Sharing a rental with roommates raises common questions for tenants and renters in Newfoundland and Labrador about pets, support animals and how rights are applied in shared housing. This page explains the difference between a service animal and a pet, how a tenant or roommate can request a reasonable accommodation from a landlord or co-tenant, and the practical steps to resolve disagreements without damaging your tenancy. It is written for non-experts and includes clear examples, the official bodies to contact, and forms you may need if an agreement can’t be reached. Read the steps below to prepare documentation, make requests, and, if necessary, file with the provincial residential tenancy body.
Rights and the law in Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the provincial residential body handles tenancy disputes and provides guidance on reasonable accommodations for service animals. Tenants and roommates should first try to resolve issues with the landlord or property manager and keep written records. For official procedures and filing information, see the provincial residential tenancy resources linked below.[1]
Service animals vs pets: key differences
What is a service animal?
A service animal provides a disability-related function for a person, such as guiding, alerting to medical needs, or mitigating psychiatric symptoms. In most tenancy situations a genuine service animal is treated differently than a pet: landlords and roommates generally must make reasonable accommodations unless there is an undue hardship or a valid safety concern.
What counts as a pet?
Pets are animals kept primarily for companionship. A pet policy in your lease or house rules can limit or prohibit pets, but it cannot automatically override a tenant's right to a reasonable accommodation for a documented service animal.
How to request accommodation from a landlord or roommate
Follow these practical steps when you need an accommodation for a service animal while living with roommates.
- Call or speak with your landlord or housemates to explain the situation and your needs, then follow up in writing.
- Document the medical or disability-related need with supporting letters or records where appropriate, while protecting your privacy.
- Submit a written accommodation request describing the animal, how it assists you, and the specific changes you are asking for.
- Keep records of all communications, receipts for extra cleaning or repairs, and photos if there are property concerns.
When a landlord or roommate refuses
If a landlord or roommate denies the accommodation, ask for the refusal in writing and request the reasons. If a landlord cites safety, allergies, or property damage risk, try proposing reasonable conditions such as an additional clean-up agreement, deposit adjustments if permitted, or regular veterinary checks.
Official forms you may need
Use the province's official application forms to start a dispute or to file a formal request. Typical forms include an application to the residential tenancy body to resolve disputes and any prescribed tenant complaint forms. Below are practical examples of how a tenant might use them.
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Board (or Tribunal): used to ask for a hearing when informal resolution fails; example: a tenant files after a landlord refuses a service animal accommodation and the tenant wants a binding decision.
- Notice or written request templates: used to document the accommodation request; example: a tenant sends a dated written request describing the service animal and the accommodation sought.
Official forms and filing instructions are available from the provincial residential tenancy resources linked in the Help and Support section.[2]
Practical tips when living with roommates
- Discuss expectations about noise, shared spaces, and care responsibilities before the animal moves in.
- Agree on cleaning routines and who pays for any damage beyond normal wear.
- Keep vaccination and vet records accessible to address health or safety concerns without sharing private medical details.
FAQ
- Can a landlord in Newfoundland and Labrador refuse a service animal?
- Generally no, if the animal is a genuine service animal and the tenant requests a reasonable accommodation; a refusal must be justified by undue hardship or a real safety concern and can be challenged with the residential tenancy body.[1]
- Do I have to disclose my medical diagnosis to roommates or my landlord?
- No. Tenants should provide enough information to establish a disability-related need (for example, a letter from a health professional) without disclosing specific medical diagnoses beyond what is necessary.
- What if a roommate has severe allergies?
- Try negotiating reasonable measures such as air purifiers, restricted areas, or extra cleaning. If an agreement can’t be reached, consider mediation or filing with the residential tenancy body for a binding decision.[3]
How-To
- Talk with your landlord and roommates to explain needs and seek an informal agreement.
- Gather supporting documentation such as letters, records, and any relevant vet paperwork.
- Send a written accommodation request to the landlord and keep a dated copy for your records.
- If refused, prepare and file an application with the provincial residential tenancy body following their form instructions.
- Attend any hearing with copies of your evidence and a clear explanation of the accommodation you need.
Key Takeaways
- Service animals are treated differently than pets when tied to a documented disability-related need.
- Always make accommodation requests in writing and keep organized records.
- Try to resolve roommate disputes informally first, then use provincial dispute processes if needed.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Board - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Landlord and Tenant Information - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
- [1] Residential Tenancies Board - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- [2] Landlord and Tenant Information - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- [3] Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
Additional tenant resources: Search pet-friendly rentals on Houseme.ca and check local listings when considering a move.
For health and safety concerns related to animals in a rental, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and consult provincial guidance.
For broader information on rights in this province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.
