New Brunswick repairs, unsafe housing and evidence

Request repairs in writing

State the defect, how it affects health, safety or use of the unit and a reasonable requested response. Keep photos and messages. Serious emergencies may require immediate action; identify the problem rather than treating all maintenance as urgent.

Landlord access for repairs follows special rules: a written tenant request allows access without notice within two working days, but a later repair entry usually requires 24 hours’ written notice. Routine maintenance follows a different seven-day rule.

Resolving a dispute

The tenant can use an application for assistance with supporting documents. Before stopping rent payments or arranging repairs yourself and deducting their cost, check the official rules first.

Related New Brunswick resources

New Brunswick tenancy hub · Official forms directory.

A useful written repair request

Describe the problem precisely: for example, where the leak is occurring, when it began, whether water is near electricity and what urgent steps have been taken. Attach photos and ask for a written repair plan.

Keep a log of dates a repair person attended and whether access was offered. If the landlord needs to enter for repairs later than that initial two-working-day window, different notice rules may apply.

If the defect continues, use the official tenant assistance route with your timeline. Do not assume you can deduct a repair invoice from rent without a lawful basis.

Know which entry rule applies

• Tenant-requested repair: when the tenant asks in writing, the landlord may enter without advance notice within two working days of the request.
• Repair later than that window: the province describes at least 24 hours' written notice before entry.
• Routine maintenance: seven days' written notice is generally required.
• Inspections or showings: usually a separate 24-hour notice route, with specific exceptions.

The province generally restricts repair entry to 8 a.m.–8 p.m. and excludes Sundays and holidays, apart from emergencies or entry requested by the tenant. A tenant is not required to be physically present during properly authorized entry.

Prepare a repair request that is actionable

Identify the precise defect, affected room or appliance, when it began, whether there is an immediate safety risk, and when access can be arranged. Attach photographs and keep a dated communication log. If repairs remain undone, use the official Tenant Application for Assistance rather than assuming withholding rent is automatically permitted.