Launch Your Fredericton Nonresidential Building Leasing Business Today
This page lays out a practical, step-by-step path for launching a business as a lessor of nonresidential buildings (NAICS 531120) in Fredericton. You'll find a clear overview of the 8 requirements you must meet to operate legally, plus what permits, licenses, and certifications you may need when leasing office, retail, or industrial spaces. We’ll map out costs and a realistic timeline so you can plan confidently, not overwhelmed.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the 8 requirements cover, how to secure essential permits, estimate initial costs (setup, insurance, and ongoing licensing), and the typical sequence from business registration to signing your first lease. We’ll also share practical tips on choosing a property, aligning with Fredericton zoning rules, and building a simple milestone timeline to keep you on track.
Why Fredericton? The city’s growing commercial scene, supportive local government, and demand for well-managed nonresidential spaces make it a smart starting point for landlords. This page helps you harness those advantages with clear steps, realistic costs, and a practical timeline.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Fredericton is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and serves as the single identifier for your tax accounts and government programs. You cannot legally run a rental business here without a BN, and you will need it to set up GST/HST, payroll, and other registrations later on. In short, BN is non-negotiable and should be your starting point.
Operationally, you’ll need to take care of safety, licensing, and essential permits before you start leasing space. Make sure you have New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage, which provides workplace insurance and is required by law. Also obtain a valid City of Fredericton business licence to legally operate the rental business in the city. If you hire staff, you’ll handle payroll deductions and other payroll-related compliance through the appropriate registrations after you have your BN.
Business Registration & Tax: beyond the BN, you’ll likely need New Brunswick SNB (Business Name Registration) if you’re using a name other than your own. Choose your business structure and complete Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration as appropriate. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration for collecting tax on taxable supplies and Payroll Deductions Registration for withholdings from employee pay. These steps ensure you’re properly registered and ready for tax reporting.
Next steps: decide your business structure, pick a name (if needed), and file the SNB. Then complete BN, GST/HST, and payroll registrations, and obtain the Fredericton business licence. Set up your WorkSafeNB coverage and a simple payroll system. If you’re unsure, reach out to the provincial and city resources or a local advisor to map out a clear, practical timeline. You’ve got this—start with BN and build from there.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a lessors of nonresidential buildings (except miniwarehouses) in Fredericton:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Fredericton. Apply to City of Fredericton for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Fredericton Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your lessors of nonresidential buildings (except miniwarehouses):
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MLI Select is Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's multi-unit mortgage loan insurance product that uses a points-based scoring system to offer enhanced financing terms to borrowers who commit to affordability, accessibility, and/or energy-efficiency outcomes. Projects earn points across three pillars — affordability (rents at 30% of median regional renter income), …
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The Housing Accelerator Fund is a $4.4 billion CMHC initiative running to 2027–28 that provides non-repayable contributions to local governments. Funding is calculated per projected new housing unit enabled by the applicant's action plan, with per-unit amounts varying by housing type (approx. $12,000–$20,000+ per unit). Payments are delivered in four …
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$300M program that ran five competitive rounds (2019-2025) through Impact Canada and CMHC, each targeting different supply barriers. Round 5 (Level-Up, $65M) focused on transforming housing production at scale via skill enhancement, automation, and supply chain improvements. All five rounds are now completed with prize recipients announced.
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The $1.5B CHDP provides up to 100% of project costs via forgivable loans (up to 1/3 of costs, forgiven over 20 years) and repayable loans (up to 2/3 of costs, amortized up to 50 years at below-market rates). First intake ran July–September 2024; additional rounds planned through 2027. Third intake …
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The FLI is a $318.9M fund that makes surplus federal properties available to eligible housing providers at below-market or no cost. The level of discount depends on social outcomes committed to in the approved proposal. Over 90 properties are listed on the Canada Public Land Bank. Budget 2024 added $112.6M …
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