Noise Between Roommates in NL: Who Handles It?

Roommates & Shared Housing Newfoundland and Labrador 3 min read · published June 24, 2026 Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador
Living with roommates in Newfoundland and Labrador can be stressful when noise affects sleep, work or study. This guide helps tenants understand who is responsible for reducing noise, how to document disturbances, and what options exist if informal steps fail. You will find clear, tenant-focused steps on talking to roommates, checking your lease, asking the landlord for help, and, if necessary, filing an application with the Residential Tenancies Board. The language is simple and aimed at renters who want practical next steps, including which forms to use and how hearings typically work in Newfoundland and Labrador. It explains your rights as a tenant, privacy expectations, and when a landlord must act. Follow these steps to protect your quiet enjoyment and avoid escalation.

Who handles noise between roommates in NL?

When noise comes from a roommate inside the same rental unit, it is usually a dispute between tenants. The landlord has a duty to ensure a tenants right to quiet enjoyment, but direct action often starts between tenants. If the issue cannot be resolved informally, the Residential Tenancies Board can accept applications about breaches of tenancy obligations and quiet enjoyment in Newfoundland and Labrador.[1]

In many cases, the Residential Tenancies Board hears disputes about quiet enjoyment and related tenancy breaches.

Practical steps tenants can take

  • Talk to your roommate calmly and explain how the noise affects your sleep, work or study.
  • Keep a dated log of disturbances with times, descriptions and any witnesses or recordings you are legally allowed to make.
  • Check your lease for noise, nuisance, quiet enjoyment or shared-space rules and any notice requirements.
  • Contact your landlord if the behaviour continues and ask for mediation, a written warning, or enforcement of lease terms.
  • Apply to the Residential Tenancies Board if informal steps and landlord intervention do not stop the problem; hearings can order remedies or changes to the tenancy.[3]
Detailed documentation increases your chances of success in disputes.

Official forms and when to use them

Common official actions in Newfoundland and Labrador include making a written complaint to your landlord and, if needed, filing an application with the Residential Tenancies Board. The main documents tenants use are the Boards application form (used to ask the Board to hear a dispute) and the Residential Tenancies Act, which sets the rules for noise, nuisance and quiet enjoyment.[3] If you need to reference your legal rights or timelines, consult the Act directly.[2]

Respond to notices and requests for information quickly to protect your rights.

If you decide staying is no longer reasonable, you can look for a new rental. Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find alternatives across Canada.

Ad

FAQ

Can my landlord discipline my roommate for noise?
Your landlord can act if the noise violates the lease or interferes with quiet enjoyment for other tenants. Landlords may issue warnings or take steps allowed by the tenancy agreement; unresolved issues can be brought to the Residential Tenancies Board.[1]
What evidence helps at a hearing?
Use a written log with dates and times, photos or video only if legally obtained, witness statements, texts or emails where the roommate admits the behaviour, and copies of any complaints to the landlord.
How long before I should apply to the Board?
Try resolving the issue directly first. If the disturbance continues after you follow lease steps and give the landlord reasonable time to respond, apply to the Residential Tenancies Board. Examples and timelines vary; check guidance on the Boards site for current deadlines.[1]

How-To

  1. Talk to your roommate politely and request specific changes to reduce noise.
  2. Keep a dated log of incidents with times and short descriptions.
  3. Review your lease for noise, nuisance and notice rules.
  4. Contact your landlord, provide your evidence, and ask for a formal response.
  5. If needed, file an application with the Residential Tenancies Board and prepare your documents for hearing.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Residential Tenancies Board (Service NL)
  2. [2] Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador Legislature)
  3. [3] Government of Newfoundland and Labrador - official tenancy forms and guidance

Get connected with a tenant rights attorney

Tell us about your situation and a local attorney may reach out. Free, no obligation.

Please enter a valid email address.
Select a valid location from the list.

We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. We connect tenants with independent attorneys.

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

Was this article helpful?

Thank you for your feedback!
Sarah Mitchell
Sarah Mitchell

Senior Housing Rights Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Sarah has spent over a decade researching tenant legislation across Western Canada, with a particular focus on British Columbia and Alberta. She holds a certificate in Housing Policy from Simon Fraser University and has contributed to several housing advocacy organizations.

Related Articles

You might also need