Changing a lease

The right way to make and provide proper notice of any changes to a lease


Overview

The terms and conditions of a lease agreement stay the same unless the landlord and tenant agree to a change.

Landlords of long-term tenants (5 years or more) or a mobile home site may make changes to a lease if they provide the proper amount of written notice and the change is reasonable and fair.


If you need to make changes to a lease

The tenant and landlord may agree to changing the terms and conditions of a lease. The change must be made in writing and signed by both parties.  

For example, if a tenant is requesting additional services that are not currently included in their lease agreement, they may discuss with their landlord and mutually agree to change the tenancy agreement.


Changing a lease, the right way

Landlords of long-term tenants (5 years or more) or a mobile home site may make changes to a lease if they provide the proper amount of written notice, and the change is reasonable and fair.

The amount of notice required to end a lease depends on the lease term.

The written notice must be a separate document from any other notice or receipt and include:

  • The name of the tenant 
  • The address of the rental unit
  • The change to the lease agreement
  • The date when the change will take effect
  • Signed by the landlord or agent

Amount of notice required to change a lease

Long-term tenants

To change a long-term lease (5 years or more), the landlord must give the tenant 3 months’ written notice.

Mobile home sites

To change mobile home site lease, the landlord must give the tenant 3 months’ written notice.


Request a review of the change

When a tenant receives a notice of a change, they have the choice of requesting a review if they do not believe the change is reasonable and fair.

Tenants can ask to have a written notice reviewed. They must apply within 15 days of receiving notice of a change. Complete an Application for Assistance to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office. Include a copy of the written notice received from the landlord.

Apply online, or send printed or digital copies of completed forms to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office by email to [email protected], by fax at 1-855-658-3096, by mail to PO Box 5001, Moncton, NB, E1C 8R3, or bring it to a Service New Brunswick service centre.