New Brunswick renting guide
Roommates and co-tenants in New Brunswick
If you both sign the lease, you are each responsible for the whole rent, not just your half. Someone who is not on the lease has no rights or duties under it.
What do I need to know about renting with roommates in New Brunswick?
For tenants
Co-tenants who sign the same lease are each responsible for the full rent and any damage, not just their share. If a roommate stops paying or moves out, you can be left covering it, and you can take them to Small Claims Court for their part. A roommate who is not named on the lease is an occupant, with no notice to give and no rights under the Act. A written roommate agreement helps set expectations, but it does not change the lease or bind your landlord.
For landlords
When more than one tenant signs, they are jointly and severally liable, so you can look to any of them for the full rent. People not named on the lease are occupants, with no standing under the Act.
The key facts
- Co-tenants on a lease
- Each owes the full rent
- If a roommate leaves
- You may have to cover it
- Not on the lease
- An occupant, no rights or duties
Common questions
My roommate moved out and stopped paying. Am I on the hook?
If you both signed the lease, yes. You are each responsible for the full rent, so the landlord can look to you for it. You can take your roommate to Small Claims Court for their share. Bringing in a replacement usually needs the landlord's okay.
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.
