Living in a rental means tenants must take extra care when storing flammable, corrosive, or otherwise hazardous materials. This guide explains practical, tenant-focused rules for safely storing household chemicals, propane, and batteries in Newfoundland and Labrador rental homes. It covers what landlords may reasonably require, how to check your lease, ways to reduce fire and health risks, and when to notify your landlord or the Residential Tenancies authority. If you share storage areas or use shared buildings, the safety steps differ slightly; read the sections on common storage spaces and emergency response. Clear examples and action steps will help you stay safe, protect your deposit, and meet your responsibilities as a renter.
What counts as hazardous materials in a rental
Common items that can be hazardous include flammable liquids (gasoline, solvents), compressed gas cylinders (propane), corrosive cleaners, large quantities of paints or solvents, lithium batteries, and commercial pesticides. Household cleaners are usually permitted in small, labelled quantities but become hazardous when stored in bulk or mixed improperly.
Basic safe-storage rules tenants should follow
Follow manufacturer instructions and your lease rules. If your lease has specific storage clauses, they are binding so long as they do not conflict with provincial legislation. When in doubt, notify your landlord in writing and keep records of the notice and any responses.[1]
- Keep hazardous materials in original, labelled containers and locked cabinets when possible.
- Store flammable fuel and propane safely outside or in ventilated storage designed for such items.
- Provide written notice to your landlord before storing large or unusual quantities of chemicals or fuel.
- Document and photograph materials and storage locations so you have proof of condition and quantity.
Shared areas, garages and outbuildings
Shared storage spaces or building-controlled garages often have stricter rules to protect everyone. Landlords may prohibit storing certain items in shared areas for safety reasons. If you rent a parking garage, check permitted items and keep containers off flooring where leaks could spread.
- Follow any building-specific storage policies and signage.
- Contact building management or your landlord before bringing hazardous materials into shared spaces.
When to tell your landlord and which forms to use
Tell your landlord before storing anything that could increase fire, health, or environmental risk. Put the notice in writing and keep a copy. If an issue escalates, tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador can apply to the provincial residential tenancies authority for dispute resolution or health-and-safety orders.[1]
Emergency situations and repairs
In immediate danger (fire, explosion risk, strong chemical vapours) call 911 first. For non-urgent hazards that need repair or mitigation, notify your landlord in writing and request a remedy. If the landlord does not act, you may apply to the residential tenancies authority for an order. Keep copies of all communications and photos of the hazard.
- Call emergency services for immediate threats to life or property.
- Send written notices for repairs or remediation and keep proof of delivery.
- Keep dated photos and any professional inspection reports as evidence.
Insurance and deposits
Some insurance policies prohibit storing certain hazardous items; doing so could put you at risk of liability or loss of a claim. Storing prohibited items may also affect a damage claim on your security deposit. Review your lease and renter insurance policy.
Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and tenant rights
For more on safety obligations and habitability standards, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. These pages explain core rights and obligations and when you can ask the tenancies authority to intervene.[2]
FAQ
- Can my landlord ban all hazardous materials in my unit?
- Landlords can set reasonable rules in the lease to limit storage that creates safety risks, but they cannot remove basic rights to store common household quantities of permitted substances unless a law or safety code requires the restriction.
- What if my neighbour stores gasoline in a shared garage?
- Report the concern to building management or your landlord in writing and request immediate action; if ignored, you may file with the residential tenancies authority for an inspection or order.
- Will I lose my deposit for storing a small amount of cleaners or batteries?
- Small household amounts stored safely and without damage are unlikely to justify deposit deductions; unsafe storage that causes damage can be deducted after proof is provided.
How-To
- Contact your landlord in writing describing the hazard and request remedial action, with photos attached.
- Document dates, communications, and evidence of the hazard and any risks to health or property.
- Apply to the residential tenancies authority or tribunal for an order if the landlord does not act, following the authority's application process.[1]
- Attend any hearing or mediation and present your evidence; follow orders issued by the authority or tribunal.
Key Takeaways
- Store only household quantities and follow manufacturer instructions.
- Always notify your landlord in writing before storing large or unusual items.
- Document hazards thoroughly to support any complaint or hearing.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Division, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)
- Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
