Start Your Moncton Nonresidential Building Leasing Business with Confidence
This page walks you through launching a Moncton-based Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (NAICS 531120) business. We break down the eight essential requirements, the permits and registrations you’ll need, and practical steps to get your leasing operation up and running. You’ll find a clear overview of costs, a realistic timeline, and what to prepare as you start.
You’ll learn the eight essential steps in plain terms: business registration, zoning and occupancy permits, insurance, licensing if applicable, basic tenant management basics, record-keeping, and safety standards. We outline where to apply for permits, the typical documentation, and ballpark costs—from registration fees to basic insurance quotes. A straightforward timeline helps you plan the next 3–6 months.
Moncton offers a supportive, affordable base for commercial landlords with growing office and retail demand. The city’s resources, steady growth, and attainable startup costs make this a smart fit for a 531120 leasing business. With eight clear requirements and practical guidance, you’re positioned to turn a property into a reliable revenue stream.
Requirements Overview
Starting a lessor of nonresidential buildings in Moncton requires several official registrations to operate legally. The essential starting point is to obtain a Business Licence from the City of Moncton, which you must have before leasing space. Without this licence, you cannot legally begin your leasing activities. You’ll also need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes and a New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) if you’re using a name other than your own for the business. If you choose a partnership or NB corporation structure, you’ll complete the Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration accordingly.
Administrative and safety obligations go hand in hand with licensing. If you hire employees, you’ll need to set up Payroll Deductions Registration and manage the required withholdings. Health and safety coverage for workers is handled through New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage, and this applies if you have employees. Keeping these registrations current helps you stay compliant with provincial and federal employment laws and protects your staff and tenants.
Business registration and tax details continue with GST/HST considerations. Depending on your revenue and activities, you will likely need GST/HST Registration, and the BN handles your federal tax accounts. If you’re operating as a partnership or corporation, ensure the correct partnership or NB corporation registrations match your chosen structure, and align this with SNB and GST/HST obligations.
Next steps: confirm your City of Moncton Business Licence, then set up your BN and SNB, decide your business structure, and enroll in GST/HST and payroll registrations as required. Create a practical timeline, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Service NB or a local accountant if you need help mapping these steps. You’re on a solid path toward launching a compliant, smoothly run leasing business in Moncton.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a lessors of nonresidential buildings (except miniwarehouses) in Moncton:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Moncton. Apply to City of Moncton 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 Moncton Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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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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