New Brunswick renting guide
Belongings left behind in New Brunswick
If a tenant leaves things behind, the landlord cannot just keep or throw them out. The belongings still belong to the tenant, and the landlord needs the Office's permission before disposing of them.
What happens to belongings left behind after moving out in New Brunswick?
For tenants
If you leave things behind, they are still yours. A landlord cannot keep your belongings to cover money you owe, or throw them out on their own. They have to release them to you and use a deposit claim or court for any debt. If you cannot get your things back, contact the Office.
For landlords
Do not keep or dispose of a tenant's belongings on your own. Store them safely, try to contact the tenant, keep a record, and apply to a residential tenancies officer for direction. The officer decides based on value: low-value or unsanitary items may be tossed, items worth less than the debt may be sold, and more valuable items must be stored for a set period and the tenant notified. You cannot hold belongings hostage for unpaid rent.
The key facts
- Whose belongings
- Still the tenant's
- Landlord cannot
- Keep or dispose of them on their own
- Need first
- A residential tenancies officer's direction
- Held for unpaid rent?
- No, must be released to the tenant
Common questions
My tenant moved out and left a bunch of stuff. Can I throw it out?
Not on your own. The belongings are still the tenant's. Store them safely, try to reach the tenant, and apply to a residential tenancies officer, who will tell you whether you can dispose of, sell, or must store them. For money owed, file a deposit claim or go to court, do not hold the belongings.
Sources
This is general information, not legal advice. For a decision on your situation, contact Tenant and Landlord Relations Office (formerly the Residential Tenancies Tribunal).
Have a specific question? Ask the rental assistant for a plain answer with a source.
