What to do when you find a plumbing leak
Act quickly to reduce damage and protect your safety. Small leaks can become large problems fast, so take these steps as soon as you notice damp patches, dripping, or pooling water.
- Turn off the water at the nearest shut-off valve; shut off the main if the leak is severe and you can do so safely.
- Contain or move furniture, electronics, and personal items away from the water to avoid further damage.
- Notify your landlord or property manager immediately, using a written message (email or text) so there is a clear record.
- Take dated photos and video, and keep a short written log of when you first noticed the leak and any steps you took.
Document the leak with clear photos or video and note the date and time for every entry.
Landlord and tenant responsibilities in NL
Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining plumbing and ensuring the rental is fit and safe. Tenants must avoid causing damage and must notify the landlord when a problem occurs. For practical details about who pays for routine versus emergency repairs, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and consider guidance for urgent problems in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
In most cases, landlords must make major plumbing repairs to keep a unit habitable.
When to use official forms or apply to the tribunal
If the landlord does not start timely repairs after you have given notice, you can use official complaint or application processes to ask for an order to compel repairs or compensation. Learn the steps and available forms from the provincial residential tenancies office [1] and the legislation that outlines repair obligations [2].
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal — use this when repairs are delayed and you want a formal decision; include photos, logs, and copies of notices to your landlord.
- Formal repair notice or written request — send a dated written notice describing the problem, the steps you took, and a reasonable deadline for the repair.
- Damage claim form or compensation request — keep receipts for emergency mitigation (like a temporary plumber) to support any claim for reimbursement.
Keep copies of every message, receipt, photo, and repair log to support any tribunal application.
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How to reduce damage and protect your deposit
Quick action and clear records can reduce loss and make any later dispute easier to resolve.
- Keep dated photos and videos of the leak and any progress toward repair or mitigation.
- Save all receipts for temporary repairs, cleaners, or replacement items you had to buy because of the leak.
- Tell your landlord about the cost and provide copies of receipts before assuming deduction from your deposit; give them a chance to reimburse you.
- If a landlord refuses to act and the situation is urgent, you may hire a qualified tradesperson and seek reimbursement or tribunal relief later — but follow local rules on prior notice where possible.
Early, written communication often leads to faster repairs and fewer disputes.
FAQ
- Who is responsible for fixing a plumbing leak?
- Generally the landlord is responsible for repairs to plumbing systems unless the tenant caused the damage through negligence; tenants should report leaks promptly and in writing.
- How long does a landlord have to fix a leak?
- There is no single deadline for every case, but landlords are expected to act within a reasonable time, with faster action required for urgent leaks that affect habitability.
- Can I hire someone and deduct the cost from my rent or deposit?
- Only in limited circumstances and usually after providing written notice and reasonable time; keep receipts and check tribunal guidance before deducting costs.
How-To
- Stop or contain the leak immediately if it is safe to do so, and secure your personal items.
- Notify the landlord in writing right away and include photos or video of the leak.
- Allow the landlord reasonable access to inspect and repair the issue, scheduling a time that respects your privacy.
- If repairs are not underway within a reasonable period, file the official application or complaint with the provincial residential tenancies office and attach your evidence.
- If you incur emergency expenses, keep all receipts and include them with any tribunal application for reimbursement.
Help and Support / Resources
- Service NL: Residential Tenancies information and contacts
- Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: legislation and official acts
- Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
