Maintenance and Repair Rights for Newfoundland and Labrador Tenants

If you’re renting in Newfoundland and Labrador, understanding your rights regarding maintenance and repairs is crucial. A well-maintained home is not only your right but also supports your health and quality of life. This guide explains your rights and steps you can take if repairs are delayed or ignored, all based on the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 of Newfoundland and Labrador.^[1]

Who Is Responsible for Maintenance and Repairs?

Landlords are legally required to maintain rental properties in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and compliant with health and safety laws. Tenants are responsible for keeping the unit reasonably clean and for repairing any damage they or their guests cause outside normal wear and tear.

• Landlord responsibilities: Fixing structural issues, supplying heat, water, electricity, repairing appliances included in the lease, addressing mould, leaks, and pest problems.
• Tenant responsibilities: Reporting needed repairs promptly, keeping the home tidy, and not deliberately damaging the property.

For more details on these legal responsibilities, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How to Request Repairs

If you notice something wrong in your unit (leaky roof, broken heating, pests, etc.), report the problem to your landlord as soon as possible. It’s best to:

• Notify your landlord in writing (email or letter) with specific details.
• Take date-stamped photos or videos of the issue.
• Keep a copy of all communications.

If the problem is not resolved within a reasonable time, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO), Newfoundland and Labrador’s official tenancy tribunal.^[2]

Handling Health and Safety Issues

Some repair issues—like mould, leaking sewage, or no heat in winter—are considered urgent health and safety problems. Landlords must fix these quickly. Learn before you rent: Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

If your landlord does not act quickly on serious safety or health hazards, you can contact the municipal inspections department or Newfoundland’s Residential Tenancies Office directly for intervention.

Emergency Repairs and Forms

Emergency repairs include situations that put your health, safety, or the property's integrity at risk (such as total loss of heat in winter or serious water leaks).

Action steps if your landlord does not respond to emergencies:

• Try to reach the landlord one more time, clearly stating the emergency.
• If unresolved, you may be able to authorize emergency repairs yourself and deduct the reasonable cost from your rent. Keep all receipts.
• Apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using Form 6: Application for Dispute Resolution—for requests where the landlord refuses repairs or you need to resolve a dispute.^[3]

Example: If your heating fails in January and the landlord doesn’t reply after 24 hours, you may arrange a repair, keep the receipt, and submit a dispute application if the landlord refuses to reimburse.

Routine Repairs and Maintenance: What If Nothing Happens?

If a requested repair isn’t urgent but still important (leaking tap, broken appliance), provide written notice and give your landlord a reasonable time frame (usually up to 7 days for non-urgent issues).

• Keep a record of communications and evidence.
• If the landlord ignores your request, file Form 6: Application for Dispute Resolution with the RTO.

Common Forms for Tenants

• Form 6: Application for Dispute Resolution – Used when tenants and landlords can’t resolve issues like overdue repairs, dispute rent reductions, or unpaid utilities. Download and file this form directly with the Residential Tenancies Office. Access Form 6 here.
• Inspection Reports (no mandatory standard form, but highly recommended) – Complete and exchange a checklist with your landlord to document the condition of your unit on move-in. Learn more through the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Always keep a copy of any form or checklist you submit.

What to Do If Repairs Are Not Completed

If your landlord doesn't complete the repairs after reasonable notice and time, you can:

• Apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancies Office.
• In some cases, ask for a rent reduction or for the repairs to be completed by a third party and reimbursed by your landlord (with consent from the RTO).

Legislation That Protects Newfoundland and Labrador Tenants

Your rights as a tenant are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018. This legislation defines landlord duties, tenant protections, and dispute processes. For a general overview of all rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

If you need help finding your next home, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Maintenance and Repairs in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals

1. What repairs is my landlord responsible for in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   Your landlord must ensure the property is safe, meets health and safety standards, and is kept in good repair. This includes fixing heating, water, electricity, structure, and anything else specified in your lease.
2. How long should I wait before taking action if repairs are not completed?
   For urgent repairs, notify your landlord immediately. If not fixed within a reasonable time (24-48 hours for emergencies; 7 days for non-urgent), you may contact the Residential Tenancies Office or use Form 6 to file a dispute.
3. Can I withhold rent until repairs are complete?
   No. Always continue paying rent unless the Residential Tenancies Office gives written permission—even if repairs are overdue.
4. What happens if a repair is so urgent it risks my health or safety?
   If the landlord does not respond quickly, you may arrange emergency repairs, pay for them yourself, and seek reimbursement. Keep all evidence and receipts and apply to the RTO if necessary.
5. What is the main law regulating rentals in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 is the key law for tenant and landlord rights.

How To: Get Repairs Done in Your Rental

1. How do I request repairs from my landlord?
   Write to your landlord describing the problem, provide photos if possible, and state the date. Keep a copy for yourself.
2. How do I apply for dispute resolution if my landlord won’t complete repairs?
   Fill out Form 6 and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Office with supporting documents.
3. What if I had to pay for an emergency repair myself?
   Keep all receipts, inform your landlord as soon as possible, and submit a dispute application if you are not reimbursed.
4. How do I document the condition of my rental unit?
   Use a move-in inspection checklist (not a required government form), co-sign with your landlord, and keep a copy.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords must maintain your rental home, and you have the right to safe, properly repaired accommodation.
• Always document repair requests and keep communication records.
• For urgent or ongoing issues, don’t hesitate to contact the Residential Tenancies Office and use official forms for dispute resolution.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) — Newfoundland and Labrador
  Contact for forms, filing complaints, and dispute resolution.
• Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018
• For a summary of provincial tenant rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)
2. Residential Tenancies Office (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
3. Form 6 - Application for Dispute Resolution (RTO Newfoundland and Labrador)

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