How Often Can Rent Be Raised in Newfoundland and Labrador?

If you're renting a home in Newfoundland and Labrador, understanding how often your landlord can raise the rent is essential for budgeting and planning your future. Whether you live in St. John's or a rural community, renters across the province are protected by specific rules set out in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)¹. This article guides you through how rent increases work, including notice periods, forms, and what to do if you feel your rights are not respected.

Who Oversees Rent Increases?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Residential Tenancies Section (of Service NL) is the official body responsible for resolving landlord and tenant matters, including rent increases.

How Often Can Rent Be Increased?

Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador can only increase rent once every 12 months (one year).

This rule applies to all rental units, including apartments, houses, basement suites, and mobile homes. Even if your lease is month-to-month, rent cannot be raised more than once in a 12-month period.

• For fixed-term leases (e.g., 12 months): Rent can only be increased when the lease is renewed, and never more than once per year.
• For month-to-month or week-to-week leases: Rent can be increased no more than once every 12 months, regardless of how long you've lived there.

Required Notice for Rent Increases

Landlords must give proper written notice before raising the rent. The length of notice depends on your rental agreement:

• Month-to-month tenants: At least 3 months (90 days) written notice
• Week-to-week tenants: At least 8 weeks (56 days) written notice
• Fixed-term leases: Notice must be given at least 3 months before the end of the lease if the rent will increase on renewal

If a landlord does not provide the correct notice, the rent increase is invalid.

Are There Rent Controls or Limits?

Currently, Newfoundland and Labrador does not have a rent control limit on how much rent can be raised at one time. However, the once-per-year rule and notice requirements always apply.

How Should Notice Be Provided?

Notice of a rent increase must be given in writing. Suitable methods include:

• Handing the notice to the tenant in person
• Sending the notice to the tenant's address by registered mail
• Email or other electronic means, if agreed in writing

The notice must clearly include:

• The current rent amount
• The new rent amount
• The date the new rent takes effect

If a tenant disagrees with the increase or the method of notice, they can apply to the Residential Tenancies Section for a ruling. See the steps below for details on responding to a rent increase.

Key Tenant Rights Regarding Rent Increases

• Rent cannot be increased within the first 12 months of your tenancy.
• If you have not received proper notice, you do not have to pay the increased rent until valid notice is given and the proper time period has passed.
• Landlords cannot increase rent as a penalty or by discriminatory means.

If you're uncertain about your rights or obligations, review Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for more detailed information about the provincial laws.

Official Forms for Rent Increases

Landlords are not required to use a special government form to give notice of a rent increase. However, all notices must be in writing and follow statutory requirements. If you disagree with a proposed increase, you may use:

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 12)
  This form is used if you believe a rent increase is invalid, you did not receive proper notice, or you want to dispute the increase for another legal reason.
  Obtain it from the NL Residential Tenancies Applications & Forms page.
  Example: If your landlord gives you only one month's notice of a rent increase (instead of 3 months), you can use Form 12 to dispute the increase.

What to Do If You Get a Rent Increase Notice

• Check that the notice is in writing and meets the legal notice period.
• Confirm that at least 12 months have passed since the last increase.
• If the notice is invalid, communicate with your landlord and cite the rules. If unresolved, apply to Residential Tenancies Section with Form 12.

For further details on your monthly rent payments and how increases may affect them, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Related Tenant Rights and Lease Renewal

If your rental agreement is ending soon and you've received a rent increase notice, remember that your rights remain protected. For guidance on continuing your tenancy or facing rent changes after lease renewal, visit Lease Renewals: What Tenants Should Know About Their Rights.

For a broader view of rental options and to compare average prices province-wide, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and see what's available in your area and across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rent Increases

1. How much notice must my landlord give before increasing rent?
   Your landlord must provide at least 3 months' written notice for month-to-month tenancies, or 8 weeks for week-to-week. For fixed-term leases, 3 months' notice before renewal is required.
2. Can my landlord raise the rent twice in one year?
   No. Rent increases are limited to once every 12 months, regardless of lease type or landlord changes.
3. What if my landlord doesn't give me proper notice?
   If you don't receive the correct written notice, the rent increase is not valid. You can dispute the increase through the Residential Tenancies Section.
4. Is there a limit to how much my landlord can increase the rent?
   Currently, there is no cap on the rent increase amount, but the rules for timing and notice always apply.

Key Takeaways

• Rent can only be increased once per year in Newfoundland and Labrador with proper written notice.
• There is no rent control cap, but legal notice periods and process must be followed.
• Disputes can be resolved through the Residential Tenancies Section using official forms.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Section — Service NL: General inquiries, forms, and dispute resolution (toll-free: 1-877-829-2608)
• Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN): Tenant advocacy and legal education
• Official applications and forms for tenants and landlords
• See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for an overview of your legal rights and obligations

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, SNL 2018 c. R-14.1 (Current Legislation, Province of Newfoundland and Labrador)
2. Residential Tenancies Section, Service NL

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