How Tenants Can Legally Break a Lease in Newfoundland and Labrador

Breaking a lease in Newfoundland and Labrador is a significant decision—and tenants have specific rights and procedures under the province’s residential tenancy laws. Whether you’re facing unexpected life changes, experiencing discrimination or accessibility challenges, or simply need to end your tenancy early, it’s crucial to understand your legal obligations and the proper steps to follow.

When Can You Legally End a Lease Early?

The main law covering residential tenancies in the province is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018^[1]. This law sets out when and how tenants can terminate a fixed-term or periodic lease before the agreed-upon end date.

Valid Reasons to Break a Lease

• Agreement with your landlord: You can always end your lease early if your landlord agrees in writing.
• Victims of domestic violence: Special legal protections let tenants on fixed-term or periodic leases end their lease early by serving proper notice and documentation.
• Discrimination or loss of access: If your rental no longer accommodates your needs based on accessibility or you experience discrimination, legal remedies may support early termination.
• Landlord breaches: If the landlord fails to maintain the premises, disregards safety or repairs, or violates your rights, you may have legal grounds. See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more on these issues.
• Other reasons: Job relocation, health changes, or personal circumstances may allow early exit, but require landlord consent or formal tribunal approval.

Remember: Tenants who end a lease early without legal grounds or proper notice may be required to pay rent until a new tenant is found or the lease ends.

Notice Requirements and How to Serve Proper Notice

For most tenants, giving proper written notice is required to break a lease. The rules differ depending on whether it’s a fixed-term or monthly (periodic) agreement:

• Fixed-term lease: You generally can’t end before the term unless you have a legal reason or your landlord agrees.
• Month-to-month rental: Tenants must give at least one full month’s written notice, set to end on the last day of a rental period.

Notice should be in writing—hand-delivered or sent by registered mail or email (if your landlord accepts it in writing).

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

• Notice of Termination by Tenant (Form RTB-202): For tenants ending a periodic (month-to-month) rental with proper notice. Download from the NL government’s website. Use this form to provide lawful notice if permitted by your agreement or legislation.
• Notice of Termination Due to Family Violence (Form RTB-203): Tenants experiencing family violence can use this form with supporting documentation. View official form and instructions.

Practical example: If you need to move due to health or safety risks in your unit, gather evidence (e.g., correspondence, maintenance requests), complete the RTB-202, and deliver it to your landlord as instructed. If you’re eligible under family violence provisions, use RTB-203 and attach supporting documentation.

Special Circumstances: Discrimination, Accessibility, and Health/Safety

You have the right to a safe, accessible, and non-discriminatory home. If you’re facing health and safety problems—such as persistent mold, pests, or dangerous conditions—or your landlord is failing to accommodate your accessibility needs, you may have grounds to apply to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for early lease termination.

Serious repair issues or breaches may also justify ending your lease. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If you have an accessibility need, communicate in writing with your landlord and document all requests for accommodation. Keep copies of all correspondence in case you need to apply to the tribunal.

Applying to the Residential Tenancies Board

The Residential Tenancies Board of Newfoundland and Labrador (RTB NL) oversees tenancy disputes. If your landlord refuses consent or you need early termination based on legal grounds, you may apply to the RTB for an order ending your lease. Prepare documentation showing your situation and efforts to resolve the issue with your landlord.

What Happens After You Give Notice?

Once you’ve given proper legal notice, you’re responsible for:

• Paying rent up to the end of the notice period (unless the RTB orders otherwise)
• Leaving the unit clean and in good condition
• Scheduling a final inspection if possible to document the unit’s condition upon exit

For more guidance on ending your lease and preparing to leave, see How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant and What to Do If You Need to Leave Your Rental Before the Lease Expires.

Financial Implications: What About Your Deposit?

If you follow the proper rules for early termination, you may be entitled to your security deposit back, minus any lawful deductions. If you break a lease improperly, you may lose part or all of your deposit and could be held liable for unpaid rent. How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out explains the process.

See also Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador to better understand your rights about deposits and early termination in the province.

Alternative Solutions and Helpful Tips

• Try to negotiate with your landlord—many will agree to a mutual end, especially if you help find a replacement tenant.
• Document all agreements in writing.
• Communicate respectfully, keep copies, and follow legal procedures to avoid penalties.
• Plan ahead for moving: Browse apartments for rent in Canada for your next home across the country.

Breaking a lease is serious but manageable with the right steps and supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I break my lease early if I found a new job in another province? You’ll need your landlord’s consent or must apply to the Residential Tenancies Board—job changes are not automatic grounds for early termination.
2. What if my landlord refuses to let me leave early? You may apply to the RTB and explain your situation, especially if facing health, safety, or legal issues.
3. How much notice do I have to give on a month-to-month lease? You must give written notice at least one full month before your intended move-out date, ending on the last day of a rental period.
4. Can I get my deposit back if I break a fixed-term lease? Only if you have a legal reason or landlord approval; otherwise, you may lose your deposit or owe additional rent.
5. Where can I get help filling out the necessary forms? Contact the Residential Tenancies Board or a local tenant support organization for assistance. Links are provided below.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Board Newfoundland and Labrador – Forms, guides, and contact information
• Legal Aid Newfoundland and Labrador: Free or low-cost legal help for eligible tenants
• Public Legal Information Association of NL: Information and tenant resources
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador – Province-specific tenant rights

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1. See Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL)
2. Official forms available at Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: Landlord and Tenant Forms
3. Contact the Residential Tenancies Board NL for dispute resolution and advice

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