MU Property Management's Guide to New Brunswick Residential Lease Agreements
Welcome to your essential guide from MU Property Management! This resource is designed to help you, our valued tenant, clearly understand your residential lease agreement in New Brunswick. We'll break down the official legal document, clarifying your rights and responsibilities, and our obligations as your property manager, all explained in simple terms under The Residential Tenancies Act. Use this guide as a helpful reference tool whenever you have questions about your lease.
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Understanding Your Lease: Key Requirements for Tenants
Your residential lease agreement is a crucial document that outlines the terms of your tenancy. Knowing these essential requirements will help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in New Brunswick.
Your Signed Copies
Your landlord is required to provide you with two identical copies of the Standard Form of Lease. Both you and your landlord will sign both copies, and then each of you will keep one original signed copy for your records.
What this means for you: Always keep your signed copy in a safe place. It's your official record of the agreement and can be referred to if any questions arise during your tenancy.
Changes to the Agreement
Any changes or deletions made to the standard lease are only valid if they follow specific rules outlined in Part 7 of Attachment A, or if they are additional agreements that do not take away from your rights under The Residential Tenancies Act.
What this means for you: Your rights as a tenant are protected by law. Any changes to the lease cannot legally override these rights. If you're unsure about a proposed change, seek clarification before signing.
Validating Additions
If anything new is added to your lease, it must be written on both original copies. If separate pages (called a schedule) are used for additions, both you and your landlord must sign each page to make them legally binding.
What this means for you: Make sure any special agreements or additional terms you and your landlord discuss are clearly written down and signed by both of you on every relevant page. This ensures everyone is clear on the terms.

MU Property Management is committed to transparent and fair lease agreements. For any questions about your lease or for professional assistance, visit mupm.ca. We are here to help you understand your rental agreement fully.
Understanding Your Lease: The Parties Involved
Your Landlord's Information
Your lease agreement will clearly list your landlord's full contact details. This includes their legal name, address, phone number, and email address. This ensures you always know who to contact regarding your tenancy.
What this means for you: It's important to have this information readily available for all communications, from routine maintenance requests to official notices. Knowing who owns or officially manages your rental property is your right.
Sometimes, a landlord hires a property manager or agent (like MU Property Management) to handle day-to-day tasks. If this is the case, their contact information will be provided, and they will be your primary point of contact for any issues or questions about your home.
For apartment buildings with multiple rental units where the landlord doesn't live on-site, they must either display their official name and address prominently in the building or register it with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. This is a crucial detail, ensuring you always know how to reach the official landlord if needed.
Your Information as a Tenant
To finalize your lease, you'll need to provide your complete personal details. This includes your full name, phone number, and email address. If there are multiple tenants living in the rental unit, all their names and contact information will be listed on the agreement.
What this means for you: Providing accurate information ensures that all official communication and notices related to your lease reach you promptly. If you share the tenancy with others, everyone listed is jointly responsible for the terms of the lease.
You also have the option to provide emergency contact information. This is for your safety and allows someone to be contacted in case of an emergency while you're living in the rental property. This information is kept confidential and separate from the main details of your lease.
What this means for you: While optional, providing an emergency contact can be very helpful for your well-being, especially if something unexpected happens. It's a way to ensure your loved ones can be reached if you can't be.

For a detailed breakdown of what both you and your landlord are responsible for, please refer to Part 2 of Attachment A. If you need to send or receive official notices or documents, Part 3 of Attachment A provides important guidelines on how this should be done correctly.
Premises Details & Property Type
Your lease agreement will clearly state the complete address of the property you are renting. This includes the street number, street name, apartment or unit number (if applicable), municipality, province, and postal code. This ensures there's no confusion about the specific home you are leasing.
Property Types You Can Rent
  • Houses
  • Apartments
  • Other specific dwelling types as outlined in your agreement
What this means for you: This section confirms exactly what kind of property you are leasing. Whether it's a stand-alone house, an apartment in a building, or a room, your lease will clearly define your home.
Permitted Use of Your Rental Home
Your lease agreement specifies that the property is to be used solely for residential purposes. This means it's intended to be your home, and typically, running a business or commercial operation from the premises is not allowed unless you have a specific written agreement with your landlord.
What this means for you: Your home is for living. If you plan to use any part of the property for business, even a home-based one, it's crucial to discuss this with your landlord and get their explicit permission in writing to avoid any breach of your lease.
Initial Inspection: Your Move-in Checklist
Before you officially move in, it's highly recommended that both you and your landlord complete a thorough inspection of the property together. This inspection should document the condition of the premises and note any repairs that are needed before you move in. Make sure to agree on timelines for these repairs.
What this means for you: This inspection protects both you and your landlord. It creates a record of the property's condition at the start of your tenancy, which is vital when you eventually move out. Documenting existing damage or necessary repairs now can prevent disputes later.
Understanding Specific Lease Provisions
Your lease agreement will contain important details about how your rental home can be used and specific rules to ensure a smooth tenancy. Here's a breakdown of some key provisions you might find in your lease and what they mean for you.
01
Smoke-Free Living
Your lease will clearly state if your home or any specific areas are designated as smoke-free. This means you agree not to smoke in those areas to ensure a healthy living environment for everyone. Make sure you understand these rules before signing to avoid any misunderstandings.
02
Pet Policies
If you have pets, or plan to get one, it's crucial to check your lease for any pet restrictions or prohibitions. Some leases may have 'no pets' policies, while others might specify types, sizes, or numbers of pets allowed. Understanding these rules upfront will help you avoid any issues related to your furry friends.
03
Entry for Showings
Towards the end of your lease term, your landlord might need to show your home to new prospective tenants. Your lease may include a clause allowing the landlord to enter for showings during this period. While your privacy is important, this allows for a smooth transition between tenants. Usually, landlords will still try to provide reasonable notice.

