Employer Evictions and Your Housing Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

If you live in Newfoundland and Labrador and your home is connected to your job, you may wonder: can your employer legally evict you? This situation is common for workers in remote, on-site, or employer-owned housing, such as in the fishing, construction, or resource sectors. Here, we demystify your rights, the law, official processes, and what you can do if you’re notified that you must leave your employer-provided housing.

Understanding Employer-Provided Housing in Newfoundland and Labrador

Employer-provided housing (sometimes called staff accommodation or service tenancy) happens when your landlord is also your employer. While your employment and housing are related, each has different legal rules. The Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador) governs most rental agreements, but special rules apply when your home is directly tied to your job.^[1]

Whether your housing is covered by this Act depends on your arrangement. Typical staff housing situations are usually covered if you pay rent, but some exceptions may apply. Always check if you signed a written rental agreement or if your right to stay is only linked to your employment.

What If My Employer Wants Me to Move Out?

Your employer cannot simply tell you to leave if your housing falls under the Residential Tenancies Act. They must follow a formal process through the Office of Residential Tenancies, which is the provincial tribunal overseeing landlord-tenant matters. Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador offers a comprehensive legal overview specific to this province.

Usually, your employer/landlord must give proper notice to terminate the tenancy, unless you agreed otherwise in writing. The most common reasons for termination are:

• Your job has ended (voluntarily or involuntarily)
• Breach of rental agreement or house rules
• Other valid reasons allowed by law

Notice Periods: How Much Time Do You Get?

Your employer must provide written notice to terminate your tenancy. The length of notice depends on the cause:

• Job-Related Housing: If your employment ends, your landlord can give you at least 7 days’ notice in writing. If you quit or are fired, this quick timeline applies.^[2]
• Breach of Rental Agreement: If you break key terms (like non-payment of rent or serious misbehaviour), you can also be given a minimum of 7 days’ notice.
• Other Cases: For standard tenancies not tied to employment, longer notice may be required.

If you feel the notice is unfair or your situation isn’t clear, seek legal support right away.

What Are Your Options If You Get an Eviction Notice?

If your employer/landlord has given you notice to vacate, you have rights. Here’s what you can do:

• Check if the notice follows the law (written, correct notice period, proper reason).
• If you disagree, you can file an application with the Office of Residential Tenancies before the notice period expires.
• Don’t move out unless you’re officially required to do so—moving early can impact your rights.

The official tribunal can review your case and grant relief if the eviction notice was improper or invalid. Visit the official Office of Residential Tenancies website for details on how to apply.

Forms and How to Use Them

Should you wish to challenge an eviction or have another rental issue, you’ll need to fill out specific forms. Here are the most relevant:

• Tenant Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 6) – Use this to challenge an eviction or raise another tenancy dispute.
  Example: If you receive a 7-day notice from your employer but believe it’s unfair, you would submit Form 6 quickly to the tribunal.
  Get the form and instructions from the Applications and Forms — Office of Residential Tenancies page.
• Notice to Terminate a Rental Agreement (Form 12) – Used by landlords, this is the required form for giving notice. Tenants should understand what a valid Form 12 looks like.
  If you receive this form, read it carefully and check that it’s properly completed.
  Access Form 12 from the official forms page.

Your Rental Agreement: Why It Matters

Whether you have a written or verbal agreement, your rights may differ. For more about your protections and responsibilities once you’ve signed a rental agreement, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

What to Do if You Need Alternative Housing

If you’re facing eviction due to job loss or the end of a service tenancy, you may need to quickly find a new home. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to search for rentals near you, including those not tied to your job.

Need more information about your rights? The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador page offers a comprehensive resource with updated legal information for this province.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my employer evict me with no notice at all?
   No. In almost all cases, your employer must give you at least 7 days’ written notice before you are required to leave employer-provided housing.
2. Is an employer’s eviction notice valid if it’s only verbal?
   No. All eviction notices must be in writing and follow the proper form. Verbal notice is not considered valid.
3. What if I need more time to find new housing after job loss?
   If you receive a 7-day notice, consider applying to the Office of Residential Tenancies for an extension or dispute the notice if you have legal grounds.
4. Where do I file a dispute if I think the eviction isn’t legal?
   All applications and disputes are handled by the Office of Residential Tenancies in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Employee-Tenants

• Your employer must follow specific legal steps before evicting you from staff accommodation.
• Written notice (usually at least 7 days) is required; verbal notice is not enough.
• Tenants have the right to dispute eviction notices and seek help from the Office of Residential Tenancies.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of Residential Tenancies – Tribunal for all rental matters (evictions, disputes, forms)
• Residential Tenancies Act, Newfoundland and Labrador – Read the official legislation
• Forms and Applications – Get required legal forms
• For a full legal overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Housing help and listings: Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, Newfoundland and Labrador – Read the full Act
2. Office of Residential Tenancies, Newfoundland and Labrador – Official Website

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