Dealing with Mold, Pests, and Health Hazards in NL Rentals

As a tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador, ensuring your rental unit is free from mold, pests, and other health hazards is essential. Health and safety issues can arise for many reasons, and understanding your rights, as well as what steps to take, helps you protect your wellbeing and your home. This guide explains your responsibilities, your landlord’s obligations, and what to do if your rental isn’t safe or healthy.

Your Right to a Healthy, Safe Home in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador law guarantees your right to live in a safe and habitable rental. Your landlord is legally required to maintain the property and address health hazards such as mold, pests, or dangerous conditions. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 sets these standards and gives you options for resolution if problems occur.^[1]

What Counts as a Health Hazard?

Common health hazards you may experience as a tenant include:

• Mold: Often caused by water leaks, poor ventilation, or flood damage
• Pests: Infestations of bed bugs, cockroaches, mice, etc.
• Unsafe conditions: Exposed wiring, broken stairs, lack of heating, or unsanitary living spaces

These issues can affect your comfort or even cause health problems, making prompt attention vital.

Who Is Responsible for Health Hazards?

Under Newfoundland and Labrador's tenancy law, landlords are responsible for maintaining the premises in a safe and healthy condition. This includes addressing mold outbreaks, pest infestations, and repairs to prevent these problems.

• Tenants are responsible for keeping their units reasonably clean and for promptly reporting any problems.
• Landlords must respond to reported health hazards in a reasonable time frame.

For more on shared responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What To Do If You Discover Mold or Pests

If you find signs of mold or a pest problem in your rented home in Newfoundland and Labrador, here's what to do:

• Document the issue – Take photos, videos, or notes as evidence.
• Notify your landlord in writing – Be specific about the problem and where it is.
• Allow a reasonable time for the landlord to respond and arrange repairs or pest control.

Many issues can be resolved quickly when reported early. For more details, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Dealing with Pests

Pests can multiply fast and worsen living conditions. Your landlord is typically responsible for hiring pest control unless the problem was caused by tenant actions (e.g., leaving food out). Learn more about your rights at Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

Filing a Complaint or Application

If the landlord fails to address mold, pests, or a serious hazard promptly, you can file an application with Newfoundland and Labrador’s Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). The relevant form is:

• Application to Director (Form 12)
  View Official Form
  Use Form 12 if you need the RTO to order your landlord to deal with a major repair, remove a health hazard, or compensate you for losses.

After submitting the form, the RTO will review your issue and may arrange a hearing. Keep good records—communications, photos, and receipts all help support your application.

Quick Steps for Tenants

• Identify and document the problem
• Notify your landlord in writing
• Wait a reasonable period for response
• If unresolved, submit Form 12 to RTO
• Attend any hearing with your evidence

Summary: Most issues can be solved quickly with clear documentation and prompt communication. The Residential Tenancies Office provides a fair way to resolve any disputes that can't be fixed directly with your landlord.

Staying Safe When Moving In or Out

Inspect your rental thoroughly at move-in and move-out. Note any signs of moisture, musty smells, pest droppings, or other health hazards and record them in your condition report. Keeping good records protects you from unfair deposit deductions or responsibility for pre-existing issues.

When preparing to leave your rental, see Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit for practical advice.

For tenants looking across Canada, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and search for healthy, safe homes in every province.

For a detailed overview of provincial laws and protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my rental has visible mold?
   Notify your landlord in writing right away, take photos, and keep all communications. If the landlord doesn't respond in a reasonable time, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using Form 12.
2. Are landlords responsible for pest control in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   Generally, yes. Landlords must ensure units are safe and habitable, including dealing with pests—unless the infestation is due to tenant neglect.
3. Can I withhold rent if my home has health hazards?
   No. You're still required to pay rent, but you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for dispute resolution if the landlord hasn’t addressed the issue.
4. What official form do I use to report unresolved health and safety hazards?
   Use Application to Director (Form 12) to request help from the RTO.
5. How quickly must my landlord respond to mold or pest issues?
   There is no exact legal timeframe, but landlords must act reasonably fast to protect tenant health and safety.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• You have the right to a safe, healthy rental—make sure to document and report hazards early
• Your landlord is responsible for major health and safety issues; act promptly if repairs or pest control are needed
• If direct communication doesn’t work, use official channels like the Residential Tenancies Office for support

Remember: Good records and clear communication are your best tools for resolving health and safety issues in your rental.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – Newfoundland and Labrador – information, forms, and help
• Contact RTO for direct tenant support
• Consumer Affairs Newfoundland and Labrador – tenant information

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1. Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)

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