord fixes things?

No. New Brunswick does not let you withhold rent or pay for a repair and deduct it, and doing so can put you in arrears. Go through the Office instead. An officer can order the repair, divert your rent to pay for it, or award you compensation.

I have no heat in the middle of winter. What do I do?

That is an emergency. You do not have to wait, contact the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office right away at 1-888-762-8600. A landlord can never cut off heat, water, or power, and an officer can act quickly, even working with NB Power or other authorities.