For detailed information on when and how your landlord or their agent can enter your home, please refer to Part 4 of Attachment A of your lease agreement. It outlines your rights and the landlord's obligations regarding entry.
Understanding Your Tenancy: Length & Types
Your Tenancy Start Date
Your lease agreement will always specify a clear start date (day, month, and year) when you officially take possession of your new home.
What this means for you: This date is important because it marks when your lease term begins, when you can move in, and when your responsibilities for the property and rent payments officially start.
Periodic Tenancy
This tenancy runs for an indefinite period, typically renewing automatically on a month-to-month or year-to-year basis.
What this means for you: This offers more flexibility, as either you or your landlord can end the tenancy by giving the proper notice. However, it also means less long-term certainty compared to a fixed-term lease.
Fixed Term Tenancy
This type of tenancy has a specific end date. You and your landlord agree on the exact period you'll be renting, for example, 12 months.
What this means for you: There's no need to give notice to end the tenancy once this date arrives, as it's already agreed upon in your lease. It offers stability, but also means you're committed for the full term unless other arrangements are made.

For important details on how much notice is required to end each type of tenancy, please refer to Part 5 of Attachment A in your lease agreement.
Understanding Your Rent Payment Terms
Rent Amount & Due Dates
Your lease agreement will clearly state the exact amount of rent you are expected to pay each month. It will also specify the due date for your very first rent payment and the specific day of each subsequent month your rent will be due.
What this means for you:
Knowing these details helps you budget and avoid late payments. Always pay your rent on or before the due date to prevent any late fees or issues with your tenancy.
How to Pay Your Rent
The lease outlines the accepted methods for paying your rent. This might include paying directly to your landlord, through an online portal, or to a property manager (their designated agent or representative).
What this means for you:
Ensure you use the payment method specified in your lease. If you're unsure or need to change your payment method, contact your landlord or property manager well in advance.
Understanding Rent Increases
If you have a fixed-term tenancy (a lease with a specific end date), your rent generally cannot be increased during that term unless specifically stated and agreed upon in your lease. For all tenancies, if an increase is permitted, your landlord must provide you with six months' written notice before the rent goes up.
What this means for you:
Review your lease for any clauses about rent increases. If you receive a notice for a rent increase, make sure it adheres to the six-month written notice requirement.

