New Brunswick Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Property Management Guide

New Brunswick’s rental housing framework is primarily governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Administered by the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office (TLRO), these regulations ensure a fair and balanced rental market. With recent updates, including the implementation of a rent cap in 2025, understanding these rules is critical for property owners and managers operating in the province.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in New Brunswick for advice specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Key New Brunswick Rental Laws at a Glance

Security Deposits

In New Brunswick, the handling of security deposits is highly regulated and unique compared to many other jurisdictions. The maximum security deposit is one month's rent for a standard residential lease (or one week's rent for a week-to-week lease).

Crucially, landlords cannot hold these funds themselves. Once collected, the landlord must remit the deposit to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office (TLRO) within 15 days, along with a specific remittance form. At the end of the tenancy, landlords have seven days to make a claim against the deposit for unpaid rent, damages, or necessary cleaning.

For more detail, see our Security Deposits deep dive.

Rent Control and Increases

New Brunswick implemented significant changes to its rent rules, instituting a 3% annual rent cap effective February 1, 2025. This cap applies to most residential tenancies and is set for the 2025-26 fiscal year subject to review.

Landlords must provide tenants with at least six months' written notice before any rent increase can take effect. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and no increases are permitted during the first year of a new tenancy. Landlords who wish to raise the rent beyond 3% (up to a 9% maximum) must apply to the TLRO and justify the increase through significant capital expenditures.

For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.

Eviction Procedures

Landlords in New Brunswick must follow strict statutory procedures for evictions, and cannot unilaterally remove a tenant. Evictions are commonly handled through the TLRO.

Non-Payment of Rent

If a tenant fails to pay rent, the landlord must first issue a 7-Day Notice to Vacate. If the tenant pays within this window, the tenancy continues. If they fail to pay, the landlord can issue a 15-Day Final Notice to Vacate.

Other Breaches and Terminations

• Breach of Lease: Tenants are usually given 7 days to comply with lease terms after receiving a written complaint before further action is taken.
• Landlord's Own Use/Renovations: Landlords can terminate long-term tenancies for specific reasons (e.g., personal use or major renovations) but must provide three months' notice. Terminations for renovations also require pre-approval from the TLRO.

For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.

Lease Agreements and Requirements

New Brunswick requires the use of the Standard Form of Lease. Landlords cannot alter or remove any of the mandatory clauses in this provincial document. Additional terms can be appended to the lease, provided they do not conflict with the Residential Tenancies Act. Even if a written lease is not signed, the tenancy is legally deemed to be operating under the terms of the Standard Form of Lease.

For more detail, see our Lease Requirements guide.

Maintenance and Habitability

Landlords are legally obligated to maintain rental properties in a good state of repair, ensuring they are fit for habitation and comply with health, safety, and building standards. This includes maintaining structural elements, plumbing, heating, and common areas. Landlords must repair any damage that is not caused by the tenant and address maintenance requests in a reasonable timeframe. Emergency repairs (such as loss of heat or water) must be handled immediately.

For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.

Required Disclosures

While New Brunswick does not have extensive proactive disclosure laws for issues like mold or bed bugs (unlike some jurisdictions), landlords are bound by federal regulations regarding lead-based paint for properties built before 1978. Furthermore, the overarching requirement to provide a habitable unit implies that known health hazards must be addressed promptly.

For more detail, see our Required Disclosures guide.

Late Fees

Charging late fees for rent in New Brunswick is heavily restricted. A landlord can only charge a late fee if there is a specific clause in the lease agreement authorizing it. Furthermore, the amount the landlord can charge is strictly capped at the direct Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) bank charges incurred by the landlord due to the late or bounced payment. Arbitrary penalty fees are not permitted.

For more detail, see our Late Fees guide.

Getting Started with Compliance

Managing a rental property in New Brunswick requires strict adherence to TLRO procedures, especially regarding standard forms, rent increase caps, and the unique security deposit remittance system. Landager helps landlords track lease terms, store digital copies of standard leases, and manage maintenance workflows to ensure operations remain fully compliant.

Explore more New Brunswick residential compliance topics:

• Security Deposits
• Eviction Process
• Required Disclosures
• Rent Increases
• Lease Requirements
• Maintenance Obligations
• Late Fees