Broken windows are a common worry for renters. If you live in Newfoundland and Labrador and face a smashed or cracked window, it's important to know your rights and the usual repair process. This guide explains when landlords must pay for replacements, when tenants might be responsible, how to report damage, and practical steps to protect your deposit and safety. It uses plain language for tenants, including examples of accidental damage, vandalism, and weather-related breakage. Follow the steps below to document the issue, request repairs, and, if needed, apply to the provincial tribunal for a ruling. Knowing the local rules helps you act quickly and keep your home safe.
Who pays for a broken window in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Under provincial rules, landlords are generally responsible for keeping a rental unit in a reasonable state of repair and fit for habitation. That means replacements for windows that fail because of age, wear and tear, or weather-related events normally fall to the landlord. Tenants may be charged for replacement when damage is caused by the tenant, their guests, or pets through negligence or intentional acts. If the cause is unclear, document the damage, tell your landlord in writing, and keep a copy of that message.
When the landlord should pay
- Repair or replacement after age-related failure, rot, or normal wear and tear.
- Repair after storm or weather damage not caused by tenant actions.
- Replacement when the framing or glazing fails because of building defects.
When a tenant can be charged
- Damage caused by the tenant, their guests, or pets (for example, a ball through a window).
- Deliberate vandalism or behaviour that repeatedly risks breakage.
- Failure to report a small crack that leads to larger damage.
How to document damage and request a repair
Start by making the unit safe (cover jagged glass), then take clear photos and a short video showing the window, frame, and any surrounding damage. Send a written notice to your landlord or property manager describing the damage, the date it happened, and request prompt repair. Reference the landlord and tenant duties in writing by reviewing Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained and keep copies of every message.
FAQ
- Who pays if a window is broken during a storm?
- Usually the landlord covers storm or weather-related breakage unless the tenant's actions caused the damage; document the scene and notify your landlord in writing.
- Can a landlord deduct repair costs from my security deposit?
- Yes, if the damage is the tenant's responsibility. Save receipts and photos; you can compare your situation with guidance on deposits in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
- What if my landlord won't repair the window?
- If your landlord does not act after a written request, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for an order requiring repairs or compensation. You will need photos, copies of written notices, and any repair estimates when you file the application[1].
How-To
- Make the area safe: clear glass hazards and temporarily secure the opening.
- Take dated photos and a short video from different angles to show the full extent of damage.
- Notify your landlord or property manager in writing as soon as possible, including the date and cause if known.
- Request a written timeline for repair and keep copies of any estimates or invoices.
- If the landlord refuses to fix the unit, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and submit your documentation with the form[1].
Additional considerations
If replacement is urgent for safety or security, ask if the landlord can authorize a temporary boarding or repair immediately and invoice them for costs if they agree. If you consider moving because of repeated habitability problems, you can search for alternatives; Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal information
- Residential Tenancies Act (provincial legislation)
