Landlord Compliance Order Case Studies in Newfoundland and Labrador

Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador have important protections when landlords fail to meet their responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)^[1]. In practice, the province's Residential Tenancies Office regularly issues compliance orders—official directives requiring landlords to properly repair units, return deposits, or follow other legal requirements. Learning from real compliance order cases helps tenants understand what rights they have and how to take action if those rights are not respected.

Understanding Landlord Compliance Orders: What Are They?

A compliance order is a formal written direction issued by the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) of Newfoundland and Labrador when a landlord is found to be in violation of tenancy law. These orders commonly require landlords to:

• Make necessary repairs to keep the rental safe and livable
• Return security deposits as required
• Cease unlawful behaviour (for example, illegal entry or harassment)
• Provide services listed in the lease (e.g., heat, water, snow removal)

This process exists to give tenants a fair way to resolve issues. If the order is ignored, the RTO can impose penalties or penalties may escalate if the landlord remains non-compliant.

Recent Compliance Order Case Examples

Here are three actual case scenarios (personal details changed for privacy) to illustrate common outcomes for tenants:

Delayed Repairs and Habitability

A tenant reported repeated leaking and mould in their apartment. After several ignored requests to the landlord, the tenant filed an application with the RTO. The compliance order required the landlord to complete all repairs within 14 days because failing to fix the problem made the unit unsafe under the Act. The landlord was warned that further delays could result in fines or other enforcement steps.

Unreturned Security Deposits

Another tenant ended a rental and found their security deposit was withheld without valid reason. They applied to the RTO, which reviewed the evidence and ordered the landlord to return the full deposit within 10 days, with additional interest as permitted under law. Learn more about deposit rights in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Heat Not Provided According to Lease

In a winter case, a landlord reduced building heat below the required minimum. After a tenant complaint, the RTO confirmed the lease and local by-laws required a warmer temperature. The compliance order mandated immediate restoration of heat and advised the landlord of future penalty risks. This example demonstrates the essential role compliance orders play in ensuring Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting are taken seriously.

How Do Tenants Request a Landlord Compliance Order?

If you have tried communicating with your landlord and the issue remains unresolved, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for help. The process is straightforward:

• Gather documentation (photos, emails, written requests, lease)
• Download and complete Form 12: Application by Tenant – Claims (latest version from the official RTO forms website)
• State what remedy you need (repair, payment, return of deposit, etc.) and provide supporting details
• Submit the form by email, mail, or in person to your nearest Residential Tenancies Office
• The RTO will determine if a hearing is needed and inform both parties of next steps

Key Forms: What Tenants Need for Compliance Cases

• Form 12: Application by Tenant – Claims
  Use when your landlord fails to follow the lease or tenancy law (e.g., refuses repairs, doesn't return deposit, etc.). Download the official form here.
  Example: If your heat is not working after repeated requests to your landlord, fill in Form 12 asking the RTO to order repairs and compensation.
• Form 13: Tenant Statement of Evidence
  Complete this form to provide supporting evidence for your claims (photos, witness statements, receipts). Download Form 13 here.
• Form 15: Request for Reconsideration
  If you believe a decision was unfair or made in error, Form 15 allows you to ask for review. View Form 15 on the RTO site.

Always check the latest forms and instructions before submitting your application.

What Happens If a Landlord Refuses to Comply?

If a landlord ignores a compliance order, the RTO can:

• Issue penalties such as fines
• Authorize tenants to make repairs and deduct costs from rent (in rare cases and with RTO approval)
• Pursue enforcement through Small Claims Court for outstanding money owed

Persistent non-compliance could lead to more serious consequences for the landlord, including limits on renting in the future.

Your Rights and Responsibility as a Tenant

It's important to understand both tenant and landlord obligations in Newfoundland and Labrador. For a broader overview, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

For renters seeking new housing, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to discover safe and affordable options.

FAQ: Compliance Orders in Newfoundland and Labrador

1. What is a landlord compliance order and when can tenants request one?
   A compliance order is a directive from the Residential Tenancies Office requiring a landlord to fulfill their legal obligations (like making repairs or returning deposits). Tenants should request one after attempts to address the issue directly have failed.
2. How long does it take to get a compliance order?
   The process varies depending on RTO caseload and whether a hearing is required. Simple cases may be resolved within a few weeks, while complex situations (with hearings or evidence review) can take longer.
3. What should I do if my landlord ignores a compliance order?
   Notify the RTO right away. The office can issue penalties, and in some cases help escalate the issue to court for enforcement.
4. Do tenants have to pay any fees to apply for a compliance order?
   Generally, no. Application fees for basic tenant claims are typically waived, but always confirm the current rules on the official RTO or government page.
5. What documentation helps prove my case?
   Photos, emails, text messages, witness statements, and copies of your lease are helpful evidence to support claims in your application.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Landlord compliance orders are a powerful tool for tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador facing repair issues, unreturned deposits, and other unresolved legal problems.
• The Residential Tenancies Office provides straightforward forms and support for applying—keep thorough records for the best outcome.
• Know your rights and be proactive in using compliance orders to ensure your rental home is safe, secure, and fairly managed.

In summary, if you encounter an unresponsive landlord, Newfoundland and Labrador's tenancy system gives renters effective, legal tools to seek justice.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (Newfoundland and Labrador): Information, forms, and contact for all tenant-landlord disputes
• Public Legal Information Association of NL: Free legal advice and support for tenants
• Contact the RTO: Phone and email contacts for provincial offices

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1. Read the Residential Tenancies Act (NL): Full official text and updates

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