New Brunswick renting guide
Subletting and assigning in New Brunswick
You can usually assign your lease to someone else, and your landlord cannot say no without a good reason. Subletting is different, you stay on the hook for the lease.
Can I sublet or assign my lease in New Brunswick?
For tenants
Assigning means a new tenant takes over your lease and your responsibility ends for the rest of the term. Your landlord cannot refuse unreasonably, can charge no more than $20 for costs, and has seven days to reply or consent is automatic. Subletting means you re-rent the place but stay fully responsible to your landlord. Check your lease, it can require consent.
For landlords
If a tenant asks to assign, you cannot withhold consent arbitrarily or unreasonably. You may charge up to $20 for reasonable expenses, and you have seven days to reply or you are deemed to have consented. Instead of consenting you may, within seven days, end the tenancy with a notice to quit, except for a partial or mortgage-related assignment.
The key facts
- Assignment
- New tenant takes over the lease
- Landlord consent
- Cannot be unreasonably refused
- Maximum admin fee
- $20
- Reply window
- 7 days, or consent is automatic
- Subletting
- You stay responsible
Common questions
Can I sublet or assign my place?
You can usually assign your lease, and your landlord cannot refuse without a good reason. They can charge up to $20 and have seven days to respond. Subletting is allowed too, but you stay fully responsible for the lease. Always check what your lease says.
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.
