If you are considering committing to a more long-term rental—either as soon as you arrive, or after you’ve settled in—there are a few key things you should consider. First, you should know what you can afford. Make a budget to see how much you can afford to spend on a home. And second, you should be happy with the location of your new home. It’s a good idea to learn as much about the neighbourhood as possible. For example, is it near schools, work, hospitals, clinics, child care, and stores? If you will be living without a car, be sure daily necessities are within walking distance, or near a transit stop.
Renting a house or apartment
Renting means that you are paying to live in a space owned by a landlord. Renting is a smart first step when arriving in New Brunswick because it does not take as long to move in and get settled as buying a home. To find a rental, you can use the services of an agent who specializes in finding places to rent.
Understanding your lease
To begin renting, you will sign a contract called a lease, which has the details of the agreement you have with your landlord. The landlord must provide you with a written copy of the lease. A lease document will outline and describe:
- your responsibilities as renter
- the length of time you agree to live there
- the amount of money you will pay and when you will pay it
- what services (telephone, heat, cable, etc.) are included in the rent and what you need to arrange and pay for yourself
- any special rules the landlord has such as restrictions on pets, parking and noise
Paying a security deposit
When you move in you may be required to pay a security deposit. A security deposit is:
- money paid to the provincial Rental Tribunal while you are renting
- kept to pay your landlord for damages you may cause to his or her property
- returned to you when you move out if there is no damage
- a maximum of the amount of one month’s rent
Please note that if a landlord does not want you to submit your deposit to the Rental Tribunal, it is a red flag and you should not rent from them.
Your rights as a renter
By law, you as the renter have a number of rights:
- The landlord must repair and maintain the house or apartment and the large appliances such as the refrigerator or stove.
- You cannot be asked to leave if you are meeting your responsibilities.
- Your rent cannot be increased without giving you notice of two to three months. If you receive notice that the rent is going to be increased, you may move prior to the increase starting as long as you write to your landlord.
Your responsibilities as renter
When you sign a lease, you agree to uphold a number of responsibilities:
- You must pay all your rent and pay it on time according to your lease.
- You must keep the space you are renting clean and not damage it.
- If you want to paint or make big changes, you must get your landlord’s permission first.
- You must be considerate of other renters—this means not leaving personal items in shared areas such as hallways and not being noisy, especially at night.
After you sign a lease and move in
There are a few things you should do as soon as you take possession of your new rental:
- Though it is not required by law, consider getting renters’ insurance to protect your belongings.
- Connect your electricity by contacting Saint John Energy or NB Power
- Set up your telephone (landline or mobile), Internet, and cable television service. Options include Rogers and Bell Aliant, and each typically have money-saving offers for new customers.
- Notify friends, family, employers, and anyone who sends you mail about your new address. For a fee, Canada Post will forward your mail from your old address.
If you have any questions or if you feel you are being treated unfairly, contact your local Rental Tribunal.
The Public Legal Information and Education Service has more information about the laws that apply to landlords and tenants in New Brunswick