News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Landlords and tenants are reminded that the section of the province’s state of emergency that prevented evictions for non-payment of rent will end on May 31.

After that date, landlords will be authorized to serve tenants with a notice to vacate for non-payment of rent. The Residential Tenancies Tribunal is encouraging landlords and tenants to work together to come up with a payment plan.

“Throughout the state of emergency, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal has made extensive efforts to communicate to tenants that rent continues to be due and tenants financially impacted due to job losses must work with their landlords to come up with a payment plan,” said Service New Brunswick Minister Sherry Wilson. “The tribunal will continue to work with both parties to attempt a mediated agreement for payment when payment in full is not possible.”

The tribunal will consider the details of each individual case, including the amount of rent owing; the active engagement of both the landlord and tenant to come up with a payment plan; and the availability and accessibility of financial support through provincial and federal government programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tenants who claim they have been unable to pay rent due to financial issues related to the pandemic will be required to provide evidence to support this claim. If a tenant has provided satisfactory evidence, he or she must then reach and follow through on a mediated payment plan agreement with their landlord if full payment is not possible. Tenants whose rent is left unpaid for reasons other than those directly related to the pandemic will be required to pay their rent in full or face possible eviction.

Information on the process and the rights and obligations of both landlord and tenants is available online.