NL Landlord Duty to Maintain Common Areas

Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador rely on safe, clean common areas — hallways, stairwells, laundry rooms and exterior walkways — that landlords are typically required to maintain. This guide explains what "common areas" usually include, the landlord's duties for routine repair and safety, how to report problems, and when to involve the province's residential tenancies system. It also explains the practical steps tenants can take to document issues, request repairs, and protect their rights when maintenance is delayed. Simple, clear language is used so renters can act confidently and understand timelines, forms and where to find official help in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Who is responsible for common areas?

In most residential buildings the landlord is responsible for maintaining common areas shared by multiple tenants. That means keeping these spaces reasonably safe, clean, and free from hazards. Tenants are generally responsible for notifying the landlord promptly about problems and taking reasonable care to avoid causing damage.

What counts as a common area?

Common areas are parts of the rental property used by two or more tenants. Examples include:

• Hallways and stairwells used by multiple units.
• Shared laundry rooms and storage areas.
• Exterior walkways, porches, ramps and parking areas.
• Shared mechanical rooms, garbage rooms and corridors.

Common maintenance duties and timelines

Landlords must maintain common areas to meet basic health and safety standards. That typically includes repairing lighting, fixing icy walkways, keeping handrails secure, addressing plumbing leaks that affect shared spaces, and pest control where infestations threaten common areas.

• Repair broken lighting in hallways and entrances promptly to reduce safety risks.
• Fix heating or hot-water issues that affect multiple units within a short, reasonable timeframe.
• Address leaks or water damage in shared areas quickly to prevent mold and further harm.
• Keep walkways, stairs and railings safe and clear of hazards like ice or debris.

How to request repairs and escalate problems

Follow these practical steps when a common-area issue arises:

• Send a written repair request to your landlord or property manager and keep a copy.
• Take photos or short videos showing the issue and note when it started.
• If the issue is urgent (fire hazard, flooding, no heat), call the landlord and follow up in writing immediately.
• If the landlord does not respond, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for orders to repair or compensation ^[2].

When to involve the Residential Tenancies system

If reasonable written requests to the landlord do not fix serious common-area problems within a short, practical time, tenants can seek help from Newfoundland and Labrador's residential tenancies resources and tribunal. The tribunal can order repairs or compensation where the landlord is not meeting legal obligations. Before applying, collect your written requests, photos, and any receipts or records of costs you incurred because of the problem ^[2].

Required forms and official steps

Common official forms and steps tenants may need:

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal — used when you ask the tribunal to order repairs or compensation; attach evidence like written requests and photos. ^[2]
• Notice or written request for repair — although not a standardized provincial form in every case, always submit a dated written request to the landlord and keep a copy as evidence.
• Evidence package — photos, videos, copies of messages and receipts showing attempts to resolve the issue and any costs you faced.

Tenant rights and common outcomes

Possible outcomes include the landlord making repairs, the tribunal ordering repairs or compensation, or negotiated agreements between landlord and tenants. Tenants should avoid withholding rent without advice — legal remedies usually require an application to the tribunal rather than unilateral rent deductions.

FAQ

Who pays for repairs in common areas?

The landlord is usually responsible for maintenance and repairs of common areas; tenants must report problems promptly and avoid causing damage.

How long should a landlord take to fix a safety issue?

Urgent safety issues (no heat, flooding, major leaks, electrical hazards) should be addressed immediately or within hours; other repairs should be completed within a reasonable timeframe depending on the problem.

What if the landlord ignores written repair requests?

Keep records and consider applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for orders to repair or compensation. You can find tribunal application information in the official resources below ^[2].

How-To

1. Write a clear dated request describing the common-area problem and send it to your landlord by email or registered mail.
2. Record evidence: take photos, videos and note dates and any health or safety impacts.
3. Follow up with the landlord by phone if urgent and confirm the conversation in writing.
4. If there is no reasonable response, complete the tribunal application with attachments and file as instructed by the official tribunal site ^[2].

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies information — Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Residential Tenancies Tribunal — filing info and forms

1. [1] Government of Newfoundland and Labrador — Landlord and Tenant information
2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal — applications and forms
3. [3] Residential Tenancies Act — Newfoundland and Labrador legislation