For further information on how rent is handled, rules about rent increases, and what happens if rent isn't paid on time, please refer to Part 6 of Attachment A of your lease agreement.
Understanding Your Lease: Late Fees, Services & Furnishings
When Rent Is Late: Understanding Fees
If your rent payment is dishonoured (e.g., a cheque bounces), your landlord has two options regarding late payment fees:
  1. They may choose not to charge any additional fee.
  1. They may charge a fixed late payment fee of $50.
This $50 fee is not intended as a penalty but covers the administrative costs incurred by the landlord due to the dishonoured payment.
What this means for you:
It's crucial to ensure your rent payments are processed successfully by the due date. If a payment is returned, you may be charged a $50 fee. Always contact your landlord immediately if you anticipate or experience any issues with your rent payment.
Services Included with Your Rent
Your lease agreement clearly outlines which services are already covered by your monthly rent. This section specifies what utilities and amenities you won't need to pay for separately. These commonly include:
  • Utilities: Water, heat, electricity, natural gas, propane, hot water.
  • Property Services: Garbage collection, sewage, snow removal, janitorial services for common areas, and parking.
  • Technology: Cable and/or internet hook-up or ongoing services.
What this means for you:
Review this section of your lease carefully to understand exactly what you are paying for and what you are responsible for. This helps you budget accurately and avoid unexpected costs. If a service you expect to be included isn't listed, clarify with MU Property Management.
Many rental units managed by MU Property Management come with certain furnishings to make your move-in easier. Your lease will detail which specific items are provided in your unit:
Kitchen Essentials
Typically includes a refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher.
Laundry Convenience
Often includes an in-unit washer and dryer.
Bedroom Comforts
May include bed(s), a dresser, night table, and lamp(s).
Living & Dining Areas
Commonly furnished with a dining table, chairs, and a couch.
What this means for you:
The specific furnishings provided will be clearly stated in your individual lease agreement. This list helps you understand what to expect when you move in and what items you might need to bring yourself to personalize your new home.
Your Lease: Security Deposits & Assignment Rights
Understanding your security deposit and your rights regarding lease assignment is crucial. This section explains these key parts of your residential tenancy agreement in an easy-to-understand way.
1
Month's Rent
The maximum amount your landlord can ask for as a security deposit for most residential leases.
Your security deposit is a sum of money collected by your landlord at the beginning of your tenancy. It's meant to provide your landlord with security in case you don't pay rent, cause damages, or incur other expenses as outlined in your lease.
What this means for you:
This deposit is typically held by a residential tenancies officer to ensure fair handling. It can be used to cover unpaid rent, cleaning costs, repair of damages beyond normal wear and tear, or other fees you might owe at the end of your lease. Ensure you receive a receipt for your deposit and understand the conditions for its return.
Understanding Lease Assignment
Lease assignment is when you, as the tenant, transfer all your rights and responsibilities under your lease agreement to another person (the assignee) for the remainder of your lease term. It's different from subletting, where you remain responsible for the lease.
Option C: No Assignment
Your lease agreement explicitly states you cannot assign any of your rights under the lease to another person.
What this means for you:
This means you cannot transfer your lease to someone else. If you need to leave your tenancy early, you would generally remain responsible for rent until the end of your lease term, unless you can negotiate another arrangement with your landlord (like a mutual agreement to end the tenancy).

For detailed information on security deposits and what to expect when moving out, refer to Part 8. For a complete guide on lease assignment procedures, check Part 9 of Attachment A in your lease documentation.
Need Help? Contact MU Property Management
Understanding every detail of your lease can be complex. MU Property Management is here to assist tenants with questions regarding their security deposits, lease assignments, and overall tenancy regulations. We aim to ensure a clear and fair tenancy experience for everyone. Visit https://www.mupm.ca/ to learn more about how we can support you during your tenancy.
Dispute Resolution & Key Contact Information
Knowing how to address concerns and who to contact is crucial for a smooth tenancy. Here's a step-by-step guide to resolving potential issues and important contact details.
1
Step 1: Open Dialogue
When an issue arises, your first step should always be to communicate directly with your landlord. Many problems can be resolved quickly through a simple conversation.
2
Step 2: Formal Written Complaint
If direct communication doesn't resolve the issue, submit a formal written complaint to your landlord. This creates a record of your attempts to resolve the problem and clearly outlines your concerns.
3
Step 3: Tribunal Application
If you and your landlord cannot reach an agreement, you have the right to apply for assistance from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. They are there to help resolve disputes impartially.
4
Step 4: Investigation
Once an application is made, a Residential Tenancies Officer will investigate the matter. They will gather facts and evidence from both you and your landlord to understand the situation fully.
5
Step 5: Binding Decision
After the investigation, the Officer will issue a decision. This decision is legally binding on both you and your landlord, providing a resolution to the dispute.
Residential Tenancies Tribunal: Your Resource for Support
The Tribunal is a provincial government office dedicated to assisting both landlords and tenants. They offer valuable advice, mediation, and dispute resolution services to ensure fair tenancy practices.
What this means for you: If you have questions about your rights or need help resolving a dispute, the Tribunal is a vital resource. Don't hesitate to reach out for guidance.
Phone: 1-888-762-8600 (toll free)
Understanding Your Lease & Signatures
Before you sign your lease, it's essential to read the entire document, including any attachments like Attachment A. This ensures you fully understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
What this means for you: Your lease is a legal contract. By signing, you agree to its terms, and it legally binds you and the landlord. Always keep one signed original copy for your records.
It's also important to keep your contact information updated with your landlord. If your email or phone number changes during your tenancy, make sure to inform them so you can receive important notices.
How MU Property Management Supports Tenants
MU Property Management is committed to ensuring a transparent and supportive rental experience for tenants in houses and apartments they manage in New Brunswick. With their expertise in handling lease agreements, tenant relations, and property maintenance, they work to ensure your rental journey is as smooth and compliant as possible.
What this means for you: MU Property Management can be a point of contact for maintenance requests, understanding lease terms, and ensuring your living environment is well-maintained, allowing you to focus on enjoying your home.
For more information on how MU Property Management assists tenants and to learn about their services, please visit their website: