Can Landlords Do Cleanliness Inspections in Newfoundland & Labrador?

Dealing with a landlord's request for a cleanliness inspection in Newfoundland and Labrador can be stressful and confusing. Knowing your rights helps you feel confident about your home and your privacy. This guide breaks down what landlords can and cannot do regarding inspections for cleanliness in rental units, according to the latest provincial rental laws.

Understanding Landlord Entry and Privacy

In Newfoundland and Labrador, your landlord cannot enter your rental unit at any time or for any reason they wish. The Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) governs when, why, and how a landlord can enter a tenant’s unit. Generally, landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice, unless it’s an emergency.

When Can a Landlord Enter for Inspections?

According to the RTA, landlords can enter to:

• Complete repairs or perform maintenance
• Show the property to prospective tenants or buyers (with notice)
• Inspect the condition of the premises (but not excessively or without cause)

However, entry just to check for general cleanliness without a clear health or safety concern is not usually permitted. Landlords must have a valid reason and must provide proper notice.

What Counts as a Valid Cleanliness Inspection?

Landlords can only require a cleanliness inspection if:

• They have reasonable grounds to believe there are health or safety issues (like pest infestations or severe clutter)
• Inspections are scheduled as part of regular property checks (limited to every four months, unless there's an emergency)

This means routine spot-checks, or surprise inspections for general tidiness, are not allowed. If your landlord gives you notice for an inspection, it should specify a reason. If you’re facing an inspection due to safety or health, see our guide on Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Notice Requirements: What Tenants Should Receive

Any entry for inspection requires a written notice at least 24 hours in advance. The notice must say:

• The date and time of entry (between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.)
• The specific reason for entry

Entry without notice is only allowed in emergencies (e.g., fire, water leak).

Official Forms: Inspections and Complaints

If you believe your landlord is overstepping or forcing excessive inspections, you can file a formal complaint with the provincial tribunal. Here’s what you need:

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 1): Used if you feel your rights have been violated or your landlord has not followed the proper notice requirements. This form is available on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Residential Tenancies Division - Forms and Applications page.
  • How tenants use it: Fill out Form 1 when you want to challenge a landlord's entry or inspection, citing the section of the RTA you believe was breached (such as improper notice or unreasonable inspection requests).

Who Handles Disputes?

All tenancy-related disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador are resolved by the Residential Tenancies Division, part of Service NL.

Cleanliness Standards: Tenant vs. Landlord Responsibility

Tenants are responsible for keeping their units to a reasonable standard of cleanliness. However, landlords cannot enforce unreasonable standards or conduct inspections that infringe on your privacy or peaceful enjoyment. The RTA provides for mutual responsibilities—see our Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to learn more.

End of Tenancy Inspections

It’s common for final inspections to check for cleanliness and damages when you move out. Your landlord may schedule an official walk-through, with proper notice given. For a detailed overview, see the The Final Inspection: What Tenants Need to Know Before Moving Out page.

Main Takeaway for Tenants

Routine surprise cleanliness inspections are not allowed. Landlords must have a valid reason, use written notice, and follow the Residential Tenancies Act rules.

For more insight on local rights or for province-to-province comparisons, visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador page.

Looking for your next home? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme anytime.

FAQs: Inspections, Cleanliness, & Tenant Rights

1. Can my landlord randomly check my apartment for tidiness?
   Random inspections for general tidiness are not allowed; landlords must provide at least 24 hours' written notice and have a valid reason such as a health or safety concern.
2. Do I have to let my landlord in if I received no written notice?
   No. Unless there is an emergency, landlords must provide proper written notice at least 24 hours before entry for inspections.
3. What can I do if my landlord keeps inspecting without a real reason?
   Contact the Residential Tenancies Division and consider submitting an Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 1) if you feel your rights are being violated.
4. Are there set cleanliness standards for tenants under the RTA?
   The Act requires tenants to keep the rental in a "reasonably clean" condition but does not specify detailed standards. Disputes are handled case by case.
5. Can I refuse a landlord entry for a supposed cleanliness inspection?
   You can refuse entry if the proper notice was not given or if the landlord does not have a valid reason as outlined by the RTA.

Conclusion: Key Tenant Takeaways

• Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador must give 24 hours’ written notice and have a justified reason for cleanliness inspections.
• Tenants have strong privacy rights under the Residential Tenancies Act and can challenge improper inspections.
• For any disputes, the Residential Tenancies Division is your go-to resource.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Division, Service NL – Provincial authority for inquiries and dispute applications
• Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PLIAN) – Tenant rights and advocacy resources
• CMHC Guide: Renting in Newfoundland and Labrador

---

1. See: Residential Tenancies Act, SNL 2018, c R-14.1
2. Residential Tenancies Division, Service NL
3. NL Tenancy Forms

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy