Free guide — New Brunswick
How to set up a rental property in New Brunswick
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 Residential Tenancies Tribunal within 15 days of collection. The Tribunal holds it and returns it (with interest) at the end of the tenancy.
New Brunswick at a glance
Mandatory lease form
Standard Form of Lease (all sections mandatory)
Move-in inspection
Not required
Deposit
Held by Tribunal
Rent control
Yes
Tribunal
Residential Tenancies Tribunal (RTT)
Legislation
Residential Tenancies Act
Step 1 — Written lease
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.
Download the form →Step 2 — Landlord insurance
Get a rental-dwelling policy before the tenancy starts
A standard homeowner policy typically excludes rental income and damage caused by tenants. You need a rental-dwelling (landlord) policy — not a homeowner policy.
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.
Step 3 — Municipal licensing
No 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.
Step 4 — 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.
Step 5 — Security deposit
Deposit 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 Residential Tenancies Tribunal 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 →Step 6 — Rent increases & notice rules
Notice required for a rent increase
3 months' written notice
Rent control
Rent increases capped at 3% for most residential units as of 2025.
Step 7 — Records & receipts
Remit the deposit to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal 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: Residential Tenancies Tribunal — https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/snb/registries/residential_tenancies.html
Your New Brunswick landlord setup checklist
New 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 Residential Tenancies Tribunal within 15 days of collection. The Tribunal 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/lease.html
- Both 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 rent
- 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.
Step 7: Rent increases & notice rules
- Notice required: 3 months' written notice
- Rent increases capped at 3% for most residential units as of 2025.
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal: https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/snb/registries/residential_tenancies.html
Step 8: Records & receipts
- Remit the deposit to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal within 15 days. Holding it yourself is not permitted.
- Keep: signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, all correspondence.
- Dispute body: Residential Tenancies Tribunal -- https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/snb/registries/residential_tenancies.html
General information only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your province's Residential Tenancies Tribunal.
Frequently asked questions
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 Residential Tenancies Tribunal 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: 3 months' written notice. Rent increases capped at 3% for most residential units as of 2025.
Related guides
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer