If you are a tenant or renter in Newfoundland and Labrador and suspect your landlord has acted against you for asserting your rights, this guide explains what counts as retaliation, the protections in the Residential Tenancies Act, and practical steps to respond. It is written for everyday tenants, avoiding legal jargon, and focuses on rights when asking for repairs, filing complaints, or exercising other tenant protections. You will learn examples of retaliatory behaviour, the penalties a tribunal can order, relevant forms to submit, and where to get help locally so you can protect your housing situation with confidence.
What is retaliation?
Retaliation occurs when a landlord takes negative action against a tenant because the tenant exercised a legal right, such as asking for repairs, filing a complaint about habitability, or joining a tenants' group. In Newfoundland and Labrador the Residential Tenancies Act protects tenants from retaliatory eviction, punitive rent increases, or other penalties for asserting rights under the Act[1].
Protected tenant actions
- Call or complain to the landlord or property manager about repairs or safety
- Submit written requests, notices, or applications about tenancy issues
- Request repairs or report habitability problems like heating, plumbing, or mould
Examples of retaliatory acts
- Serving an eviction notice shortly after a tenant asks for repairs or complains
- Sudden or unreasonable rent increases immediately after a tenant files a complaint
- Changing locks, cutting services, or denying access in retaliation for a complaint
Penalties and remedies under the Act
A tribunal can order several remedies if it finds a landlord acted in retaliation. Remedies can include orders stopping the landlord's actions, monetary awards, and orders restoring tenancy rights. Tenants typically apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to request relief and must use the official application form when filing a complaint[2][3].
- Orders preventing further retaliatory behaviour and protecting the tenant's right to remain
- Monetary compensation granted for losses such as illegal lockouts or unlawful eviction attempts
- Orders addressing eviction or tenancy termination that was improperly served
For a tenant-first explanation of filing complaints and gathering evidence see How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide and for an overview of rights in the province see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.
How to file a retaliation complaint
Below are tenant-focused action steps to prepare and file an application with the tribunal. Follow deadlines in the Act and include clear evidence to support your claim.
- Gather evidence: save written requests, photos, receipts, texts and a timeline showing when events happened.
- Give the landlord a written notice describing the problem and request remediation; keep a copy and a dated record of delivery.
- Complete the official tribunal application form and file it with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, attaching your evidence and a brief timeline of events[3].
- Attend the hearing prepared to explain your timeline, present documents, and answer questions. The tribunal can make orders and award remedies if retaliation is proven.
FAQ
- Can my landlord increase my rent if I complain about repairs?
- No. A rent increase that appears timed to punish a tenant for raising issues can be challenged as retaliatory; you can apply to the tribunal for relief and possible reversal of the increase[1].
- Do I have to use a lawyer to file a complaint?
- No. Tenants can represent themselves at the Residential Tenancies Tribunal; you should bring clear evidence and consider free community legal clinics or tenant support services if you want assistance.
- How quickly should I act if I suspect retaliation?
- Act promptly: document the events, give written notice where appropriate, and file an application with the tribunal within any timelines set by the Act to preserve your rights[2].
How-To
- Collect evidence: photos, dated messages, repair requests, and witness names.
- Send a clear written notice to the landlord asking for the issue to be fixed and keep proof of delivery.
- Fill out and submit the tribunal application form with copies of your evidence and a short timeline.
- Prepare for the hearing: organize documents, make a concise statement, and bring originals or copies of all evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Retaliation by a landlord is prohibited and tenants have remedies under the Residential Tenancies Act.
- Document all communications, dates, photos, and delivery proof to support your case.
- You can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for orders and compensation if retaliation is proven.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Act (Newfoundland and Labrador)
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Application to Residential Tenancies Tribunal (official form)
If you are looking for a new rental or moving after resolving a tenancy issue, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
