Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador sometimes need urgent help before a formal hearing — for example if an eviction notice, serious repair issue, or safety concern requires immediate action. Interim orders let a tribunal grant temporary relief while your case proceeds, such as stopping an eviction, ordering emergency repairs, or preserving evidence. This guide explains when interim orders are available, how to ask the Residential Tenancies Board (or relevant tribunal) for one, what forms and evidence youll likely need, and practical timelines so you can act quickly. It is written for renters without legal training and focuses on clear steps, sample documents, and next actions to protect your home and rights while you prepare for a hearing.
What are interim orders?
Interim orders are temporary directives the Residential Tenancies Board[1] can issue while a dispute moves through the tribunal process. They are short-term measures designed to prevent immediate harm or preserve the status quo until a full hearing decides the final outcome.
When can a tenant ask for an interim order?
You can ask for an interim order when waiting for a hearing would cause irreparable harm, such as imminent eviction without relief, serious health or safety risks, or loss of important property or evidence.
- Imminent eviction or lockout where you risk losing your home.
- Serious repair or habitability issues that create health or safety risks.
- Risk that key evidence or personal property will be removed or destroyed.
- Situations involving safety or retaliation that require immediate protection.
What evidence and forms help your request?
Typical evidence includes dated photos, written repair requests, receipts, witness statements, and a clear timeline of events. Attach copies, not originals, and organize files so the tribunal can review them quickly.
- Photos and videos showing damage, safety hazards, or lock changes.
- Repair requests, emails, texts, or written notices to your landlord.
- Receipts for emergency repairs or replacement costs.
- Completed application forms and a clear statement requesting interim relief.
- Timeline notes that show urgency or deadlines for action.
How to apply for interim relief
Most tenants ask for interim relief by submitting an application to the Residential Tenancies Board[1] along with supporting evidence and a short written statement explaining the immediate harm. The governing statute, the Residential Tenancies Act, outlines the tribunals authority and typical timelines for interim measures.[2]
Common form: "Application to the Residential Tenancies Board" (name varies by jurisdiction; check the boards forms page). Include a clear request titled "Request for Interim Order" and a one-page summary explaining the emergency and what you want the tribunal to order.
Practical example
Example: If you receive an eviction notice today and the landlord plans a lockout within days, file an application asking the board for an interim order to stop the eviction while you wait for a hearing. Attach the eviction notice, any rent receipts, photos of the unit, and a short statement that explains why being locked out would cause immediate harm.
If your issue is an urgent repair (no heat in winter, severe mold or flooding), request an interim order requiring the landlord to make emergency repairs and set a deadline for completion. Include previous repair requests and any receipts for temporary fixes.
If you need to find alternate housing quickly, Explore rental homes in your area to compare options and timelines for moving while your case proceeds.
For general rights and common problems tenants face in this province, see the internal resources Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador and Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them for practical steps and templates.
FAQ
- What is an interim order?
- An interim order is a temporary directive a tribunal can issue to prevent immediate harm or preserve the situation until a full hearing decides the final outcome.
- How quickly can I get an interim order?
- Timelines vary by case and tribunal workload, but interim relief is designed for urgent situations; file promptly and show clear evidence of immediate risk.
- Do I need a lawyer to apply?
- No. Many tenants file on their own using the boards application forms, but you may choose to consult legal clinics or a lawyer for complex cases.
How-To
- Gather evidence: take dated photos, save messages, collect receipts, and write a short timeline.
- Complete the application form and file it with the Residential Tenancies Board[1], attaching all evidence.
- Request the interim order clearly, explain the urgent deadlines or risks, and state the specific relief you need.
- Attend the interim hearing (in person or virtual), bring copies of everything, and be prepared to summarize the urgent harm.
Key Takeaways
- Interim orders provide temporary protection while your full dispute is decided.
- Strong, dated evidence and a clear timeline improve your chances of success.
- Act quickly: urgency and deadlines are central to interim relief requests.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Board - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Residential Tenancies Act - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Forms for Residential Tenancies - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
