Adding Someone to Your Lease in Newfoundland and Labrador

If you need to add another person—such as a partner, roommate, or family member—to your current lease in Newfoundland and Labrador, it’s important to follow the proper legal steps. Doing this correctly protects everyone’s rights and ensures a smooth living arrangement for tenants and landlords alike. This guide will walk you through the process, highlight your rights, and point you to the official resources you’ll need.

What Does it Mean to Add a Person to Your Lease?

Adding someone to your lease means that person becomes a legal tenant of the rental unit, sharing the rights and responsibilities. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this usually involves amending the written tenancy or rental agreement with your landlord’s approval. This step gives the new tenant legal protection and clear responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018^[1].

When and Why Should You Add a Person?

Here are a few common situations where adding a person to your lease is necessary:

• You want your partner, spouse, or a new roommate to have official tenant status.
• You want the new person to share financial responsibility for rent and damages.
• Your landlord or lease requires all adult occupants to be on the agreement.

Formalizing this change helps everyone understand their legal rights—from rent payments to notice requirements.

Step-by-Step: How to Add Someone to Your Lease

Every step should be documented and agreed to by all parties. Here’s how you can do it:

• Check your original lease: Some agreements already outline whether and how you can add occupants or tenants. Look for restrictions or landlord approval requirements.
• Talk with your landlord: It’s essential to get written permission. Open, proactive communication builds trust and avoids misunderstandings.
• Complete a lease amendment: To add a new tenant, you and the landlord should use a written agreement or amendment to the original lease. In Newfoundland and Labrador, there isn’t a universal official “Add a Tenant” form, but the landlord may use an amendment or have you sign a new lease.
• Update records with the landlord: Ensure both you and the new person receive a copy of the amended agreement.
• Notify the Residential Tenancies Office (if needed): For any disputes or questions, you can contact the provincial authority (see resources below).

For more on obligations after updating your rental agreement, review What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

Official Forms and Resources

• Lease Amendment (no standard provincial form): Typically, your landlord provides a written amendment. You can also draft a simple agreement stating the new tenant’s name, dates, and signatures of all parties. Learn more from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
• New Lease Agreement (Form A): If a completely new lease is required, use Form A – Rental Agreement, provided by the Residential Tenancies Office. Use this if the landlord prefers to start a new tenancy for all occupants.

Practical example: If your roommate moves out and someone new moves in, your landlord may require you all to sign a fresh rental agreement using Form A.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Both the original tenant(s) and the new tenant share legal responsibility for the unit—paying rent, caring for the property, and following house rules. The landlord cannot arbitrarily refuse your request, but they may consider valid reasons (such as overcrowding or past issues with the new person).

• All tenants have equal standing under the amended lease.
• Landlords cannot increase the rent for the addition alone, unless otherwise allowed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.
• Each tenant should understand their ongoing duties. See Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you have issues with rent, deposits, or move-in/move-out, consult official guidance or contact the Residential Tenancies Office for help.

Looking for a new place that allows adding roommates or flexible lease terms? Browse apartments for rent in Canada quickly and easily.

For a full summary of legal protections, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for details specific to your province.

FAQ: Adding Someone to Your Lease in Newfoundland and Labrador

1. Do I have to tell my landlord before someone moves in?
   Yes, you must notify your landlord and obtain written approval before adding another tenant to your lease. Failure to do so can put your tenancy at risk.
2. Can my landlord refuse to add someone?
   Landlords can refuse only for reasonable legal grounds, such as overcrowding or qualification concerns. They cannot discriminate based on protected grounds.
3. If I add a person, is the rent automatically split?
   No. How you split rent is your private agreement with the co-tenant. However, all tenants become jointly responsible for the full rent amount.
4. What happens if someone is added without a written change?
   If you do not formalize the change, the new occupant may not have legal tenant rights and you could face issues if disputes arise later.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Always get written approval and update your lease when adding a new tenant.
• Use the correct lease amendment process to protect everyone’s rights.
• Know your shared responsibilities and rights—ask for help if you’re unsure.

With the right steps, you can safely and legally add a person to your rental agreement without headaches.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: Residential Tenancies – Official tenant and landlord resources
• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – Get help with disputes, application forms, and lease changes
• Phone: 1-877-829-2608 (toll-free in NL)
• Email: rto@gov.nl.ca
• Read more about your province: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, SNL 2018 c R-14.1. Read the full Residential Tenancies Act
2. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Service NL, Residential Tenancies. Official website

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