In New Brunswick, emergency hearings for serious safety issues or extreme property damage can be scheduled within 3 to 7 days. For standard disputes, such as getting your security deposit back or fighting a rent increase, an RTT decision usually takes 3 to 6 weeks.
When you are dealing with a stressful housing dispute, every single day feels like a lifetime. Whether you are a tenant in Bathurst waiting for your landlord to fix a broken furnace, or a landlord in Edmundston losing money because a tenant refuses to pay rent, you need answers fast. Fortunately, New Brunswick has one of the most efficient tenancy dispute systems in Canada.
Instead of relying on heavily backlogged civil courts, housing matters are handled by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT). ⏰ The RTT aims to resolve conflicts rapidly through investigation and mediation rather than formal courtroom battles. By understanding the timeline, you can better prepare your evidence and manage your expectations during the wait.
Step-by-Step Process in New Brunswick
The speed of your case depends entirely on how clearly you present your evidence and how quickly both parties respond to the RTT Officer. Here is the timeline of events once you ask the province for help.
Step 1: Filing the Application
The clock starts the moment you submit your Application for Assistance to Service New Brunswick. 📤 Applying online is the fastest method. Make sure you attach all relevant documents, like the lease agreement and any Notices to Vacate. Incomplete applications will be rejected and severely delay the process.
Step 2: Assignment and Initial Contact
Within a few days, an RTT Officer will be assigned to your file. They will usually contact both the landlord and the tenant by phone. This is the mediation phase. If the officer can convince both of you to agree on a solution over the phone, the case can be closed right then and there.
Step 3: Scheduling the Hearing
If mediation is impossible, the officer will schedule a formal hearing. 📅 Standard hearings are typically scheduled a few weeks out. You will receive a formal notice detailing the date and time. Most hearings are conducted via telephone or video conference to speed up the schedule.
Step 4: Issuing the Written Order
During the hearing, both sides present their evidence. The officer does not usually give an answer on the spot. They will take a few days to review the laws and then mail or email a formal, legally binding written decision to both parties.
How Much Does it Cost in New Brunswick?
Time is money, but thankfully, the RTT does not add to your financial burden. Here is what you should expect regarding costs in CAD:
- Tribunal Fees: Applying to the RTT and attending a hearing is completely free ($0 CAD).
- Lost Wages: Because hearings often take place during normal business hours, you may lose a half-day of wages at work to attend.
- Legal Assistance: If you feel overwhelmed, hiring a local lawyer to draft your application and represent you at the hearing generally costs $1,000 to $2,500 CAD.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The RTT triages cases based on urgency. A broken lock will be handled much faster than a dispute over painting a wall. 📊
| Urgency Level | Average Timeline | Examples of Disputes |
|---|---|---|
| High (Emergency) | 3 to 7 days | Illegal lockouts, major plumbing failures, dangerous behaviour, or lack of winter heating. |
| Medium (Financial/Eviction) | 2 to 4 weeks | Notices to quit for unpaid rent, repeated late payments, or unauthorized pets. |
| Low (Standard) | 4 to 6 weeks | Fighting a rent increase, returning a security deposit, or minor property maintenance. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I speed up the hearing date?
You generally cannot fast-track a standard financial dispute. However, if your health or safety is at immediate risk (for example, you have no heat in January), you must clearly state this on your application so the RTT can flag it as a priority emergency.
What happens if my landlord does not answer the phone for the hearing?
If one party has been properly notified and simply fails to attend the hearing or answer the officer’s calls, the RTT Officer will proceed without them. They will make a final decision based solely on the evidence provided by the person who did show up.
Can I appeal if it took too long and I disagree with the result?
If you believe the RTT Officer made a legal error in their decision, you have the right to appeal to the Court of King’s Bench. However, you must file this appeal very quickly, usually within 7 days of receiving the officer’s written decision.
Do I have to keep paying rent while I wait for a hearing?
Absolutely. Applying for an RTT hearing does not give you permission to withhold rent. If you stop paying rent to “punish” your landlord, you will likely face a valid eviction notice, which will hurt your case.
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