📬If you receive a Notice to Vacate for non-payment of rent in New Brunswick, you have exactly 7 days to pay the full arrears and automatically void the notice. If…
💰In New Brunswick, applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT) to evict a tenant is completely free ($0). However, if the tenant refuses to leave after the RTT issues an…
🚨In New Brunswick, evicting a tenant for severe rule violations, such as illegal activities, extreme noise, or major property damage, requires serving a written complaint (Notice of Complaint). If the…
🚨In New Brunswick, landlords cannot physically evict a tenant or change the locks themselves. If a tenant refuses to leave after the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT) issues an Eviction Order,…
🚫In New Brunswick, it is strictly illegal for a landlord to charge a tenant a late fee, penalty, or interest for overdue rent. Even if your lease explicitly states there…
🏠To evict a tenant for ‘Personal Use’ in New Brunswick, you must provide at least 2 months’ written notice for a month-to-month lease. You or your immediate family member must…
💡If a tenant ignores a formal Notice to Vacate in New Brunswick, you cannot physically remove them yourself. You must apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT) for an official…
💡In New Brunswick, once a landlord serves you with a formal Notice to Vacate for unpaid rent, you have exactly 7 days to pay the total amount owed. If you…
💡To legally start the eviction process for unpaid rent in New Brunswick, you must serve the tenant with a written Notice to Vacate. By law, the tenant is granted 7…
⏳In New Brunswick, an undisputed eviction for non-payment of rent typically takes 3 to 4 weeks from serving the notice to getting an Order of Possession. However, if the eviction…
💡If a tenant causes extensive, deliberate damage to your rental property in New Brunswick, you can serve them with a 5-Day Notice to Vacate. If they refuse to leave, you…
💡To appeal an eviction decision made by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT) in New Brunswick, you must file an application with the Court of King’s Bench. You only have exactly…
💰If a tenant breaks a fixed-term lease in New Brunswick, they are generally legally responsible for paying the rent until the lease expires. However, as a landlord, you have a…
🚫It is strictly illegal for a landlord in New Brunswick to change your locks or remove your belongings without an official Order of Possession from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT)…
💡In New Brunswick, landlords and tenants can often avoid the stress of an eviction by negotiating a formal Payment Plan. The Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT) offers free mediation services to…
Welcome to the New Brunswick Evictions & Rent Disputes guide centre. Here you will find comprehensive resources covering everything from residential tenancies to dispute resolution, based on current provincial regulations.
Overview of Evictions & Rent Disputes in New Brunswick
Evictions and rent disputes in New Brunswick are governed primarily by the provincial Residential Tenancies Act. This critical piece of legislation establishes the legal boundaries, rights, and responsibilities for both property owners and renters across the province. Whether you are dealing with a standard residential lease or a complex tenancy disagreement, understanding the local statutory framework is the first step toward resolving conflicts fairly.
Navigating a dispute over a rental property can be highly stressful and financially demanding. Disagreements often arise over late rent payments, maintenance obligations, or the termination of a lease. Knowing how to properly serve notices and respond to claims is essential to protecting your housing security or property investment without violating provincial laws.
Common Legal Issues We Cover
Proper notice of termination and eviction processes
Rent arrears, unpaid utility disputes, and returned cheques
Security deposit (damage deposit) claims and refunds
Breaches of lease agreements and disruptive behaviour
Illegal lockouts and unauthorized rent increases
Property maintenance and habitability standards
Local Legal Context & Courts in New Brunswick
Most landlord and tenant issues in the province do not go directly to a traditional courtroom. Instead, they are handled by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, which operates under Service New Brunswick. The Tribunal is designed to provide a more accessible way for parties to mediate and resolve their residential disputes, from settling security deposit disagreements to issuing formal eviction orders.
However, if a matter escalates, involves a significant civil claim, or requires an appeal of a Tribunal decision, it may proceed to the Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick. Navigating this higher court requires strict adherence to legal procedures and filing deadlines, making professional legal representation incredibly important for a successful defence or claim.
Professional Legal Help & Local Agencies
Dealing with an eviction notice or a serious financial dispute over a rental property involves complex regulations and strict timelines. We strongly advise against attempting to represent yourself in high-stakes legal hearings or drafting your own legal defence. Retaining a qualified lawyer ensures that your rights are fully protected and that you understand the best course of action under New Brunswick law.
A legal professional can help you negotiate settlements, file documents correctly, and represent you effectively before the Tribunal or the Court of King’s Bench. You can find a list of relevant local lawyers and government agencies at the top of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New Brunswick?
In New Brunswick, a landlord can legally request a security deposit, but it cannot exceed the equivalent of one week’s rent for a weekly tenancy, or one month’s rent for a monthly or term lease. This deposit must be submitted directly to the Service New Brunswick Residential Tenancies Tribunal, not kept in the landlord’s personal bank account.
How long does the eviction process take?
The timeline varies depending on the reason for eviction. For non-payment of rent, a landlord can serve a Notice to Vacate if the rent is even one day late, usually providing 15 days for the tenant to leave or pay. If the tenant disputes it or refuses to leave, the landlord must apply to the Tribunal, which can add several weeks to the overall process.
Can a landlord increase my rent at any time?
No. Landlords must provide proper written notice before increasing rent. For year-to-year or month-to-month leases, they must generally provide six months’ notice. Additionally, rent can typically only be increased once during a 12-month period. A tenant has the right to apply to the Tribunal to review the rent increase if they believe it is unreasonable or unjustified.
Are winter evictions legal in New Brunswick?
Yes, winter evictions are perfectly legal in New Brunswick. Unlike some jurisdictions that may have specific moratoriums during the colder months, the Residential Tenancies Act allows for lease terminations and evictions year-round, provided the landlord follows the correct legal procedures and gives the appropriate notice periods required by law.
What happens if a tenant refuses to leave after receiving an eviction notice?
If a tenant remains in the property after the notice period expires, the landlord cannot physically remove them, shut off utilities, or change the locks. The landlord must apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for a formal order. If the tenant still refuses to leave after the order is issued, the landlord will need to involve the sheriff’s office to lawfully enforce the eviction.
Do I need a lawyer for a Residential Tenancies Tribunal hearing?
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer at a Tribunal hearing, having legal representation is highly recommended. A lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence, present your case clearly, and ensure that your rights are upheld throughout the dispute resolution process, especially if the other party has retained their own legal counsel.