New Brunswick renting guide

Short-term and vacation rentals in New Brunswick

Short stays in a hotel, motel, or Airbnb-style tourist rental are usually not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. The protections kick in for a real residential tenancy, not a transient stay.

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What are the rules for short-term and vacation rentals in New Brunswick?

For tenants

If you are staying somewhere short-term, like a tourist or vacation rental, a hotel, or a motel, the Residential Tenancies Act generally does not apply, and your booking agreement governs instead. The main line is the length of stay: a stay of less than 90 days in a tourist establishment is treated as transient and is outside the Act. Once a place is genuinely your residence, the Act can apply. If your situation is in between, the Office can help sort out whether you are a tenant.

For landlords

If you host short-term or vacation stays, those are generally outside the Residential Tenancies Act, and the booking agreement governs. Be aware that short-term rentals are mostly regulated by your municipality through zoning and permits, and you are responsible for any applicable taxes, so check your local bylaws before listing.

The key facts

Hotels, motels, tourist rentals: Generally outside the Act
The line: Under 90 days in a tourist place is transient
A real residence: The Act can apply
Hosts: Check municipal zoning and permits

Common questions

I am staying in an Airbnb. Am I a tenant with tenant rights?

Usually not. Short-term and vacation stays, like a tourist rental, hotel, or motel, are generally outside the Residential Tenancies Act, and your booking agreement governs instead. A short stay, under 90 days in a tourist establishment, is treated as transient. If it has become your real residence, the Act may apply, and the Office can help sort that out.