Housing affordability and necessary repairs are the top concerns for New Brunswick renters, a new report found.
The province consulted over 2,000 people as part of its review of the tenancies act, with participants including tenants, landlords, property managers, homeowners, housing providers, community groups, seniors, students, newcomers, and persons with disabilities.
The report identified critical areas of concern across the rental system, including:
- Affordability and rent increases
- Repairs and maintenance
- Eviction notices and ending tenancy
- Dispute resolution and timelines
- Enforcement and compliance
- Difficulty understanding rights and responsibilities
According to the survey, housing affordability and delays in repairs were the two main concerns, with 60 per cent and 58 per cent of participants, respectively, highlighting lack of affordable housing options and unsafe living conditions.
Meanwhile, 37 per cent of the respondents were concerned about evictions and “renovictions,” 27 per cent expressed frustration over how slow and confusing the tenant dispute resolution process was, 22 per cent noted that rules were not applied consistently, and 22 per cent found it difficult to navigate the system’s processes and forms in practice.
Tenants also raised concerns around fixed-term leases and damage deposits, while landlords and housing providers said the current system is also creating challenges for them.
Landlords raised concerns over non-payment of rent, lengthy eviction timelines, property damage, disruptive tenant situations and rising operational costs.
They noted that the delays in the dispute system can create money problems and make it harder to manage housing.
Balancing affordability and increasing costs is also a challenge for some landlords, the survey said, particularly related to property taxes, insurance and maintenance.
The report said many landlords want clearer rules, more consistent decisions, and a faster dispute enforcement process.
On the other hand, non-profit housing groups highlighted how housing instability disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, such as newcomers, low-income individuals, and people experiencing violence.
The organizations also noted that many tenants did not complain about their living situation out of fear of being evicted.
Like tenants and landlords, non-profits are also facing their own pressures. Organizations raised concerns about aging volunteer leaders, rising costs, and more complex needs in housing.
Several non-profits said clear housing information, stronger protections, and help using the system will be very important for newcomers, people experiencing violence, and others who face barriers.
The province said the feedback will support future work and legislative changes to establish a modernized framework that improves clarity and accessibility, strengthens enforcement and accountability, supports timely and consistent dispute resolution, and helps both tenants and landlords understand and exercise their rights and responsibilities.
