Can my landlord evict me for organizing a tenant meeting?

No. Landlords cannot evict tenants simply for organizing or participating in lawful tenant meetings. Eviction for this reason is not allowed under current legislation.

Are there restrictions on where we can hold tenant meetings?

Yes. Tenants may meet in their own units or common areas, but must respect building rules, noise policies, and the peaceful enjoyment of others.

What should I do if my landlord bans tenant meetings?

First, clarify the reason and document communications. If the ban is not justified, contact the Residential Tenancies Office to file a complaint or seek dispute resolution.

Is there an official form to challenge a meeting ban?

Yes. Complete the Application to Director (Form 12) for dispute resolution if your landlord unreasonably prohibits meetings.

Can a Landlord Restrict Tenant Meetings in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Newfoundland and Labrador published: June 19, 2025

Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador often wonder if their landlord can prevent them from organizing or attending tenant meetings. Understanding your rights to gather, communicate, and advocate as a renter is essential for maintaining a fair and respectful rental environment. This guide explains what the law says, what landlords can and cannot do, and how tenants can respond if their rights are challenged under current provincial legislation.

Do Tenants Have the Right to Hold Meetings?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, tenants have the freedom to organize and attend meetings with fellow tenants, whether for social reasons or to discuss shared housing concerns. These rights are grounded in principles of peaceful assembly and cooperation, so long as meetings do not interfere with other tenants' peaceful enjoyment or violate safety regulations.

Legislation and Your Tenant Rights

The primary law governing residential tenancies in Newfoundland and Labrador is the Residential Tenancies Act (SNL 2018, c. R-14.1)^[1]. The Act does not empower landlords to ban tenant meetings unless such gatherings unreasonably disrupt others or break the law.

Tenants can meet in their own units or, if permitted, in common areas.
Landlords may set reasonable rules for noise or booking shared spaces, which should be applied equally to all tenants.
A landlord cannot discriminate or retaliate against tenants for organizing or discussing housing issues.

For an overview of additional rights and responsibilities in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Can Landlords Legally Ban Tenant Meetings?

Landlords cannot impose a general ban on tenant gatherings. However, they can put reasonable limitations in place related to:

Preventing damage to property
Complying with fire and safety bylaws
Limiting excessive noise or disruptions
Ensuring common area availability (e.g., requiring advance notice for large meetings)

These restrictions must be fair and must not specifically target tenant association activities or organizing efforts.

If you feel your landlord is restricting your right to meet without valid cause, you can take steps to address this. The Residential Tenancies Office is the official body in Newfoundland and Labrador that handles disputes between tenants and landlords, including potential violations of tenant rights.

What Should You Do If Your Landlord Tries to Ban Meetings?

If your landlord attempts to stop you from meeting with other tenants, consider these action steps:

Check your lease for any valid house rules about common area use or gatherings.
Document any written or verbal instructions from the landlord regarding bans.
Communicate respectfully with your landlord to clarify the issue and point out your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act.
If the problem continues, reach out to the Residential Tenancies Office for guidance or dispute resolution.

Filing a Complaint: Official Forms and Process

To formally address the issue, tenants may file an application for dispute resolution with the Residential Tenancies Office.

Form Name: Application to Director (Form 12)
When to Use: If informal communication fails and you believe your landlord is violating your rights, submit this form to request an official review or hearing.
Where to Find: Residential Tenancies Forms

For example, if your landlord posts a notice banning tenant meetings in community spaces without a valid safety or scheduling reason, and discussion with them does not resolve the issue, you would complete and submit Form 12.

If you are unsure of your rights, or feel uncomfortable approaching your landlord, consider connecting with local tenant organizations for advice or representation.

Other Rights and Shared Responsibilities in Your Rental

While tenant meetings are generally permitted, everyone in the building has a responsibility to respect reasonable rules, safety, and the peaceful enjoyment of the premises. Learn more about the duties and protections for both sides in Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you're navigating these situations alongside other common rental issues, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for practical guidance on resolving disputes.

Where to Find and Connect with Other Tenants

Building a network with other tenants can help you address shared concerns and access resources. For example, online platforms make it easier to Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, share experiences, or locate helpful local contacts in your area.

FAQs About Tenant Meetings and Landlord Rules

Can my landlord evict me for organizing a tenant meeting?
Landlords cannot evict tenants for lawfully organizing or attending tenant meetings. However, tenants must still respect noise rules and not use meetings to incite disturbances or break building policies.
Are there restrictions on where we can hold tenant meetings?
Yes, meetings should not prevent others from enjoying shared spaces. Tenants can gather in rental units or, when allowed, common rooms. Some properties may require scheduling shared facility usage in advance.
What if a landlord’s rule about meetings seems targeted at tenant associations?
If a rule unfairly targets tenant associations or organizing activities, document the situation and contact the Residential Tenancies Office. Discriminatory or retaliatory policies are generally prohibited.
Who can I contact for help if my landlord ignores my rights?
You should reach out to the Residential Tenancies Office for formal dispute resolution and guidance.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador have the right to organize and attend meetings, as long as they respect others’ rights and building rules.
Landlords cannot impose a blanket ban on meetings, but may enforce reasonable restrictions for safety or noise.
Use provincial dispute resolution options, such as submitting an Application to Director, if your rights are violated.

Stand up for your rights peacefully and know where to find support if issues arise.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Office (Newfoundland and Labrador) – Dispute resolution, forms, and info
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Landlord and Tenant Information
Local community legal clinics or tenant rights associations in your city or town