News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – A temporary rent cap for 2022 and measures to protect tenants from terminations without just cause are now in effect.

From Jan. 1 until Dec.  31, rent increases are capped at 3.8 per cent, the annual increase in the New Brunswick Consumer Price Index for 2021.

“We have put measures in place to help alleviate the pressures tenants are facing with low vacancy rates and increased costs,” said Service New Brunswick Minister Mary Wilson. “If you are a tenant facing a difficult situation or simply have questions about your tenancy, we want to hear from you.”

The Residential Tenancies Act has been amended to extend to all tenants the same protection long-term tenants already had related to terminations without just cause. Any tenant served a notice of termination is encouraged to apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to ensure the notice is in line with the new sections of the law.

Terminations that do not meet the requirements will be denied. Landlords failing to comply with these changes could be subject to a fine. Further, tenants facing losses due to their tenancy being ended without just cause can apply for compensation from the landlord.

While the rent cap is in place, landlords are not permitted to increase rents above 3.8 per cent or change the terms and conditions of a lease unless agreed to by the tenant and landlord. This includes buildings that have changed ownership. Previous leases signed by a tenant and their former landlord will continue to be legally binding under the new ownership.

Tenants and landlords with questions or concerns can email [email protected], call 1-888-762-8600 or visit www.snb.ca/irent.

“We continue to monitor the housing situation as part of a province-wide approach to address the complex issue of affordable housing, and new measures will be introduced if required,” Wilson said.

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal helps resolve conflicts between landlords and tenants while upholding and enforcing the Residential Tenancies Act.