New Brunswick renting guide
When a tenant passes away in New Brunswick
New Brunswick's current law does not set out a specific rule for when a tenant dies. In general the tenancy and rent become the responsibility of the person's estate until it is properly ended.
What happens to a tenancy when a tenant passes away in New Brunswick?
For tenants
If a loved one who was renting has died, there is no special shortcut in New Brunswick's current law. The tenancy continues as a responsibility of their estate, and rent keeps running, until someone gives proper notice to end it the normal way, usually one month for a month-to-month tenancy. Because the rules are not spelled out for this, it is worth calling the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office at 1-888-762-8600 to confirm the steps for your situation.
For landlords
There is no death-specific provision in the current Act. The tenancy does not simply vanish, it continues as an obligation of the estate until ended under the ordinary notice rules, and you would deal with the executor or family. Given the gap, confirm the process with the Office before acting.
The key facts
- A specific NB rule?
- None in the current Act
- General position
- The estate is responsible until ended
- Ending it
- The normal notice rules apply
- Best step
- Confirm with the Office (1-888-762-8600)
Common questions
A tenant of mine passed away. What happens to the tenancy?
New Brunswick's current law has no specific rule for this. The tenancy generally continues as a responsibility of the estate, with rent still due, until it is ended under the ordinary notice rules. Because it is not spelled out, confirm the exact steps with the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office.
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.
