Can my landlord evict me for participating in a tenants' association?

No, landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador cannot legally evict or threaten you for being involved in tenant organizing.

How can we make our landlord respond faster to maintenance issues?

A group of tenants can submit a written request for repairs. If issues persist, file an application to the Residential Tenancies Office.

Are there risks to organizing with other tenants?

You are legally protected against retaliation, but you should document interactions and seek support if needed.

Where can I find more information about my rights as a tenant?

You can view a summary at the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador page.

How Tenants Can Organize Successfully in Newfoundland and Labrador

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Newfoundland and Labrador published June 19, 2025

Facing challenges such as rent increases, repairs, or communication issues with landlords is common for tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador. One powerful tool tenants have is organizing—working together to voice concerns and advocate for improvements. In this article, you'll learn practical steps for effective tenant organizing, see real-life examples from Newfoundland and Labrador, and understand the legal protections that support groups of tenants acting together.

What is Tenant Organizing?

Tenant organizing means tenants coming together to address shared concerns. This can take many forms, including:

Forming a tenants' association at your building or complex
Arranging group meetings to discuss maintenance issues or rent concerns
Communicating with the landlord as a group for more effective negotiations
Collaborating on submitting documents, complaints, or applications to the province’s tenancy tribunal

When tenants work as a union or collective, they are often more successful at getting their voices heard and resolving issues.

Legal Protections for Tenant Organizing in Newfoundland and Labrador

The rights and responsibilities of tenants (and landlords) in this province are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.^[1] The Act protects tenants from retaliation for organizing, making complaints, or exercising their legal rights.

Protection from Retaliation: Landlords cannot evict or threaten to evict you because you joined a tenants' association or made a legal complaint against them. If this happens, you can apply to the tribunal for help.
Right to Communicate: Tenants are allowed to hold meetings, distribute flyers, or talk to neighbours about shared concerns, as long as common areas or rules are respected.

If you feel your rights are being threatened because you are working with other tenants, keep records of all communications and seek advice from a tenant support service. You can also review detailed information with Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Official Tribunal for Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Residential Tenancies Office handles all rental disputes, including issues connected to tenant organizing.^[2]

Examples of Successful Tenant Organizing in Newfoundland and Labrador

While Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its friendly communities, tenants have still faced challenges such as poorly maintained buildings, sudden rent increases, or unclear communication from landlords. Here are a few ways tenant groups have made a difference:

In St. John's, tenants came together to address repeated maintenance issues. By collecting signatures and submitting a group request, they secured urgent repairs and better communication from their landlord.
Renters in multiple-unit buildings sometimes form tenant councils. These councils act as a bridge to the landlord, hold regular meetings, and help new tenants understand their rights and resources.

Organized tenants are often able to find solutions quicker and with less conflict than those acting alone. For more about shared duties and rights in these scenarios, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Practical Steps: How Tenants Can Start Organizing

Identify Common Issues: Speak with neighbours to see if others share your concerns (maintenance, rent, safety, etc.).
Hold a Meeting: Choose a neutral location (or meet online) to discuss problems and potential solutions.
Form a Group: Create a simple tenants' committee or association. Elect someone to coordinate communication.
Document Everything: Keep written records of issues, requests to landlords, and meeting summaries.
Contact the Landlord: Send a polite, written letter (preferably signed by multiple tenants) identifying concerns and requesting action.
Apply to the Tribunal if Needed: If informal actions don’t resolve the issue, submit an application to the Residential Tenancies Office.

Remember, acting together does not remove your individual rights, and you are protected from retaliation by law.

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Official Forms for Tenant Organizing and Dispute Resolution

Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 12): Used by tenants or tenant groups to request an official hearing at the Residential Tenancies Office.
Practical Example: If a group’s written maintenance requests are ignored, the group can file this application together.
Download Form 12 (Application for Dispute Resolution)
Notice to Landlord to Remedy a Breach (Form 6): Lets tenants formally advise their landlord of a repair or rights issue and gives a deadline for resolution before seeking further action.
Practical Example: The tenant group issues this notice regarding safety or urgent repairs.
Download Form 6 (Notice to Landlord to Remedy a Breach)

Filing as a group demonstrates unity, often encouraging more effective landlord responses. Multiple tenants signing a single form or submitting multiple identical forms is both acceptable and common.

Quick Summary of Organizing Steps

Connect with neighbours
Document problems and group communications
Contact landlord as a group
Use official forms when needed

FAQ: Tenant Organizing in Newfoundland and Labrador

Can my landlord evict me for participating in a tenants' association?
No, landlords cannot evict, threaten, or harass you for legal organizing in Newfoundland and Labrador. If it happens, contact the Residential Tenancies Office right away.
How can we make our landlord respond faster to maintenance issues?
Working together makes your voice stronger. Use written group requests and, if ignored, submit a formal application for dispute resolution.
Are there risks to organizing with other tenants?
You are protected by law, but always keep written records and act respectfully. If worried, get advice from tenant support resources first.
Where can I find more information about my rights as a tenant?
Check Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for a summary of current laws and protections.

Key Takeaways for Tenant Organizing

Tenant organizing is a legal, effective way to address rental issues together.
Newfoundland and Labrador law protects you from retaliation by landlords.
Stay informed, keep clear records, and don’t hesitate to use official forms or seek help if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Office: Official provincial resource for tenant-landlord disputes, forms, and applications
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Landlord and Tenant Information: Up-to-date guides, reference documents, and contact information
Tenant Groups: Consider connecting with local tenant associations or advocacy groups for confidential peer support