Newfoundland and Labrador Tenant Rights: Key Responsibilities Explained

Renting a home in Newfoundland and Labrador comes with important rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords. Whether you’re concerned about your security deposit, repairs, rent increases, or just want clarity on the rules, knowing your legal protections helps you enjoy a safe and secure rental experience. This guide breaks down what you need to know, covers helpful forms, and gives you practical steps to address common rental issues in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Who Oversees Tenant Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, residential tenancy matters are handled by the Residential Tenancies Office. This agency is responsible for enforcing the province’s key rental law: the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018^[1].

Essential Tenant Rights

Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador benefit from several important legal rights aimed at making renting fair and safe, including:

• Security of tenure – The right to remain in your home as long as you meet your obligations and until proper notice is served.
• Right to a safe and habitable unit – Your rental must meet local health and safety standards, including safe heating, plumbing, and basic maintenance.
• Protection against unlawful eviction – Landlords must follow the formal process outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act to end your tenancy.
• The right to privacy – Landlords usually must provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering your rental (except for emergencies).

Key Tenant Responsibilities

Along with rights, tenants also have important duties under the law:

• Paying rent on time and in full each month.
• Maintaining cleanliness and not causing damage to the property.
• Not disturbing neighbours or other tenants.
• Letting the landlord know about repairs or safety concerns right away.

To understand more about rights and duties for both parties, check out Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Deposits and Rental Payments

Security Deposits

In Newfoundland and Labrador, landlords can collect a security deposit, but it cannot be more than three-quarters of one month’s rent.

• The deposit must be held in trust and returned at the end of the tenancy, minus any legal deductions for damages or unpaid rent.
• If you’re moving out, there are steps and timelines for getting your deposit back. Details can be found in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Rent Payments

• Rent must be paid on the due date set out in your rental agreement. If you’re having trouble, inform your landlord promptly.
• Landlords must provide receipts for any rent or deposit payments if requested in writing.

If you receive a notice of rent increase, it must follow the process in the Residential Tenancies Act. Typically, rent can only be increased once every 12 months and proper written notice is required. For the latest rules, check the official government guidelines.^[2]

Maintenance, Repairs, and Safety

Landlords are responsible for ensuring your unit is safe, healthy, and maintained according to local standards. Tenants must promptly report any issues and keep their part of the rental reasonably clean.

• Routine repairs should be requested in writing if possible.
• For urgent repairs (like loss of heat in winter), contact your landlord immediately.
• Report unresolved safety or major repair issues to the Residential Tenancies Office for further help.

Learn about typical property upkeep in Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities. For more on health and safety, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Ending a Tenancy and Eviction

If you need to leave your rental, you must give your landlord written notice using the approved form. Likewise, to end your tenancy, your landlord must serve you appropriate legal notice.

Forms for Ending or Disputing a Tenancy

• Notice to Terminate a Rental Agreement (Form VT-1): Used when you want to end your tenancy. Serve this to your landlord, respecting the minimum notice period based on your tenancy type. Download VT-1 here.^[3]
• Application to Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Form VT-11): Used if you want to dispute a landlord’s notice or make a claim about withheld deposits or repairs. File this with the Residential Tenancies Office. Download VT-11 here.^[4]

Tip: Always keep a copy of any notice or form you submit, and get proof that your landlord received it.

What Happens If You Don’t Agree With a Notice?

If you believe a notice or rent increase is not legal, you should respond in writing and apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for dispute resolution. This can include a hearing where both sides explain their case.

Where to Learn More

For more details on tenant and landlord rules specific to this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. If you’d like to see options across the country, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Newfoundland and Labrador Tenant Rights

1. Can my landlord raise the rent whenever they want?
   No. In Newfoundland and Labrador, rent can only be increased once every 12 months with proper written notice and only after the first year of tenancy.
2. What should I do if my landlord won’t fix something important?
   Let your landlord know in writing about the problem. If it’s an urgent health or safety issue and isn’t addressed in a reasonable timeframe, contact the Residential Tenancies Office for help or apply using the VT-11 form.
3. Can my landlord enter my apartment without my permission?
   Except in emergencies, your landlord must give you at least 24 hours written notice before entering your rental.
4. Is my security deposit protected?
   Yes. Your landlord must hold your deposit in trust and return it at the end of your tenancy, minus allowable deductions.
5. How do I properly end my lease?
   Serve your landlord written notice using the VT-1 form, making sure you follow the correct notice period for your tenancy.

How To: Handle a Rent Increase or Dispute a Notice

1. How do I challenge a rent increase?
   Carefully read the rent increase notice for compliance with the law. If you believe it’s not allowed, send your landlord a written objection and complete the VT-11 application to seek a decision from the Residential Tenancies Office.
2. How do I request repairs from my landlord?
   Notify your landlord with a written request describing the repair needed. If there’s no response, follow up in writing and keep records of your communications.
3. How do I return my keys and move out correctly?
   Provide written notice using the VT-1 form, follow the notice period, and schedule a move-out inspection if possible. Ensure the unit is clean and undamaged.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador are protected by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.
• Security deposits are capped and must be returned if no damage or overdue rent applies.
• Always use the right forms and give proper written notice for any tenancy issue.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office Newfoundland and Labrador: Information, forms, and filing support
• Public Legal Information Association of NL: Free information about your legal rights as a tenant
• For emergencies, contact your local municipal office or dial 2-1-1 for community support

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL)
2. NL Government – Rent Increase Guidelines
3. VT-1 Notice to Terminate a Rental Agreement
4. VT-11 Application to Residential Tenancies Tribunal

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