Boarding and rooming houses are shared-living rentals where tenants typically rent a single room and share kitchens, bathrooms, or other facilities. If you rent in Newfoundland and Labrador, it helps to know your rights about rent payments, safety and maintenance, privacy, and how to respond to notices or concerns from your landlord. This guide explains common rules for rooming houses, what a landlord must provide, how to request repairs, and when you can be asked to leave. It also explains how to use provincial forms and when to contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Read on to learn practical steps you can take to protect your tenancy, document problems, and find official help in Newfoundland and Labrador.
How boarding and rooming houses differ from apartments
In boarding and rooming houses you usually rent a private sleeping room and share common areas. That changes some expectations: landlords may set house rules about common-area use, guest policies, and cleaning schedules, but they still must follow provincial tenancy law on basics like heating, hot water, and safety.
Basic landlord obligations
- Provide and maintain basic services such as adequate heat, hot water, plumbing, and safe electrical systems.
- Follow health and safety codes for shared facilities and fire safety in common areas.
- Respect tenant privacy and provide proper notice before entering tenants' rooms except in emergencies.
Rules about rent, deposits, and fees
Boarding-house operators must follow provincial rules for rent payments and any deposits or fees. Ask for written receipts for every payment and get any move-in or house rules in writing.
- Ask for a written agreement that states rent amount, due date, included utilities, and any rules about shared spaces.
- If a deposit is charged, ask how it will be held and under what conditions it can be deducted.
Repairs, health and safety, and pest issues
If a common area or your room is unsafe or needs repair, tell the landlord in writing and keep a copy. If the problem continues, you may be able to apply to the provincial tribunal for an order to have repairs done or to reduce rent.
For more on tenant safety and habitability standards, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
Notices, ending a tenancy, and eviction
Landlords must give proper written notice for rent increases, changes to rules, or ending a tenancy. Notice periods vary depending on the reason and the tenancy agreement. If you receive an eviction notice, read it carefully and note the deadline to respond or apply to the tribunal.
- Keep any written notices you receive and reply in writing if you wish to dispute them.
- Watch notice deadlines closely; missing a deadline can affect your rights.
Common boarding-house concerns and how to handle them
If a house rule or shared-facility problem arises, try to resolve it directly and in writing with the landlord. If that fails, you can seek dispute resolution through the provincial Residential Tenancies Tribunal[1] or rely on the Residential Tenancies Act[2] for your legal options.
- Start with a polite written request describing the issue and a reasonable deadline for repair or change.
- Gather evidence: dated photos, receipts, messages, and witness notes.
- If unresolved, file the appropriate application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to ask for an order.
For details on landlord and tenant duties in shared housing, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
When and how to use provincial forms
Key official forms you may need:
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Application form) — used when you ask the tribunal to order repairs, a rent reduction, or resolve a dispute; for example, file this if urgent repairs have not been completed after written requests.[1]
- Notice to End Tenancy or Notice of Rent Increase forms — used by landlords to formally change terms or end a tenancy; if you receive such a notice, check the specific reason and deadline and seek advice if unsure.
Finding a new room or checking listings
If you need to move, use trustworthy listing platforms and confirm whether a room is a licensed boarding or rooming house if local rules require licensing. You can also search general rental listings to compare options; Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to view listings across Canada.
FAQ
- Can a boarding house landlord enter my private room without permission?
- Generally no, except in an emergency. Landlords must give proper notice before entering for repairs or inspections, except when immediate entry is needed to prevent harm.
- What can I do if the landlord won’t fix a safety problem?
- Report the issue in writing, keep records, and if the landlord does not act you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for an order requiring repairs or for compensation.
- Are there special rules for guests or pets in a rooming house?
- House rules can limit guests or pets, but these rules must be reasonable and included in the tenancy agreement; disputes about reasonableness can be decided by the tribunal.
How-To
- Document the problem with photos, dates, and written notes describing who you told and when.
- Send a clear written request to the landlord describing the issue and asking for a specific remedy by a reasonable deadline.
- If the landlord doesn’t act, complete and submit the Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal with your evidence.
- Prepare for the tribunal hearing by organizing documents and a short timeline and attend the hearing or provide your evidence as instructed.
Key Takeaways
- Tenants in boarding houses have rights to basic services, safety, and privacy.
- Document issues, make written requests, and keep receipts and photos for disputes.
- The Residential Tenancies Tribunal can order repairs or resolve disputes when informal steps fail.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Residential Tenancies Act, Newfoundland and Labrador
