Disability Tenant Accessibility Rights in Newfoundland & Labrador

Roommates & Shared Housing Newfoundland and Labrador published: June 13, 2025 Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador

Living with a disability should never limit your ability to find and enjoy safe, accessible rental housing in Newfoundland and Labrador. If you share housing or have roommates, it's especially important to know your rights and what support you can expect from landlords under provincial tenancy law. This guide explains your key accessibility rights, how to request accommodations, and the important steps to take if those rights are not respected.

Understanding Your Rights: Accessibility and Housing

In Newfoundland and Labrador, tenants with disabilities are protected by both federal and provincial laws. Landlords must not discriminate based on disability and have a duty to accommodate your needs up to the point of undue hardship. This includes making reasonable adjustments to rental properties so you can have equal use and enjoyment of your home.

Landlords of both private rentals and shared housing must provide reasonable accommodation for disabilities, unless doing so causes serious health or safety risks or excessive cost.

What Accommodations Might Look Like

Reasonable accommodation means landlords must take steps to enable tenants with disabilities to have equal access and full enjoyment of the rental unit. Examples include:

  • Allowing modifications like ramps or grab bars
  • Permitting service animals, even if pets aren't normally allowed
  • Assigning an accessible parking spot
  • Adjusting rental processes to allow a support person to assist

For a broad overview of responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How to Request Accessibility Accommodations

If you need accommodations, communication is key. Tenants should make written requests to their landlord, clearly stating their need and why it relates to their disability. While you rarely have to share detailed medical information, you may need to provide a doctor’s note confirming the need for accommodation.

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If your request involves changes to the rental unit, you may need written permission. In most cases, modifications that are reasonable and not structurally major must be allowed, and you can be required to return the unit to its original state when you move out (within reason).

Provincial Forms for Accessibility Requests

  • Form A – Application by Tenant: Used to ask the Residential Tenancies Office to order a landlord to allow a modification or other accommodation if the landlord refuses. Download and access instructions here.
    Example: If your landlord will not allow you to install a grab bar in the shower, you can submit this form and explain your need.
  • Form 16 – Application for Dispute Resolution: Used for broader disputes, including alleged discrimination. Download here.
    Example: You believe your landlord unfairly evicted you because of your disability-related requests.

For other common rental forms, visit the official government forms page.

Health, Safety, and Accessibility in Shared and Roommate Housing

Whether you rent a self-contained apartment, share a house with roommates, or live in a boarding-style setup, landlords must keep rental properties safe and meet housing standards for all tenants—including those with disabilities. Limited exceptions apply if you share some living space directly with the property owner.

Learn more about Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for additional details on property standards and what to expect.

Roommate Agreements and Accessibility

When sharing rental housing, it’s useful to have clear roommate agreements that set out mutual expectations. While landlord accommodations are a legal right, discussing shared responsibilities (like keeping access routes clear or respecting service animals) helps everyone feel safe and supported.

If you feel unsafe or your accommodation needs are ignored, contact the Residential Tenancies Office for advice early. Taking action sooner helps protect your rights and prevents issues from escalating.

If Your Accessibility Rights Are Not Respected

If your landlord refuses reasonable accommodation or discriminates based on your disability, follow these steps:

  • Communicate your request in writing (keep copies)
  • If unresolved, apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using Form A or Form 16
  • Contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission for support if the issue involves discrimination

This quick summary helps ensure you know your next steps if you encounter barriers in your rental housing.

For even more information on tenant laws in your province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Want to see accessible rental options? Search Canadian rentals with interactive map view to filter by accessibility features and find homes across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because I have a disability?
    No. Landlords may not discriminate against tenants or applicants based on disability or any related need for accommodation. Doing so is against both the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 and the Human Rights Act.
  2. Do I have to pay for accessibility modifications myself?
    It depends. Landlords generally must allow reasonable modifications, but may require tenants to pay for them and to restore the property to its original condition at move-out, within reason.
  3. What if my roommate objects to my service animal?
    Your right to a service animal outweighs no-pet rules or roommate objections in most situations. Roommates must respect legal accommodations for disabilities.
  4. How do I file a complaint if my landlord won't accommodate me?
    First, attempt to resolve the issue in writing. If it remains unresolved, complete Form A – Application by Tenant or Form 16 – Application for Dispute Resolution and submit to the Residential Tenancies Office.
  5. Are there exceptions where a landlord doesn't have to accommodate me?
    Yes—only in rare cases where accommodation would cause the landlord undue hardship (such as major health, safety, or financial risks).

Key Takeaways for Tenants

  • Disability accommodations are your legal right in Newfoundland and Labrador rental housing.
  • Document accessibility requests clearly, and seek resolution through the Residential Tenancies Office if needed.
  • Shared and roommate housing rules apply—the right to accommodation does not change based on your living arrangement.

Remember: Open communication and written records support the best possible outcome for accessibility-related issues.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 - Full Legislation
  2. Residential Tenancies Office (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador) - Official government resource
  3. Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act, 2010 - Legislation Text
  4. Canadian Human Rights Act - Federal legislation
  5. Government of NL Landlord-Tenant Forms - Forms and Applications

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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