Rebuilding Your Rental History After Eviction in Newfoundland and Labrador

Experiencing an eviction can feel overwhelming, but tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador do have a path forward. Rebuilding your rental history after eviction is not only possible—it’s an important step to ensuring you find a safe, stable home in the future. This guide offers practical tips, legal resources, and official supports to help Newfoundland and Labrador tenants reestablish a positive rental record.

Understanding the Impact of Eviction on Your Rental History

Being evicted from a rental unit can affect your ability to rent new homes, as landlords often check references and your rental record. While eviction remains on file, you can still work to demonstrate reliability to future landlords by following best practices and using official supports available in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Who Oversees Evictions and Rental Records in Newfoundland and Labrador?

The official body managing residential tenancies in Newfoundland and Labrador is the Residential Tenancies Office of Service NL. They administer the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, which regulates rental agreements, evictions, and tenant-landlord rights.^[1]

Key Steps to Rebuilding Your Rental History

• Understand Your Rights and Past Issues: Learn from your eviction by reviewing the cause and outcome. Request a copy of any eviction decision from the Residential Tenancies Office, if needed.
• Prepare to Rent Again: When you start looking for new homes, gather documents that show your responsibility—like proof of employment, pay stubs, or personal references.
• Be Honest with Landlords: If a new landlord asks about your eviction, be truthful and explain what’s changed.
• Build Up Positive References: Consider subletting, renting a room, or staying with family while you re-establish a history of paying rent on time.
• Budget and Plan: Make sure you are financially ready for deposits and the first month’s rent. See Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for guidance.

Official Forms and Tenant Actions

If you believe your eviction was made in error or you’d like to address unpaid rent or other issues, you can use several official forms:

• Application for Review (Form RT 3): Used to request the Residential Tenancies Office to review a landlord’s decision (must be filed within 10 days of receiving an order). The form and instructions are available on the Service NL Residential Tenancies Forms Page.
• Agreement for Payment: If you owe money to a previous landlord, you may negotiate a formal repayment plan. Written agreements can be submitted to show good faith when applying elsewhere.

Addressing past debts or showing proactive steps often improves your chances with future landlords.

Securing a New Rental After Eviction

• Check for Health and Safety: Always ensure your new rental meets provincial health and safety standards. Review Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting before signing a new lease.
• Be Familiar with Your Rights: Understanding your responsibilities—and those of your landlord—can prevent future disputes. See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for a complete overview.
• Inspect Your Unit: Before moving in, do a walkthrough with your landlord to document the rental’s condition. This helps avoid conflicts at move-out.
• Keep Good Records: Pay rent on time and keep receipts. Save communication with your landlord in writing if possible.

Where to Search for New Rentals

Looking for your next home? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme, including options within Newfoundland and Labrador.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does an eviction stay on my rental record in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   Eviction records are not part of an official public registry but may be known to local landlords. Most landlords care more about recent history and positive references since your eviction.
2. Can I still get approved for a rental after eviction?
   Yes, but you may need to provide extra documents or references. Honesty and evidence of positive change help during the application process.
3. What forms should I use if I want to challenge my eviction?
   You should file an Application for Review (Form RT 3) within 10 days at the Residential Tenancies Office. Forms are available on the Service NL website.
4. Do I need to pay a new deposit for my next rental?
   Yes, a security deposit (damage deposit) is typically required for a new rental. Review your rights and limits for deposits.
5. Are there tenant advocacy services that can help me?
   Yes, several organizations and provincial government services provide free or low-cost help for tenants facing housing challenges.

Key Takeaways

• An eviction does not end your rental journey—be proactive, honest, and organized to rebuild your history.
• Use official forms and seek help if you wish to challenge an eviction or negotiate debts.
• Always stay informed about your rights and responsibilities to avoid future issues.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (Service NL): Official body for tenancy disputes, applications, and information
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (official legislation)
• Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission: Legal help for qualifying tenants
• End Homelessness Newfoundland and Labrador: Support for tenants seeking housing stability

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^[1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

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