How to set up a rental property in New Brunswick
This page is the free New Brunswick guide. No sign-in. Read on.
Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check
A step-by-step guide for first-time landlords in New Brunswick, mandatory lease form requirements, deposit rules, inspection obligations, licensing, and rent-increase rules. Free downloadable checklist included.
Important: read this first
In New Brunswick, you do NOT hold the security deposit. You must send it to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office within 15 days of collection. Holding it yourself is a breach. The Office holds it and returns it (with interest) at the end of the tenancy.
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New Brunswick at a glance
Open this section ↓Official TLRO website →↑ Close this sectionMandatory lease form
Standard Form of Lease (all sections mandatory)
Move-in inspection
Not required
Deposit
Held by Tribunal
Rent control
Yes
Tribunal
Tenant and Landlord Relations Office (TLRO)
Legislation
Residential Tenancies Act
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Step 1: Written lease
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionMandatoryStandard Form of Lease (all sections mandatory)
All sections of the Standard Form of Lease are mandatory in New Brunswick. Both parties must keep a signed copy.
Download the form →3
Step 2: Landlord insurance
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionGet a rental-dwelling policy before the tenancy starts
A standard homeowner policy typically excludes rental income and damage caused by tenants. Rental properties are covered by a rental-dwelling (landlord) policy instead.
Consider requiring your tenant to carry liability insurance as a condition of the lease. This is not required by law in New Brunswick but is common practice.
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Step 3: Municipal licensing
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo provincial licence required in New Brunswick
There is no provincial landlord registration or licence anywhere in Canada. However, some cities and municipalities require a rental or business licence before you can rent a property. Check with your city or municipality before putting a tenant in.
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Step 4: Move-in condition report
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNot requiredNo separately prescribed mandatory move-in inspection form in New Brunswick. Documenting the unit's condition at move-in is recommended.
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Step 5: Security deposit
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionDeposit held by the Tribunal, not by the landlord
Security deposit max 1 month's rent. The landlord does NOT hold it: remit to the Tribunal within 15 days.
Maximum: Max 1 month's rent
Landlord must remit the deposit to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office within 15 days of collection. The Tribunal holds it, NOT the landlord.
Interest: The Tribunal holds the deposit and returns it with interest at end of tenancy. Verify current rate at the Tribunal.
Return: Returned by the Tribunal (not the landlord) after the tenancy ends.
Tribunal deposit guide →7
Step 6: Rent increases and notice rules
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNotice required for a rent increase
6 months' written notice
Full notice & rent rules for New Brunswick →Rent control
Rent increases are capped at 3% per 12 months (not in the first 12 months of a tenancy). Landlords may apply for an above-guideline increase of up to 9% for approved capital expenditures through the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office.
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Step 7: Records and receipts
Remit the deposit to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office within 15 days.Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionRemit the deposit to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office within 15 days. Holding it yourself is not permitted.
Keep copies of: the signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, notice letters, and all correspondence with your tenant.
Tribunal: Tenant and Landlord Relations Office. https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/family-home-community/housing-property.html
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Your New Brunswick landlord setup checklist
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNew Brunswick: New Landlord Setup Checklist 8 steps to set up your first rental property correctly
Read this first
In New Brunswick, you do NOT hold the security deposit. You must send it to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office within 15 days of collection. Holding it yourself is a breach. The Office holds it and returns it (with interest) at the end of the tenancy.Step 1: Written lease
Use the mandatory Standard Form of Lease (all sections mandatory).Download: https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/family-home-community/housing-property.htmlBoth parties sign and keep a copy.Step 2: Landlord insurance
Get a rental-dwelling policy (NOT a homeowner policy) before the tenancy starts.Homeowner policies typically exclude rental income and tenant-caused damage.Consider requiring tenant liability insurance as a lease term.Step 3: Municipal licensing
No provincial landlord licence required in New Brunswick.Check with your city or municipality: some require a rental or business licence.Step 4: Tenant screening
Run a credit check and reference check with written consent from the tenant.Handle personal information per privacy law (PIPEDA or provincial equivalent).Human rights law applies: you may not discriminate on protected grounds.Step 5: Move-in condition report
No separately prescribed mandatory move-in inspection form in New Brunswick. Documenting the unit's condition at move-in is recommended.Both parties sign and date. Each keeps a copy. Attach dated photos.Step 6: Security deposit
Security deposit max 1 month's rent. The landlord does NOT hold it: remit to the Tribunal within 15 days.Maximum: Max 1 month's rentThe Tribunal holds the deposit and returns it with interest at end of tenancy. Verify current rate at the Tribunal.Return: Returned by the Tribunal (not the landlord) after the tenancy ends.Step 7: Rent increases & notice rules
Notice required: 6 months' written noticeRent increases are capped at 3% per 12 months (not in the first 12 months of a tenancy). Landlords may apply for an above-guideline increase of up to 9% for approved capital expenditures through the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office.Tenant and Landlord Relations Office: https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/family-home-community/housing-property.htmlStep 8: Records & receipts
Remit the deposit to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office within 15 days. Holding it yourself is not permitted.Keep: signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, all correspondence.Dispute body: Tenant and Landlord Relations Office, https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/family-home-community/housing-property.htmlGeneral information only, not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your province's Tenant and Landlord Relations Office.
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Frequently asked questions
Open this section ↓Do I need to use a specific lease form in New Brunswick?
Yes. New Brunswick requires the Standard Form of Lease (all sections mandatory). All sections of the Standard Form of Lease are mandatory in New Brunswick. Both parties must keep a signed copy.
What deposit can I collect in New Brunswick?
Security deposit max 1 month's rent. The landlord does NOT hold it: remit to the Tribunal within 15 days. Maximum: Max 1 month's rent. Landlord must remit the deposit to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office within 15 days of collection. The Tribunal holds it, NOT the landlord.
Is a move-in inspection report required in New Brunswick?
No separately prescribed mandatory move-in inspection form in New Brunswick. Documenting the unit's condition at move-in is recommended.
Do I need a landlord licence in New Brunswick?
There is no provincial landlord licence required in New Brunswick. However, some municipalities require a rental or business licence. Check with your city or municipality.
What are the rent-increase rules in New Brunswick?
Notice required: 6 months' written notice. Rent increases are capped at 3% per 12 months (not in the first 12 months of a tenancy). Landlords may apply for an above-guideline increase of up to 9% for approved capital expenditures through the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office.
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Related guides
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionLandlord & Tenant: New Brunswick
Notice forms, rent-increase rules, repairs, and tribunal filing for New Brunswick.
Eviction Guide: New Brunswick
Non-payment, cause, and own-use eviction steps in New Brunswick.
All Provinces
Compare landlord setup rules across all 10 Canadian provinces.
Facts checked September 2026
More than one unit? The Landlord Pass
Prepare the rent increase notices on this page for every property you hold, with the dates checked against the province rule that governs each one, and an alert when one of them moves.
$16 a month or $149 a year. Single documents stay available without an account.
What the Pass doesGuidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.