Maintenance & Repairs Checklist for NL Tenants

As a tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador, understanding your rights and responsibilities in keeping your rental home safe and well-maintained is crucial. Keeping up with maintenance not only improves your quality of life but also helps protect your deposit and landlord relationship. This guide provides a practical checklist, explains legal requirements under Newfoundland and Labrador law, and walks you through what to do when repairs are needed—so you can enjoy your home with peace of mind.

Core Maintenance Responsibilities: What Tenants and Landlords Must Do

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Residential Tenancies Act outlines who must maintain and repair rental properties. Here's how the law divides these duties:

• Landlord’s Duties: Landlords must keep the property in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and comply with health and safety laws.
• Tenant’s Duties: Tenants must keep their rental unit reasonably clean, report needed repairs quickly, and prevent damage from negligence.

For a full list of tenant and landlord responsibilities, visit Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Maintenance & Repairs Checklist for NL Tenants

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly – notify your landlord of issues.
• Check all doors and windows for secure locks and weather sealing.
• Report leaky faucets, plumbing problems, or mold early.
• Look out for peeling paint, broken tiles, or missing shingles (these can lead to larger problems).
• Inspect heating systems before cold seasons – alert your landlord of any malfunctions.
• Keep your rental unit free from pests and report infestations right away.
• Ensure common areas (if shared) are safe and maintained.
• Contact your landlord promptly about any safety hazards or emergency repairs.

This simple checklist can help prevent minor issues from turning into major problems.

Understanding Health, Safety, and Emergency Repairs

Some repairs, like a broken furnace in winter or a burst pipe, are emergencies. The law requires landlords to act promptly in these situations, as your health and safety are at risk. For more on what constitutes a health or safety issue, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Routine repairs still matter, and both tenants and landlords play a part. For more about how to handle routine maintenance, read Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Pest Control: What to Watch For

Pest infestations, from bedbugs to mice, must be reported. Generally, landlords are responsible for addressing infestations unless tenant behaviour attracted the pests.

Reporting Repairs and Action Steps

If you notice damage or health and safety issues, report them in writing to your landlord right away. Be specific—include the problem and date—so there’s a clear record if you need to escalate.

When Repairs Aren’t Completed: Next Steps

If your landlord ignores essential repairs, you can:

• File an application with the provincial tribunal: the Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL.
• Use the relevant form, described below, to start the dispute process.

Key Forms for NL Tenants

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RTDR-001): Use when your landlord doesn’t complete necessary repairs, or for other disputes.
  How to use: Attach evidence (photos, letters sent, etc.). Submit online or by mail. Access official forms here.
• Notice to Terminate (Form RTDR-002): If repairs affect your health or safety and remain unfixed, you may issue this form to end your tenancy early.
  How to use: Provide written notice, with details of the issue and evidence that you reported it. Get official forms here.

Review all instructions on the Service NL website and call the helpline if you have questions before filing.

Relevant Law and Legislation

The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador) outlines landlord and tenant rights regarding repairs, maintenance, and dispute process.

If you want a broader overview of your rights in this province or compare with others, check Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

If you’re planning a move or looking for your next place, you can Browse apartments for rent in Canada quickly and easily.

FAQ: Maintenance and Repairs for NL Tenants

1. Who is responsible for repairing appliances in a rental unit? Usually, landlords must maintain appliances that came with the rental. However, check your lease—sometimes tenants are responsible if they caused damage.
2. What should I do if I discover mold or water damage? Report it in writing to your landlord immediately. If unaddressed, you can apply to Service NL for dispute resolution.
3. Do I have to allow my landlord entry to make repairs? Yes, but unless it’s an emergency, your landlord must give you at least 24 hours written notice before entry.
4. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t done? No, you cannot legally withhold rent. You should continue to pay rent and use official processes to resolve the repair issue.
5. What qualifies as an emergency repair? Loss of heat in winter, burst pipes, or anything that endangers health and safety is considered an emergency and must be addressed urgently by the landlord.

How To: Handling Repairs as a Tenant

1. How do I request a repair from my landlord? Write a dated letter or email describing the problem and request a timeline for repair. Keep a copy for your records.
2. How do I file a dispute if repairs aren’t made? Complete the Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RTDR-001), add your evidence, and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL.
3. How can I end my tenancy because of unresolved repairs? Use the Notice to Terminate (Form RTDR-002), providing your evidence and following instructions on the form.
4. How can I protect myself in future issues? Always document reports, responses, and repair outcomes. Taking photos and keeping records helps you if problems escalate.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL – Administers the Act, offers dispute resolution and forms
• Tenant Advocacy: Public Legal Information Association of NL – Free information and assistance for tenants
• NL Housing Corporation – Provincial housing programs and contact info

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL): Read the full text
2. Service NL – Residential Tenancies: Forms and resources
3. Health and safety standards: Fire & Life Safety - Government of NL

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