Solve a problem

Learn the steps you can use to solve a problem, including with the help of the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office.

Step 1: Talk it over

In many cases, problems can be solved through discussion. Contact your landlord or tenant to discuss your concerns.

Step 2: Make a complaint in writing

If you can’t solve the problem through discussion, put your complaint in writing and serve it to your landlord or tenant. Include the date, the address of the rental unit, and explain the problem that you are trying to solve.

A written complaint can be a printed or handwritten letter. Keep a copy for your files. If your complaint is handwritten, you can take a picture of it. For your convenience, we offer a Notice of Complaint (PDF 183 KB) form.

You should also keep copies of any communication related to the problem such as notices, letters, emails, screen captures from text messages, etc.

For non-urgent matters, you must provide at least seven days for the recipient to resolve the problem.

If the landlord is addressing a conduct matter with a tenant, the tenant must comply immediately.

Step 3: Apply for assistance

If your concerns are not addressed by the date indicated on your written notice of complaint and you have evidence to demonstrate this, you may apply for assistance from the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office. 

Apply online or send printed or digital copies of completed forms to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office by email to [email protected], by fax at 1-855-658-3096, by mail to PO Box 5001, Moncton, NB, E1C 8R3, or bring it to a Service New Brunswick service centre.

For tenants

Tenant Application for Assistance (Online)

Tenant Application for Assistance (PDF 661 KB)

For landlords

Landlord Application for Assistance (Online)

Landlord Application for Assistance (PDF 666 KB)

You will receive confirmation within one business day of your application being received and your file will be assigned a case number. All cases are prioritized and the most urgent cases will be handled first.

Step 4: Mediation

The Tenant and Landlord Relations office will attempt to settle the matter by mediation.  The goal is to resolve the disagreement as quickly as possible without having the Residential Tenancies Officer decide for you.

Step 5: Decision

If the landlord and tenant are not able to reach a solution together with mediation, the Residential Tenancies Officer will make a final decision.

Any landlord or tenant affected by a decision or an order may, within seven days after being notified of the decision or order, contact the Court of King’s Bench of New Brunswick to review and set aside the decision or order on the ground that it was made without jurisdiction, or based on an error of law.