New Brunswick (NB) law guide
Quick answer
New Brunswick has a 3% annual rent cap extended through the 2025 to 2026 period, with 6 months written notice required before an increase. The security deposit is capped at one month's rent and is held by the provincial Rentalsman (not the landlord). Nonpayment disputes are handled by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Office of the Rentalsman); a 15-day Notice to Vacate applies when rent is overdue.
Security deposit rules
Maximum one month's rent; held by the provincial Rentalsman (not the landlord); returned with interest at tenancy end
Rent control
Yes, 3% cap extended through 2025 to 2026; landlords may apply for up to 9% for justified capital renovations
Tribunal/board
Office of the Rentalsman (Residential Tenancies Tribunal)
Nonpayment notice
15-day Notice to Vacate; tenant can void it by paying all arrears within 7 days of service
New Brunswick rental market snapshot
Population
830,000
Renter households
~30%
Median rent
$1,350/mo (2BR)
Largest rental markets
Moncton, Fredericton, Saint John, Dieppe
Moncton has experienced the fastest rent growth in Atlantic Canada over the past three years. Provincial two-bedroom averages remain among the lowest in Canada, though the 3% cap limits landlord flexibility to respond to market pressures.
New Brunswick has a unique deposit structure: landlords may collect up to one month's rent as a security deposit, but the Rentalsman holds the deposit in trust for the duration of the tenancy, not the landlord. This protects tenants from landlords who might otherwise refuse to return deposits.
At the end of the tenancy, the Rentalsman releases the deposit (plus interest) to the appropriate party based on any claim filed. Deductions may be claimed for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
The provincial rent cap is 3% per year, extended through the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year. Landlords must give tenants 6 months written notice before an increase takes effect. A landlord can apply to the province for an increase above 3% (up to 9%) if they can demonstrate justified capital expenditures for renovations.
Only one rent increase is permitted every 12 months. Non-refundable fees such as pet deposits, application fees, or move-in charges are prohibited.
If rent is overdue, the landlord may issue a 15-day Notice to Vacate. The tenant can void this notice by paying all outstanding rent within 7 days of receiving it. A second nonpayment within the same lease term allows the landlord to issue a Final Notice to Vacate that cannot be voided by payment.
If the tenant does not leave after the notice period, the landlord applies to the Office of the Rentalsman for an eviction order. The Rentalsman schedules a hearing and issues a binding order. Non-compliance can be enforced through the Court of Queen's Bench.
Landlords must provide 24 hours written notice before entering a rental unit and 7 days notice when entry is required for repairs. Entry is permitted between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. (excluding Sundays and public holidays for showings). Emergency entry is permitted without notice.
Landlords must maintain the premises in a good state of repair and comply with all applicable health and safety standards. Tenants can file a complaint with the Rentalsman if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs.
Tenants are protected from discrimination in housing under the New Brunswick Human Rights Act, covering race, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other grounds. Landlords cannot refuse to rent, evict, or impose different terms based on any protected characteristic.
Tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment and cannot be subjected to unlawful eviction, illegal rent increases, or landlord interference with services. The Rentalsman investigates emergency situations and has authority to issue emergency orders.
New Brunswick requires a standardized written lease (Residential Lease) for all tenancy types. Both landlord and tenant must sign two copies; any provision that conflicts with the Residential Tenancies Act is void and replaced by the Act's requirements.
At the end of a fixed term, the tenancy automatically converts to a periodic tenancy (month-to-month or year-to-year matching the original term) unless proper notice is given by either party. Landlords cannot require tenants to sign a new fixed-term lease as a condition of continued occupancy.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Residential Tenancies Act, SNB 1975, c R-10.2. Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-06.
New Brunswick FAQ
New Brunswick has a **3% annual rent cap**, extended through the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year. Your landlord must give you **6 months written notice** before the increase takes effect and can only raise rent once every 12 months. Increases above 3% (up to 9%) require provincial approval for documented capital renovations.
Uniquely in Canada, your security deposit is held by the **provincial Rentalsman**, not your landlord. The maximum deposit is **one month's rent**. At the end of the tenancy, the Rentalsman releases the deposit (plus interest) to whichever party is entitled based on any claims filed.
Your landlord can issue a **15-day Notice to Vacate** if rent is overdue. You can void the first notice by paying all arrears within **7 days** of receiving it. A second nonpayment in the same lease term results in a Final Notice that cannot be voided. If you do not leave, the landlord applies to the **Office of the Rentalsman** for an eviction order.
Yes. New Brunswick requires a **standardized written Residential Lease** for all tenancy types. Both parties must sign two copies. Any clause in the lease that contradicts the **Residential Tenancies Act** is automatically void.
The **Office of the Rentalsman** (also called the Residential Tenancies Tribunal) is New Brunswick's provincial body that handles all landlord-tenant disputes, holds security deposits, and adjudicates eviction applications. You can file applications through Service New Brunswick offices or online through gnb.ca.
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