Emergency Repairs Landlords Must Address Immediately in NL

When you’re renting in Newfoundland and Labrador, nothing is more important than safety and security in your home—especially when something goes wrong. Emergency repairs can’t wait, and the law protects tenants by setting clear rules for what your landlord must fix right away. Whether it’s a broken furnace in the winter, a burst pipe flooding your living room, or a power outage, knowing your rights ensures you stay safe and secure, even in a crisis.

What Counts as an Emergency Repair?

Emergency repairs are situations that threaten your health or safety, or make your home uninhabitable. The provincial Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 defines these as urgent problems that if not fixed immediately, could cause harm, loss, or significant disruption to your home life.

• A major plumbing leak flooding your unit
• Loss of essential heating in winter
• Lack of water, electricity, or vital utilities
• Serious roof leaks or storm damage exposing your home
• Broken exterior doors or locks compromising security
• Unsafe structural issues like collapsing stairs or ceilings
• Situations that make your home unsafe (e.g. gas leaks, fire damage)

Essentially, if the repair is crucial for your health or safety, or if waiting could make the problem worse, it’s considered an emergency under the law.^[1]

Landlord Responsibilities for Emergency Repairs

In Newfoundland and Labrador, landlords are legally required to carry out emergency repairs as soon as possible. Delays can put your well-being at risk, and the law is clear: landlords must act immediately when notified about an urgent problem.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, landlords must:

• Keep the premises in a good state of repair and fit for habitation
• Ensure heating, plumbing, utilities, and locks are working as required
• Address emergency repairs without unreasonable delay after being notified

If your landlord isn’t responding, there are steps you can take to get the situation resolved quickly—see ‘What Should Tenants Do in an Emergency?’ below.

Common Examples of Emergency Repairs

Here are a few scenarios that typically qualify as emergencies:

• Furnace breakdown: In January, your heat stops working and indoor temperatures drop quickly.
• Serious leak or flood: A pipe bursts, and water starts pouring into your living space.
• No hot water: The only water available is dangerously cold, affecting showers and washing needs.
• Entry door lock broken: Your rental’s main door can’t be secured, risking your safety.
• Electrical failure: Complete power outage in your unit not related to a city-wide blackout.

What Should Tenants Do in an Emergency?

If you face an emergency repair, act promptly to protect yourself, your belongings, and your rights. Here are the recommended steps:

• Contact your landlord immediately by phone or in writing (email/text preferred for documentation).
• Clearly explain the problem, stating that it’s an emergency requiring urgent action.
• If you can’t reach your landlord or they don’t respond quickly, you may arrange for necessary emergency repairs yourself—but keep receipts and written records.
• You may be able to deduct reasonable repair costs from your rent, but strict legal conditions apply. Always try contacting your landlord and document your efforts first.
• For official guidance and to avoid disputes, consider contacting the provincial Residential Tenancies Office.

Official Forms, Tribunals, and Support

If your landlord refuses or fails to address an emergency repair promptly, you can apply for help from the Residential Tenancies Office Newfoundland and Labrador (RTO). The RTO handles landlord-tenant disputes and urgent repair issues province-wide.

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 12): Use this form to request a hearing or order requiring your landlord to complete emergency repairs.
  Find Form 12 and instructions here. Example: Your landlord ignores repeated requests to fix a broken heating system in February—you fill out Form 12, submit supporting evidence, and the RTO reviews your case urgently.

Knowing your rights for emergency repairs helps you stay safe and assertive as a tenant. For more on related health and safety topics, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and for a wider view on rental challenges, visit Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

If you want to explore other provincial rules or compare laws, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. To browse available rentals, try Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme — quick, reliable, and coast-to-coast coverage for your next move.

FAQs: Emergency Repairs for Newfoundland and Labrador Tenants

1. What should I do if my landlord doesn’t respond to an emergency repair request?
   If your landlord doesn’t act promptly, you may be allowed to arrange the repair yourself and deduct reasonable costs from your rent. Keep detailed records and contact the Residential Tenancies Office if in doubt.
2. What types of repairs are not considered emergencies?
   Routine repairs that don’t threaten health, safety, or habitability—like patching minor holes or fixing a dripping tap—aren’t emergencies. These should be reported, but landlords aren’t required to act immediately.
3. Who pays for emergency repairs?
   The landlord is responsible for the costs unless the damage was caused by you or your guests. If you pay upfront for urgent repairs, keep receipts and clear documentation.
4. How do I apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for help?
   Fill out Form 12 (Application for Dispute Resolution), describe the issue, attach photos or evidence, and submit to the Residential Tenancies Office. They’ll provide guidance and may schedule a hearing if needed.
5. Can I be evicted for reporting an emergency repair?
   Landlords cannot legally evict you for exercising your rights or requesting a necessary repair. If you feel pressured or threatened, contact the RTO for support.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for NL Tenants

• Landlords must respond to genuine emergency repairs fast to keep your rental safe and habitable.
• Keep all communications and receipts if you handle urgent repairs or if there’s a dispute.
• Support is available—contact the Residential Tenancies Office if you need help asserting your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office Newfoundland and Labrador – Province-wide service for advice and dispute resolution
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Official Legislation)
• NL Dispute Resolution Application Forms
• For more information on common issues, visit Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them
• For available rental listings across Canada, check Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, Newfoundland and Labrador: View the legislation here
2. Residential Tenancies Office, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: Official RTO page

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