Landlord Retaliation for Complaints: Tenant Rights NL

Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador have important legal protections against landlord retaliation. If you file a legitimate complaint about health, safety, repairs, or rent, your landlord cannot take negative action against you just because you exercised your rights. Understanding the rules can help you protect your home and your peace of mind in special tenancy situations across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Understanding Your Rights: Anti-Retaliation Protections

The Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)^[1] guarantees that tenants can report concerns, apply to the Residential Tenancies Office, or exercise legal rights without fear of unfair retribution from their landlord. Retaliation could include threats, eviction, rent increases, or refusing needed repairs simply because you made a complaint or asked for your rights.

• Common complaints include health and safety problems, needed repairs, disturbances, or unlawful rent increases.
• Landlords cannot evict or discipline tenants for exercising legal rights.

What Counts as Retaliation?

Retaliation by a landlord can take many forms in Newfoundland and Labrador, all of which are discouraged—and may be illegal—if they occur because you made a complaint or asserted your legal rights. Examples include:

• Issuing an eviction notice shortly after you file a formal complaint
• Raising your rent immediately after you contact the Residential Tenancies Office
• Reducing services (like heat, parking, or laundry access) in response to your complaints
• Refusing to carry out timely repairs or fix safety hazards after you ask for them

The law requires the landlord to prove any negative action was for a legitimate reason—not because you spoke out. For more details, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

How to File a Complaint About Your Rental

If you are facing unresolved health or safety issues, repair delays, or believe you are being retaliated against, you have several options for making a complaint in Newfoundland and Labrador:

1. Speak With Your Landlord

First, address your concern in writing to your landlord. Keep a copy of any messages or letters for your records. Sometimes, issues can be resolved quickly through honest communication.

2. Contact the Residential Tenancies Office

If problems persist or you receive negative treatment after raising a concern, contact the Residential Tenancies Office (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador). They offer guidance and may mediate disputes.

3. Apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for a Hearing

When communication fails, tenants can formally request a hearing using the correct government forms. Here’s what you need to know:

• Form: Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 12)
  Use this form to request a hearing about retaliation, wrongful eviction, or other tenancy matters.
  Official Application for Dispute Resolution Forms
• How it's used: Complete the form, attach supporting documents (letters, emails, photos), and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Office. The office will schedule a hearing and make a decision.
• Example: If your landlord tries to evict you for making a repair complaint, fill out Form 12 and provide proof that your eviction closely followed your complaint.

Keep a paper trail: Save copies and note dates for all communications related to your tenancy issues.

For more guidance on raising issues, see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant’s Guide.

If You Face Retaliation: What to Do Next

If you suspect your landlord is retaliating against you, take action promptly:

• Document dates, details, and all communication
• Submit a formal complaint to the Residential Tenancies Office
• Attend the scheduled hearing with supporting evidence

If the landlord is found to have acted in retaliation, the tribunal can stop an eviction, order repairs, or require other remedies.
Explore your rental options and rights on Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Your Rights Also Include:

• The right to a safe and healthy home—learn more at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
• Freedom from unlawful rent increases, lockouts, or threats.

Never ignore retaliation or threats—legal safeguards are in place and support is available for tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador.

FAQs: Tenant Rights and Retaliation in NL

1. Can my landlord evict me just because I reported a repair issue?
   No, landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador cannot evict you in response to a legitimate complaint about repairs or safety. The Residential Tenancies Act protects you from this kind of retaliation.
2. What proof do I need to show retaliation?
   Keep copies of written complaints, emails, texts, photos, and any notices from your landlord. Dates and timelines are important for demonstrating a connection between your complaint and any negative action.
3. Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
   No, most tenants can file a dispute themselves using the Application for Dispute Resolution. The Residential Tenancies Office provides forms and support for self-representation.
4. What outcomes can the Residential Tenancies Office order?
   If retaliation is found, they can reverse evictions, require landlords to stop unlawful actions, or order necessary repairs.
5. Where can I get more information on my tenant rights?
   Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for official information and advice.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• You are legally protected from landlord retaliation when exercising your rights.
• File complaints using correct channels and forms for a fair hearing.
• Keep detailed records to support your claim and protect your tenancy.

In summary, knowing your rights and acting quickly are the best safeguards when facing potential landlord retaliation in Newfoundland and Labrador. Support and resources are always available.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office, Newfoundland and Labrador — For complaints, forms, and official info
• Phone: 709-729-2600 | Email: rto@gov.nl.ca
• Tenant support/advocacy: Local legal aid offices and community legal clinics in Newfoundland and Labrador
• For a complete breakdown of rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador): Full Legislation Text
2. Residential Tenancies Office, NL: Official Government Site
3. Government forms for tenancy complaints: Applications and Forms

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