How to Report an Illegal Eviction in Newfoundland and Labrador

If you're a tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador facing eviction and believe your landlord is not following the law, it's crucial to know your rights and what steps to take. Illegal evictions can have serious consequences, but the law is designed to protect tenants from unfair treatment. This guide will help you understand what counts as an illegal eviction, when to take action, and how to report your landlord using official provincial resources.

What Is an Illegal Eviction?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, an eviction is illegal if your landlord tries to make you leave your home without following the correct legal process required by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018¹. Examples of illegal eviction include:

• Changing the locks without a proper eviction order
• Removing your belongings
• Physically threatening or harassing you into leaving
• Evicting you without serving an official notice or before the notice period ends

Your landlord must give you a written notice and, if you do not leave, apply to the official tribunal before you can be forced to move out. If these steps are skipped, the eviction is likely illegal.

Who Handles Tenant Complaints in Newfoundland and Labrador?

The Residential Tenancies Section of Digital Government and Service NL is the government body responsible for residential tenancies in Newfoundland and Labrador. They process all tenant complaints, applications, and hearings. Visit the Residential Tenancies Section for guidance, forms, and contact information.

Recognizing Your Rights as a Tenant

Before taking action, make sure you know your legal rights as a tenant in the province. For a full overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Legal Notice Requirements

By law, a landlord cannot evict you without:

• Giving you the correct written notice (with proper reasons and time frame)
• Filing an application to the Residential Tenancies Section, if you do not move voluntarily
• Obtaining an official order of possession issued by a hearing officer

If you did not receive these steps, or you believe the eviction notice was not valid, you may be facing an illegal eviction.

How to Report an Illegal Eviction

Reporting an illegal eviction can help you stay in your home and may stop your landlord from taking further unlawful steps. Here's what to do:

1. Collect Evidence and Records

• Keep any written notices, texts, emails, or voicemails from your landlord
• Photograph anything relevant (e.g., new locks, damaged property, posted notices)
• Write down dates, times, and details of any conversations or incidents

2. File an Application with Residential Tenancies

Tenants who experience an illegal eviction can apply to the Residential Tenancies Section for an urgent hearing. Use the following official form:

• Form: Application for Dispute Resolution
  When to use: This form is used when you want to challenge an illegal eviction, ask for compensation, or request an urgent order to allow you back into your rental unit.
  Download the Application for Dispute Resolution (PDF)

How to use: Complete the form with details about your situation, attach your evidence, and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Section as soon as possible. Explain why the eviction is illegal, and request the appropriate relief, such as an order to return to your unit or compensation for costs.

3. Attend the Hearing

After you submit your form, the Residential Tenancies Section will schedule a hearing, often on an urgent basis when you're locked out. You will have an opportunity to present your evidence and explain your situation to a hearing officer. The officer can order your landlord to let you back in, restore your possessions, or provide compensation if your rights were violated.

It's important to act fast—reporting an illegal eviction promptly increases your chances of resolving the issue effectively.

Additional Tenant Protections and Considerations

Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador have both rights and responsibilities. Following the terms of your rental agreement, paying rent on time, and keeping your rental unit in good condition will help protect you if you ever need to make a complaint. For a deeper understanding, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you are worried about your deposit after eviction, learn more from Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

For tenants looking for a new place after eviction or in urgent need of housing, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme quickly and easily.

Frequently Asked Questions About Illegal Evictions

1. What should I do if my landlord changes the locks without notice?
   If your landlord locks you out without a hearing officer's order, contact the Residential Tenancies Section immediately and submit an Application for Dispute Resolution. You may be able to get an urgent hearing to regain access to your home.
2. Can I be evicted for complaining about repairs or asking for my rights?
   No. This is called retaliation and is illegal. If eviction is used to punish you for exercising your rights, report this as an unlawful eviction.
3. How quickly will the Residential Tenancies Section act on my complaint?
   Urgent hearings can often be scheduled on short notice, especially if you are locked out or without essential services like heat or water.
4. Do I need a lawyer to report an illegal eviction?
   No, you do not need a lawyer to file a complaint or attend a hearing. However, legal assistance or tenant advocates can help you prepare and understand your rights.
5. What if my landlord takes or threatens to take my belongings?
   This is not allowed without an official order. Bring this to the hearing officer's attention when you file your application.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords must follow the law when evicting a tenant; skipping notice or tribunal steps is illegal.
• Act quickly if you are locked out or evicted without proper process to protect your rights.
• Resources and official forms are available for free from the Residential Tenancies Section.

Understanding your rights and taking informed action gives you the best chance to defend your home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Section, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: Get official forms, complaint instructions, and contact information.
• Public Utilities Board: For concerns involving loss of utilities after eviction.
• Tenant advocacy services and community legal clinics can sometimes help with urgent housing or legal advice.
• Review your full rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL): Read the full text
2. Residential Tenancies Section — Tenant and Landlord Information: Official government resource
3. Application for Dispute Resolution Form: Download form (PDF)

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