Legal Aid Options for Evicted Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador

Facing eviction in Newfoundland and Labrador can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re worried about what comes next or how to afford legal help. This guide explains your legal-aid options after eviction, connects you to local resources, and outlines the official steps you can take to protect your rights as a tenant.

Understanding Tenant Rights After Eviction in Newfoundland and Labrador

Every tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador is protected by the Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador). If you have been evicted—or are at risk—you have the right to appeal, seek assistance, and explore your options for support.

• The main body that handles tenant/landlord disputes is the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO).
• You can ask the RTO for details about your case or for help with the appeals process.

It's important to act quickly if you believe your eviction was unfair or you’re facing homelessness.

What Legal Aid Services Are Available for Evicted Tenants?

If you can’t afford a lawyer, free or low-cost legal help is available:

• Legal Aid NL: Provides legal advice and, in some cases, lawyer representation for eligible tenants (Legal Aid NL).
• Community Legal Clinics: Some community organizations offer information, letter writing, and support for tenants facing eviction. Explore local advocacy groups or housing help centres.
• The Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PLIAN): Offers free information about tenant rights and resources for self-help (PLIAN).

You don’t have to navigate eviction alone. Legal-aid services can also explain your options for emergency housing or assistance, if needed.

Key Forms and How to Use Them

To respond to an eviction or seek help, you may need to submit certain forms to the Residential Tenancies Office. Here are the most important forms for tenants:

• Notice of Appeal Form:
  • When to use: If a decision was made by a Residential Tenancies Adjudicator and you disagree, you can appeal.
  • Where to find: Notice of Appeal Form (PDF)
  • How to use: You must submit this form within 10 days of the decision to the nearest Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. For example, if the adjudicator ordered your eviction and you believe a mistake was made, file the appeal immediately to halt enforcement until a judge reviews your case.
• Tenant Application Form:
  • When to use: If you want to dispute an eviction notice or raise another tenancy issue—such as deposit return or repairs—you can apply for a hearing.
  • Where to find: Tenant Application Form (PDF)
  • How to use: Complete the form describing your dispute. For example, if you believe your landlord’s notice was served incorrectly, you may apply to stop the eviction or request damages.

Always keep copies of any forms you send, and never hesitate to ask Legal Aid or PLIAN for help filling them out.

Immediate Steps to Take If You’ve Been Evicted

• Review your eviction notice and confirm if it follows the requirements set in the Residential Tenancies Act.
• Contact Legal Aid NL, the RTO, or PLIAN for help understanding your rights and next steps.
• If you wish to appeal, fill out and file the Notice of Appeal Form promptly.
• Ask for emergency resources if you have nowhere to stay.

Other Resources to Support Your Next Steps

Once you address immediate legal needs, you may also be searching for new housing or financial support. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to help you find safe and affordable new housing options.

If you have concerns about rental deposits or move-out processes following an eviction, be sure to check out our How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out guide as well.

For further details on what the law says about your rights after eviction, see our Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Aid After Eviction

1. Who can apply for Legal Aid in Newfoundland and Labrador after an eviction?
   Legal Aid NL helps low-income tenants and others who cannot afford a lawyer, but eligibility depends on income, assets, and legal issue. Contact them directly for an assessment.
2. Can I appeal an eviction order?
   Yes, tenants may use the Notice of Appeal Form to contest a decision from the Residential Tenancies Office. You must act within 10 days of the decision’s date.
3. Is there emergency housing support for evicted tenants?
   Yes, local housing help centres, community groups, or the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation can connect you with emergency housing options.
4. What should I do if my landlord keeps my security deposit after I’m evicted?
   You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for its return. See our How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out for guidance.
5. Where can I get plain-language information on tenant and landlord rights?
   The Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PLIAN) provides free, accessible information and worksheets for tenants.

Key Takeaways for Evicted Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Legal Aid NL and PLIAN offer critical support for tenants facing eviction.
• You can appeal an eviction by submitting official forms promptly to the right office.
• Act fast and seek both legal and housing help—don’t face the process alone.

Knowing your rights and where to turn for help strengthens your ability to resolve issues and regain housing stability.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Legal Aid NL: Free legal help for eligible tenants, including support filling forms and advice on appeals.
• PLIAN: Community legal information about eviction, deposits, and tenant rights.
• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): For all tenancy disputes, hearing dates, and form submissions.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC): Emergency housing assistance and support.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador): Provincial Statutes
2. Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) official site: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
3. Legal Aid NL: legalaid.nl.ca
4. Public Legal Information Association: PLIAN

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy