Living with roommates in Newfoundland and Labrador means sharing not just rent but everyday chores. Tenants often wonder who cleans common areas, how to set fair routines, and what to do if someone isn’t keeping up. This guide explains practical steps tenants can take to agree on cleaning duties, document problems, and bring concerns to a landlord or the residential tenancy office if needed. It also outlines when a landlord must maintain basic cleanliness and repairs to keep the unit habitable. Use these tips to create clear schedules, keep records of issues and communications, and follow formal complaint or application steps when informal solutions fail. Clear agreements reduce conflict and protect everyone’s rights.
Who is responsible for cleaning?
Responsibility depends on your agreement with roommates and the lease. Tenants are usually expected to keep their private rooms reasonably clean; shared areas are covered by roommate agreements or house rules. A landlord must ensure the rental unit meets habitability standards and may intervene if common areas are unsafe or unsanitary. For province-specific rules and dispute procedures, consult the residential tenancy office.[1]
- Agree on a cleaning schedule with days and assigned tasks so everyone knows expectations.
- Keep a shared log and photos of recurring problems to document missed duties or damage.
- Report repairs or habitability issues to your landlord promptly and in writing.
- If informal steps fail, file an application with the residential tenancy office or use the official notice forms.
Setting fair cleaning rules
Use a simple written agreement that lists chores, rotation frequency, and expectations for shared spaces (kitchen, bathroom, living area). Include timelines — for example, who takes out recycling each Monday and who does deep cleaning monthly. Written rules reduce misunderstandings and give you clear proof if a dispute reaches the residential tenancy office or tribunal.[2]
- Use a visible calendar or shared app to track responsibilities and deadlines.
- Note exceptions such as illness or travel and how tasks are reassigned.
- Include a simple process for resolving reminders and escalating ongoing problems.
When the landlord must act
Landlords must keep units habitable and address sanitation or major cleaning issues that affect health and safety. If a common-area problem is caused by structural or maintenance failures, the landlord is responsible for repairs and safe conditions. If cleaning disputes reflect damage or ongoing health risks, document the issue and request action in writing; if the landlord does not respond, you may file a complaint with the residential tenancy office.[1]
Practical steps for tenants
- Talk with your roommates and agree on a clear, dated cleaning schedule you all sign or save in a shared file.
- Document missed duties with photos, timestamps, and messages to show attempts at resolving the issue.
- Send a written request to the landlord if cleaning problems affect habitability, and keep a copy for your records.[3]
- If informal steps and landlord contact fail, apply to the residential tenancy office or tribunal for dispute resolution using the official application form.
Cleaning and pest prevention
Regular cleaning reduces pests and health risks. Tenants should follow agreed routines and immediately report pest sightings to the landlord. For practical guidance on pest response and rights, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions. Consider shared rules about food storage, trash removal, and routine inspections to prevent infestations.
Repairs that affect cleaning duties
When cleanliness issues stem from repairs — for example, long-term leaks causing mold — the landlord must arrange and pay for repairs. Tenants should document damage and request prompt action. For an overview of landlord and tenant responsibilities after signing a lease, including maintenance duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
FAQ
- Who cleans common areas in a shared apartment?
- Roommates decide by agreement; tenants should document the agreed schedule and ask the landlord to help if cleanliness affects habitability.
- Can the landlord force professional cleaning or charge tenants?
- A landlord can require cleaning only if the lease or an agreement includes it, or to repair damage beyond normal wear; keep records and raise disputes with the tenancy office if you disagree.
- What if a roommate refuses to clean?
- Use documented reminders, propose a revised schedule, and if unresolved consider mediation or an application to the residential tenancy office for a dispute resolution.
How-To
- Agree on a written cleaning schedule with dates and task rotation so responsibilities are clear.
- Keep evidence of missed chores or damage: take dated photos and save messages that show attempts to resolve the problem.
- Send a formal written request to the landlord describing the issue, your attempts to solve it, and ask for a response within a reasonable time.
- If the problem continues, complete and submit the official application to the residential tenancy office for dispute resolution.
Key Takeaways
- Put cleaning agreements in writing to avoid misunderstandings and to document efforts.
- Document problems with photos and messages before escalating to the landlord or tribunal.
- Landlords must maintain habitability; use official complaint or application routes if they do not.
Help and Support / Resources
- Service NL - Residential Tenancies
- Service NL - Forms and Applications
- Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)
