Lighting Rules for Common Areas & Parking in Newfoundland and Labrador

Feeling safe at home isn’t just about locks and doors—it’s also about well-lit hallways, entrances, and parking areas. In Newfoundland and Labrador, proper lighting in rental properties’ common areas is important for security, access, and overall tenant wellbeing. This guide explains what tenants need to know about lighting requirements for common spaces and parking lots, including your rights, landlord obligations, and what to do if lighting isn’t adequate.

Your Right to Safe, Well-Lit Common Areas

Under provincial rental law, every tenant has the right to a safe and healthy home environment. This includes proper lighting in all common areas like entranceways, hallways, stairwells, laundry rooms, elevators, and parking lots. Adequate lighting:

• Reduces the risk of accidents
• Deters criminal activity
• Helps tenants and visitors feel secure at all times

These protections are part of the Residential Tenancies Act in Newfoundland and Labrador.^[1]

What Does “Adequate Lighting” Mean?

While the Act does not spell out the exact minimum light levels (for example, in lumens), landlords must ensure lighting allows tenants to safely use and access all common areas. This includes making sure light fixtures are:

• Properly installed and maintained
• Fitted with working bulbs
• Operating during relevant hours, such as evenings and nights

In parking lots and outside entryways, motion sensor lights or dusk-to-dawn fixtures are common and often required by municipal building or fire safety codes. If you’re unsure about your building’s codes, check with your municipality or the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO).

Landlord Responsibilities for Lighting

Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador are responsible by law for keeping all rental property—including common spaces and parking—safe and in good repair. Routine checks and timely maintenance are essential, especially for lighting and other safety features.

• Landlords must replace burnt-out bulbs in hallways, stairwells, and outdoor areas
• Electrical issues need to be repaired by a qualified professional
• Lights in parking lots and entries should be checked regularly for function

If your landlord neglects these duties, you may want to review Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained to better understand your options.

Reporting Lighting Problems

If you notice a light out or a poorly-lit area, it’s important to report it promptly. Follow these steps:

• Contact your landlord or property manager in writing (email or letter), explaining the exact location and issue
• Request a timeline for repair
• Document your communication in case of delays

If your landlord does not fix the problem within a reasonable time, you can file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). Tenants have the right to a habitable environment under the Residential Tenancies Act in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Tip: Good lighting is not only about safety—it can also help resolve disputes if damage, theft, or accidents occur in shared areas. If you ever have a concern, take a photo or video of the area as evidence.

Parking Lots: What Are the Requirements?

Lighting in parking areas is especially important. Not only does it help prevent slips and falls or vehicle damage, but it also deters crime. Landlords must ensure:

• Parking lots are illuminated at night
• All exterior access points (doors, ramps, walkways) are safely lit
• Burned-out bulbs or damaged fixtures are addressed quickly

If you have recurring issues with parking lot lighting or maintenance, it may help to look at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for additional ways to address repair and safety concerns.

What If Lighting Problems Affect Your Safety?

If inadequate lighting makes you feel unsafe or leads to an incident, let your landlord know right away. If the issue is urgent or has already led to harm, you may want to escalate your request using official forms.

Official Forms for Tenants

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador provides official forms through the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). For lighting issues, common forms include:

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 12/RT) – Use this if your landlord does not fix lighting after your written request. Download from the official source. When submitting, include details about your lighting request, your contact with the landlord, and any photos or evidence. The RTO will review and may schedule a hearing.
  Example: You wrote to your landlord about an unlit stairwell, but nothing changed after two weeks. You file this application to have the RTO order the landlord to repair the lights.

Common Lighting Maintenance and Tenant Rights

Under the law, landlords are required to keep rental units and common areas up to basic health and safety standards. If you experience ongoing lighting problems, you have a right to:

• Reasonable repairs and timely action
• Notification before any maintenance staff enters your unit
• Appeal to the RTO if your landlord doesn’t cooperate

To learn more about province-specific protections, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

For nationwide rental options and resources, you can explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and find properties that prioritize safety and maintenance.

FAQ: Lighting in Common Areas and Parking Lots

1. Who is responsible for replacing bulbs in common areas or parking lots?
   Landlords are responsible for maintaining lighting in all common and outdoor areas. Tenants should report outages for timely replacement.
2. What should I do if an outdoor light is broken and my landlord doesn’t fix it?
   Submit a written request to your landlord, then contact the Residential Tenancies Office if the problem isn’t addressed.
3. Can I install extra lighting myself for safety?
   Only with written landlord permission. Unauthorized electrical work may violate your lease and safety regulations.
4. Does the law mandate specific lighting levels in every building?
   The exact brightness may depend on building and fire codes, but landlords must meet “reasonable” safety standards under the Residential Tenancies Act.
5. Is emergency lighting required during power outages?
   Multi-unit buildings must follow local fire and building codes, often requiring emergency or backup lighting in hallways and exits.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must keep common and parking areas safely lit in Newfoundland and Labrador rentals
• Report issues in writing and escalate to the Residential Tenancies Office if they aren’t resolved
• Proper lighting is essential for health, security, and peace of mind

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: 1-877-829-2608
• Check your municipality’s property standards for local lighting requirements
• Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: Landlord and Tenant Tips
• Tenant advocacy services can help guide you through complaints or applications

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, Provincial Legislation – Newfoundland and Labrador
2. Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) – NL
3. Application for Dispute Resolution – Government of NL

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