If you discover bed bugs in your New Brunswick rental, your landlord is generally legally responsible for hiring a professional exterminator. You must notify them immediately in writing. If they refuse to act, you can file a free Application for Assistance with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT).
Discovering a pest infestation in your home is incredibly stressful. In New Brunswick, whether you live in a large apartment complex in Saint John, a shared house in Fredericton, or a basement suite in Moncton, you have a legal right to live in a safe and sanitary environment. Bed bugs are considered a severe health and safety issue, and the provincial Residential Tenancies Act mandates that rental properties must be kept fit for habitation.
A common misconception is that the tenant must automatically pay for pest control. 🔍 In reality, the law places the primary burden of property maintenance, including extermination, on the property owner. Unless the landlord can definitively prove to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal that you directly brought the bed bugs into the building through negligence, the financial cost of hiring a pest control firm falls on them. You may wish to consult a local lawyer if your landlord threatens illegal eviction over pest issues.
Step-by-Step Process in New Brunswick
Addressing a bed bug infestation requires rapid action and excellent documentation. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse and could potentially make you liable for damages if the pests spread to neighbouring units.
Step 1: Notify the Landlord in Writing
The moment you suspect bed bugs, you must inform your landlord or property management company. While a phone call is good for speed, you must follow up with a written notice (email or physical letter). 📧 Keep a copy of this correspondence. Without written proof that the landlord was informed, it is difficult to seek legal recourse later.
Step 2: Allow the Landlord to Arrange Inspection
Once notified, the landlord should promptly schedule a certified pest control professional to inspect the unit. By law, the landlord must provide you with at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your apartment, unless you explicitly agree to an earlier entry for emergency extermination.
Step 3: Prepare the Unit for Treatment
While the landlord pays for the exterminator, you are legally obligated to cooperate. The pest control company will provide a preparation checklist. This usually involves bagging all clothing, washing linens in high heat, moving furniture away from walls, and vacuuming extensively. 🧹 Failure to properly prepare your unit can result in the landlord charging you for a failed treatment visit.
Step 4: File for Assistance with the RTT (If Necessary)
If your landlord ignores your written notice or refuses to hire a professional, you should immediately contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. You will need to submit an ‘Application for Assistance’. A Tribunal Officer will investigate the claim and has the legal authority to order the landlord to perform the extermination, or even allow you to end your lease early.
How Much Does it Cost in New Brunswick?
The financial responsibility for extermination is usually split between the actual pest control service (landlord’s duty) and the preparation (tenant’s duty).
| Expense Type | Who Pays? | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Exterminator Fees | Landlord | $500 – $1,500+ |
| Tenant Preparation (Laundry, Bins) | Tenant | $50 – $150 |
| RTT Application for Assistance | Tenant | Free |
| Replacing Damaged Furniture | Tenant (via Tenant Insurance) | Varies wildly |
It is highly recommended that tenants carry renter’s insurance, as a landlord’s insurance policy will not cover the replacement of your personal mattress or clothing ruined by bed bugs. 💰
How Long Does the Process Take?
A bed bug infestation is rarely solved overnight. After you provide written notice, a responsible landlord generally schedules an inspection within 2 to 5 days. The actual extermination process usually requires at least two chemical or heat treatments spaced roughly 14 to 21 days apart to ensure newly hatched eggs are also destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I legally withhold rent because of bed bugs?
No. In New Brunswick, you cannot legally withhold your rent payments to force a landlord to do repairs or exterminate. Doing so gives the landlord grounds to evict you for non-payment. Always pay your rent and apply to the RTT for a remedy instead.
Can the landlord evict me for reporting bed bugs?
Absolutely not. Retaliatory evictions are illegal. However, if you refuse to allow the exterminator to enter, or if you refuse to properly prepare your unit for treatment, the landlord may seek eviction for failing to maintain the property standards.
What if the landlord proves I brought them in?
If the landlord has overwhelming evidence that your specific actions (such as bringing in an infested mattress from the street) caused the outbreak, the RTT may rule that you are financially responsible for the extermination costs.
Can I break my lease early because of the bugs?
You cannot simply abandon the property. You must first apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. If the Tribunal finds that the landlord has failed their duty to provide a habitable unit, the Officer may legally grant you permission to terminate the lease early.
Do I have to throw away all my furniture?
Not necessarily. Professional heat treatments and specific chemical sprays can often save your furniture and mattresses. Always consult with the exterminator before discarding expensive items.
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