If you're a renter in Newfoundland and Labrador and your landlord isn't addressing health or safety concerns—like mould, pests, lack of heat, or unsafe living conditions—you have the right to seek help. The government of Newfoundland and Labrador sets clear standards that landlords must follow for rental unit health and habitability, under the Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)[1]. If your unit has unresolved issues that could impact your well-being, you can report your landlord to public health authorities.
Understanding Tenant Health and Safety Rights
Landlords must provide safe, clean, and livable homes. Issues that might justify reporting can include:
- Persistent mould or dampness
- Structural hazards (e.g. broken stairs, ceilings, or windows)
- Lack of running water, heat, or power
- Infestations of insects, rodents, or other pests
- Sewage backups or uncollected garbage
Addressing these issues early protects your health and tenancy. For more details, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
How to Report a Health or Safety Issue
Step 1: Notify Your Landlord in Writing
Before reporting to public health, inform your landlord in writing about the health or safety problem. Include:
- A clear description of the issue
- How it impacts your living conditions
- A request for prompt repairs or corrections
- The date you expect resolution (reasonable time frame)
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Document the problem with:
- Photos or videos of the issue
- Notes on when the problem started
- Details about its effect on your health or comfort
These records will support your case when contacting authorities.
Step 3: Contact Your Regional Public Health Office
If your landlord does not act promptly, reach out to the Environmental Health division of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Their public health inspectors investigate housing conditions that violate health standards.
Find your local public health office: List of Regional Environmental Health Offices (official site)
- Call or email your regional office to report the problem
- Provide your address, landlord's contacts, and issue summary
- Share your written notice and any supporting evidence
Relevant Forms
- Complaint Form (Environmental Health): Official form for reporting substandard housing conditions. Typically required for written complaints.
Download the form: Environmental Health Complaint Form (Newfoundland and Labrador)- When to use: If your landlord refuses or ignores requests for urgent repairs to health-related problems (e.g., persistent mould, unsafe facilities).
- How to use: Fill out your information, the landlord's contact, and describe the health violation. Attach any evidence. Submit to your regional public health office as shown in the form instructions.
Step 4: Follow Up
Inspectors may contact you for more details and will usually visit your rental to assess the health complaint. If violations are found, they can order your landlord to make repairs within a set time. Failure to comply may result in penalties or further action under the Residential Tenancies Act[1].
Other Options: Applying to the Residential Tenancies Office
The Residential Tenancies Office of Newfoundland and Labrador handles formal disputes between tenants and landlords, including those involving repairs or maintenance. If your landlord fails to act after a health inspector's order, you can also file for dispute resolution. Learn about your additional options and rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Reporting serious issues not only protects your well-being but can improve housing standards for all tenants. For information on related issues such as pest infestations, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.
If your health or safety is at immediate risk (e.g. sewage overflow, carbon monoxide, fire hazard), contact your local emergency services first.
For more rental information, you can also Browse apartments for rent in Canada and review safer, better-managed homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What issues can I report to public health?
Any rental issue that risks your health—like mould, pest infestations, no heat, plumbing failures, lack of running water, or unsafe structures—should be reported for investigation. - Do I need to notify my landlord before contacting public health?
Yes, you should first notify your landlord in writing and provide reasonable time for them to fix the problem. If they do not act, then contact public health. - Will my landlord be informed if I report them?
Yes, public health inspectors must contact the landlord and may conduct a site visit. Your identity is needed for inspection, but your complaint is handled professionally. - Can my landlord evict me for reporting?
No. Newfoundland and Labrador law prohibits landlords from retaliating or evicting tenants for making good faith health or safety complaints. - Where can I find official complaint forms?
You can download forms directly from the government: Environmental Health Complaint Form (Newfoundland and Labrador).
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
- Start by notifying your landlord in writing about health concerns.
- Gather clear evidence to support your complaint.
- Report unresolved issues to regional public health and, if necessary, to the Residential Tenancies Office.
- Know your rights: Landlords can't retaliate against tenants who report in good faith.
Timely action protects both your well-being and your rights as a tenant.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Residential Tenancies Office, NL: Dispute Resolution and Tenant Help
- Find Your Regional Public Health Office
- NL Housing Corporation: Life and Health Safety Program
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador
