An initial and final inspection of the rental property is important
Landlords and tenants should do an initial inspection of the rental unit together.
Make 2 copies of the Accommodation Inspection Report. Walk through the rental unit and look at the condition of the walls, floors, counters, appliances, and everything else in the unit. Write down any damage in the report. Taking photos can also be useful.
If during the inspection the landlord agrees to fix something, this should be put in writing, including the date repairs will be completed by.
Both the tenant and landlord or their representative should sign and date both copies of the report. Each party should keep one copy as a permanent record.
Landlords and tenants should do a final inspection of the rental unit together.
Using the Accommodation Inspection Report that you both signed at the beginning of the lease, and photos if you took them, determine if anything has been damaged.
Make note of any damage. Both the tenant and landlord or their representative should sign and date both copies of the report.
If the rental unit is dirty or damaged, or there is unpaid rent, utilities or late fees, landlords can make a claim against the security deposit. To do this, a Security Deposit Claim form must be submitted to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office within 7 days of the end of the lease.
Or, if the landlord and tenant agree to a portion of the security deposit being kept by the landlord, for example, for damages, carpet cleaning, etc., this may be shown on a Security Deposit Refund Agreement form instead. This is the quickest and easiest way for the tenant to have their security deposit returned.
The Security Deposit Refund Agreement form must be signed by both the landlord and tenant and show the amount of the security deposit being returned to the tenant. For forms and to learn more:
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.