Rent Control Exemptions in Newfoundland and Labrador

Understanding rent control is crucial for tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador. While some protections cap how much your rent can increase, certain properties and situations may be exempt. This article breaks down what rent control means in this province, which units are covered, and what you can do if your home is not protected.

What Is Rent Control in Newfoundland and Labrador?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, rent control limits how much and how often a landlord can increase your rent. These rules are part of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018^[1]. While there is no annual cap on rent increases, landlords must give proper notice and follow strict guidelines for timing and frequency.

Who Is Covered by Rent Control?

Most residential tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador are covered by the Act's rules, including:

• Tenants renting apartments, duplexes, single homes, or basement suites
• Boarding or rooming houses with at least three boarders

However, there are some key exemptions where rent control does not apply.

Rent Control Exemptions: Which Rentals Are Not Covered?

The following types of housing are exempt from rent control, meaning landlords are not required to follow the standard rules around rent increases:

• Commercial rental properties
• Mobile homes (if you own the structure but rent the land only)
• Temporary accommodations such as hotels or motels
• Units where sharing kitchen or bathroom facilities with the owner
• Social or subsidized housing with agreements outside the Act

If your rental falls under one of these exemptions, it is important to know your rights and what steps you can take to avoid unreasonable rent increases or disputes.

Rent Increase Notice Requirements

Even if a rental is exempt from rent control, other notice rules may still apply. For covered tenancies, landlords must provide written notice:

• 12 weeks (3 months) in advance for weekly or monthly tenancies
• At least the greater of 3 months or one rental period for fixed-term tenancies after the term ends

The notice must be in writing and state both the proposed new rent and the date it takes effect. The official form for this is Form RTB-12: Notice of Rent Increase. For a practical example: if your landlord wishes to increase your rent starting June 1, they must give written notice by March 1 using Form RTB-12.

• Form RTB-12: Notice of Rent Increase (download)
• All Tenancy Forms – Government of NL

Disputing a Rent Increase or Exemption

If you feel your home has been wrongly classified as exempt, or you disagree with a rent increase, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Section (Service NL). This is the tribunal that hears tenancy disputes in the province. You will need to submit the official Application to Director (Form RTB-1), explaining your situation and the relief you are seeking. Tenants can use this process to challenge increases or clarify if their property is covered under the Act.

• Form RTB-1: Application to Director (download)

Filing an application is free and can often be done by email or in person at your nearest Service NL location.

Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

Knowing whether your unit is rent-controlled or exempt helps protect you from unfair treatment. For more on your rights and the responsibilities of both tenants and landlords, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you have general questions about your tenancy, the page Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador provides a helpful overview.

To manage rent payments effectively, including what to do if a rent increase affects your budget, check Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

For more options and to compare rental prices, Browse apartments for rent in Canada to discover new listings that fit your budget.

FAQ: Rent Control Exemptions in Newfoundland and Labrador

1. Are all rentals in Newfoundland and Labrador covered by rent control?
   No, some rentals such as hotel rooms, commercial units, and units where facilities are shared with the owner are exempt from rent control rules.
2. How much can my landlord increase my rent if my unit is not exempt?
   While there is no capped percentage, the landlord must give written notice: 12 weeks for monthly/week-to-week tenancies or as per the Residential Tenancies Act.
3. What should I do if I get a notice for a rent increase I don’t agree with?
   If you believe the notice isn’t valid or your unit is wrongly considered exempt, submit Form RTB-1 to challenge the rent increase through the Residential Tenancies Section.
4. Where can I get the official notice forms for rent increases or disputes?
   Download them from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s forms page.
5. Do the exemptions apply to affordable or subsidized housing?
   Some social and subsidized housing programs may have separate agreements, so always confirm if your agreement is governed outside the Residential Tenancies Act.

Key Takeaways

• Most tenants are covered by rent control rules, but key exemptions exist.
• Landlords must provide written notice using official forms for rent increases.
• Disputes can be brought before the Residential Tenancies Section with the right forms.

Always review your rental agreement and official resources for the latest updates on rent control rules and exemptions in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Section (Service NL) – Information, dispute forms, and contacts
• Official Tenancy Forms – Download notices, applications, and templates
• Public Legal Information Association of NL – Free legal information and tenant support

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 – Full Text of Legislation
2. Residential Tenancies Section (Service NL) – Official Tribunal Website
3. Government of NL Tenancy Forms – Download Portal

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