Mobile Home and Land-Lease Renting in Newfoundland and Labrador

Renting a mobile home or a lot in a land-lease community offers flexibility and affordability for many tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador. However, these special tenancy situations come with unique rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords. Understanding the provincial laws can help you avoid pitfalls, protect your investment, and enjoy your home with peace of mind.

Who Regulates Mobile Home and Land-Lease Tenancies in Newfoundland and Labrador?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, residential tenancies—including mobile homes and land-lease arrangements—are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018. The main body overseeing tenant and landlord disputes is the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). This office helps tenants and landlords resolve disagreements, ensures compliance with the law, and processes official forms.

Main Features of Mobile Home and Land-Lease Tenancies

Renting a mobile home can mean either renting the home itself, the land it sits on, or both. In land-lease communities (sometimes called mobile home parks), tenants often own their homes but rent the lot from a landlord. Important distinctions to note:

• Rental agreements must be in writing for land-lease sites.
• Landlords are responsible for common areas and essential services (like water or sewage connections).
• Tenants are usually responsible for maintaining their own mobile home.
• Notice periods and grounds for eviction may differ from standard apartment rentals.

Understanding Important Tenancy Forms

Tenants should be familiar with required forms for their tenancy type. Here are two key examples:

• Notice of Termination (Form RT - Official Government form):
  This form is used if you or your landlord wish to end (terminate) the rental agreement. For example, if you decide to move your mobile home to another community, you must serve this notice formally according to the law. Access the official Notice of Termination forms here.
• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RT):
  If you have an unresolved issue—such as a disagreement over park maintenance or a rent increase—you can file this form with the RTO to request a hearing and resolution. Find the Application for Dispute Resolution.

Always use official forms and keep copies for your records.

Key Rights and Protections for Tenants

• Security of tenure: Eviction from a mobile home park or lot requires proper notice and legal grounds. Landlords cannot ask you to leave just because they sell the park.
• Rent increases: Landlords must follow specific notice periods and limitations for raising rent. Learn more in Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.
• Maintenance: Landlords must keep the common areas and essential services in good repair, while you maintain your actual home.
• Deposits: Security and pet deposits are regulated and must be returned as per the legislation. Understand your protections in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

For a comprehensive summary, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Moving In: What to Expect

Before you move your home or settle into a leased lot, review your written agreement and inspect the site carefully. Ensure all services—like hookups and road access—are in working order. Taking photos and documenting the state of the site can protect you from disputes later.

Living in a Land-Lease Community

• Ask your landlord if there are special community rules regarding pets, parking, or landscaping.
• Report maintenance issues affecting common areas directly to your landlord in writing.
• Know your rights if major repairs or service interruptions occur. Your landlord’s obligations are outlined in the Act; you can escalate issues by filing an Application for Dispute Resolution.

What Happens If You Want To Move Your Mobile Home?

If you wish to end your lease and relocate your mobile home, you must:

• Give written notice using the proper form matching your lease type.
• Arrange for the safe removal of your home, respecting park rules and any local regulations.
• Request a final walk-through with your landlord to document the condition of the lot.

Useful Example: Responding to a Rent Increase

If your landlord proposes a rent increase for your lot, they must provide proper written notice—typically at least 8 weeks in advance. You can:

• Review the notice and check if it complies with the rules under the Act.
• Contact the RTO if you believe the proposed increase is unfair or not properly served.
• Apply for dispute resolution if necessary.

For more practical advice about what steps to take after you sign your tenancy agreement, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement.

FAQ: Renting in Newfoundland and Labrador's Mobile Home Communities

1. Can my landlord evict me without a reason?
   No. Landlords must have a valid legal reason (such as non-payment of rent or breach of the lease) and serve the correct notice. Tenants can dispute evictions through the RTO.
2. How much notice is required for a rent increase?
   Landlords must provide at least 8 weeks’ written notice before increasing rent in a mobile home park or land-lease community.
3. Am I responsible for repairs to the land or just my mobile home?
   You are responsible for repairs in your home, but the landlord must maintain the land and common areas.
4. What should I do if my deposit isn’t returned?
   First, request your deposit in writing. If it isn’t returned within statutory timelines, file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the RTO.
5. Where can I find rental listings and community info?
   You can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, including listings for mobile home communities.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Office: Tenant-landlord dispute resolution, forms, and information.
• Tenant Advocacy: For support with rights, forms, and disputes, contact a local legal aid office or the Public Legal Information Association of NL at https://publiclegalinfo.com/.
• See an overview of your rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)
2. Residential Tenancies Office of Newfoundland and Labrador
3. Residential Tenancies Forms and Resources

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