Requesting Repairs in Newfoundland and Labrador: Process & Sample Letter

If you're renting in Newfoundland and Labrador, knowing how to properly request repairs is important for maintaining a safe and comfortable home. The process protects your rights and ensures your landlord is aware of—and responsible for—fixing problems that affect your rental unit under the Residential Tenancies Act (NL). This guide breaks down your options, includes a sample repair request letter, and explains official forms to help you resolve issues smoothly.

Your Rights for Repairs in Newfoundland and Labrador

Both tenants and landlords have responsibilities when it comes to keeping a rental unit in good repair. In Newfoundland and Labrador, landlords must ensure your home meets health, safety, and housing standards, and they are required to carry out repairs promptly. Tenants are expected to report problems as soon as they're noticed.

• Landlords must complete repairs within a reasonable time after being notified
• You're responsible for notifying your landlord about issues in writing for a record
• Emergencies (like flooding or loss of heat in winter) require immediate action—always contact your landlord first, then local authorities if needed

For more details about health and safety matters in rentals, check out Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

How to Request Repairs: The Step-by-Step Process

To formally request a repair in Newfoundland and Labrador, follow these steps to protect your interests and document your case:

• Notify your landlord about the problem in writing (email or letter)
• Keep a dated copy of your request
• Give your landlord a reasonable time to respond and make the repairs
• If the issue isn't resolved, you may file an official application with the Residential Tenancies Office

For routine upkeep and what each party is responsible for, refer to Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Sample Letter for Requesting Repairs

Use this template to request repairs and create a clear record of your communication with your landlord:

Subject: Request for Repairs to Rental Unit
To: [Landlord’s Name & Address]

Dear [Landlord’s Name],

I am writing to inform you of a repair issue in my rental unit at [Your Address]. The problem is: [describe the problem in detail, e.g., "the heater is not working" or "a pipe is leaking under the kitchen sink"].

Please let me know when the repair will be made. I appreciate your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Date]

When (and How) to Use Official Complaint Forms

If your landlord does not fix the problem after your written notice, you can apply to the Residential Tenancies Office. The main form used in these situations is:

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 12): Use this if your landlord does not respond or refuses to repair. This form lets you request an order from an adjudicator, such as requiring repairs or compensation for losses.
  Find Form 12: Application for Dispute Resolution here.
  Practical example: If your landlord ignores a leaking roof that damages your belongings, you can submit this form to the Residential Tenancies Office, along with copies of your repair request and any documentation.

Applications, guides, and information for tenants are available from the Residential Tenancies Office of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Key Information for Tenants

Before completing your application, ensure you have:

• Proof of your communication with your landlord (letters, emails, texts)
• Photos or videos of the problem
• Receipts if you've paid for emergency or urgent repairs yourself

Understanding your rights and steps can help you resolve repair issues early. For a broader overview of tenant and landlord law in the province, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

If you're searching for new accommodations while dealing with unresolved repairs, Browse apartments for rent in Canada for more options.

1. Do I have to keep paying rent if my landlord hasn't fixed something?
   Yes. Tenants must continue paying rent, even if repairs are outstanding. Withholding rent could put you at risk of eviction. Instead, follow the formal repair-request process and, if necessary, contact the Residential Tenancies Office.
2. What is considered a reasonable time for repairs?
   Reasonable time depends on how serious the issue is. Emergencies (like no heat in winter) should be addressed right away, while minor repairs might take longer—generally within a few days to a week after written notice.
3. Can I make repairs myself and deduct the cost from rent?
   Usually, you cannot deduct repair costs from rent without the landlord's agreement or an order from the Residential Tenancies Office. There are exceptions for emergencies if you've given your landlord a chance to fix urgent hazards first.
4. What if my landlord threatens me for requesting repairs?
   Landlords cannot retaliate or threaten tenants for exercising their rights. If you face threats or intimidation, keep records and contact the Residential Tenancies Office for guidance.
5. Who handles disputes about repairs in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   The Residential Tenancies Office is the official government body that mediates and decides disputes between landlords and tenants in the province.

Key Takeaways

• Always make repair requests in writing and keep copies
• Give your landlord reasonable time, but act quickly for emergencies
• Use the official Application for Dispute Resolution if issues go unresolved

Staying informed and documenting each step helps protect your rights as a tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (Newfoundland and Labrador): Forms, guidance, and dispute resolution
• Phone: 709-729-2608 (for general inquiries and applications)
• Legal Aid Newfoundland and Labrador: https://www.legalaid.nl.ca
• Local tenants' associations (if available in your community)

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)
2. Residential Tenancies Office – NL
3. Form 12: Application for Dispute Resolution (Government of NL)
4. Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador

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