New Brunswick residential tenancy
New Brunswick rent increases and the 2026–2027 rent cap
How the 3% annual ceiling, six-month written notice, 12-month timing and special permission process fit together.
What the current cap means
In ordinary continuing tenancies, the province applies a 3% annual rent-increase cap for 2026 and has announced the same limit for 2027. A landlord may seek permission for an increase above 3% and up to 9% for qualifying capital expenditures; this is not an automatic exemption.
The cap is a maximum, not a required annual increase. A new tenancy, special property type or written agreement may need individual statutory review.
Notice and timing
A landlord generally must give at least six months’ written notice and cannot increase the rent within the first 12 consecutive months of a tenancy. Usually, increases cannot occur more than once in any consecutive 12-month period.
The increase notice must be separate, identify the tenant and unit, state the current and new rent and effective date, and be signed and dated.
Review or challenge
A tenant who receives an increase notice can ask the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office for review within 60 days of receipt; include the notice. The published provincial process says there is no application fee.
Retaliatory increases may also raise a separate, shorter statutory process. Seek official assistance promptly rather than assuming a 60-day window protects every complaint.
Related New Brunswick resources
Worked example and next action
At $1,500 monthly rent, a 3% ordinary increase equals $45, for an illustrative new monthly rent of $1,545. This is not a substitute for checking the proposed effective date and the actual notice served.
If a landlord proposes $1,650 instead, do not assume that higher amount is valid solely because a renovation took place. Request details of any special authorization and contact the office within the relevant review window.
Save the envelope or electronic receipt showing when the notice arrived. A rent review application relies on an accurate receipt date, not just the date typed on the notice.