Repairs, Pests, and Maintenance
Appliances break, mold grows, and emergencies happen. As a tenant, ensure you know how to get help if repairs are not being done or if your landlord is entering your unit without notice.
The Residential Tenancies Act says that both you and your landlord have a responsibility to keep your rental unit in good condition. If you or your guests cause damage to the unit, you must fix the damage. However, your landlord must fix things that break from normal use. This includes any appliances that your landlord provided with the unit, like a stove, refrigerator, washing machine, or dryer.
If you need something to be repaired, tell your landlord right away. If they do not make the repairs, you can follow the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office (TLRO) Complaints Process and send your landlord a Notice of Complaint explaining the problem.
If the problem has not been fixed after 7 days, or if it is an emergency, you can submit an Application for Assistance right away with the TLRO. It is a good idea to submit evidence to support your claim. You can include photos, receipts, and any communications with your landlord, like emails or texts.
If you submitted an application for assistance because of an emergency like a fire, flood, or issues with electricity, heat or water, the TLRO may work with NB Power, the fire department, police, or other authorities to resolve the situation quickly.
Usually, your landlord must give you written notice before they enter your rental unit to do repairs. Your landlord can only enter your rental unit without giving you notice if:
- You give them permission to enter,
- There is an emergency like a fire, flood, or issues with water, electricity, or heat,
- They enter within 2 working days of your request for repairs,
Otherwise, your landlord must give you written notice which includes:
- Your name,
- Your address, and
- Your landlord’s signature and the date.
The amount of notice they must give you depends on their reason for entry:
| Reason for Entry | Notice Required |
|---|---|
| Inspect your rental unit. | at least 24 hours’ written notice |
| Repair something you asked to be repaired, but they did not come within 2 working days of your request. | at least 24 hours’ written notice |
| Repair something because of an order by a government or safety authority. A copy of the order is required. | at least 24 hours’ written notice |
| Do routine maintenance or general repairs. | at least 7 days’ written notice |
Time and date of entry
Your landlord must enter your unit between 8:00am and 8:00pm, and not on Sundays or holidays unless there is an emergency or you have given them permission to do so.
Assistance from the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office (TLRO)
If your landlord breaks one of these rules, tell them. If they continue to break the rules, you can send them a Notice of Complaint. If they do not fix the issue within 7 days, you can apply for assistance through the TLRO Complaints Process.
Please note that legally, you cannot block your landlord from entering your unit where they are authorized to do so.
The Residential Tenancies Act (the Act) says that both you and your landlord have a responsibility to keep your rental unit in good condition. You have a duty to keep your unit reasonably clean. Your landlord has a duty to keep your unit free from things like bed bugs, mice, cockroaches, and mold.
If you find pests or mold in your rental unit, tell your landlord right away. If your landlord does not fix the problem, you can follow the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office (TLRO) Complaints Process and send your landlord a Notice of Complaint that explains the problem.
If 7 days have passed since your landlord received the Notice of Complaint and the problem has not been fixed, you can submit an Application for Assistance with the TLRO. It is a good idea to submit evidence to support your claim. You can include photos, receipts, and copies of any communications with your landlord, like emails or texts.
If you spend money on mouse traps, pest sprays, or cleaning supplies, save the receipts. You may be reimbursed if the TLRO agrees that your landlord failed to maintain your unit under the Act.