Roommate Rights and Responsibilities in Newfoundland & Labrador

Living with roommates in Newfoundland and Labrador can be a great way to share costs and avoid loneliness, but it also brings unique rights and responsibilities for everyone involved. Whether you’re the main tenant on the lease or moving into an existing shared place, understanding the legal landscape helps you avoid disputes and protect your interests.

Understanding Roommate Arrangements

Roommate situations in Newfoundland and Labrador can fall into different legal categories:

• Co-tenants: All roommates have signed the lease with the landlord. Each co-tenant is directly responsible to the landlord for the full rent and lease obligations.
• Subtenants: One roommate rents from another tenant, not directly from the landlord. The main tenant (head tenant) acts as a landlord to the subtenant.
• Occupants/Guests: Someone living in the rental who is not on the lease and not paying the landlord or main tenant directly. Their legal protections may be limited.

The Residential Tenancies Office of Newfoundland and Labrador handles disputes for most residential tenancies, but does not get involved in roommate conflicts unless all parties are official tenants under the lease.^[1]

Legal Rights of Roommates

Your rights depend on your status as a tenant or subtenant:

• If you signed the lease with your landlord, you are covered under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.^[2]
• Subtenants and occupants may not have the same legal protections. If you pay rent to another tenant (not the landlord), your eviction risk increases if the main tenant is evicted or leaves.
• All tenants have the right to a safe, livable home. You can request repairs and expect your privacy to be respected.

Roommates are jointly responsible for following the rental agreement (lease). If the full rent is not paid, the landlord can, in most cases, pursue any or all tenants for the outstanding balance. It is important to discuss rent division and payment procedures in advance so everyone understands their obligations.

Dealing with Security Deposits

Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador can collect a security deposit of up to three-quarters of one month’s rent. Only those named on the lease are eligible to have their portion of the deposit returned when they move out. If you are moving in as a new roommate later, clarify with the landlord how your security deposit will be handled. For more details, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Responsibilities Shared Among Roommates

Living together means sharing more than just expenses. Common legal and practical responsibilities for roommates include:

• Rent Payment: Each co-tenant is legally responsible to ensure full rent is paid on time. If one roommate does not pay, others may be held accountable. For details, visit Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.
• Property Care: All tenants must keep the unit clean, avoid damaging the property, and promptly report repairs to the landlord.
• Respect and Quiet Enjoyment: Roommates are entitled to live free from harassment or substantial interference by others in the household.

Ending a Roommate Arrangement

Ending roommate relationships can be tricky, especially if not everyone is on the lease. All official tenants remain liable for rent unless released by the landlord. If you want to leave early, inform the landlord in writing and check what notice you are required to give.

In some cases, if a roommate leaves, remaining tenants may need to find a replacement, or risk owing the full rent themselves. For comprehensive advice on ending tenancy, see How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant.

Roommate Issues: Seeking Help

Most roommate conflicts (over chores, shared expenses, noise, etc.) fall outside the jurisdiction of the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Office. These are considered private civil matters. However, disputes affecting the condition of the property, rent payments, or lease obligations may be handled under provincial tenancy law if all involved are tenants.

If you and your roommate(s) are in dispute about rent or repairs, consider mediation before escalating to legal action. Communication and written agreements are your best tools for prevention.

For more detail on common rental concerns, visit Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Relevant Forms for Roommates and Tenants

• Notice of Termination (Form L1): Used by tenants to give notice to end their tenancy. For example, if you are a co-tenant and wish to move out at the end of your lease, fill and submit this notice to your landlord, following the timelines mandated by law.
• Application to the Director (Form L5): Used if you need to resolve a legal dispute related to the tenancy (e.g., a disagreement with a landlord over return of the deposit). Submit this form to the Residential Tenancies Office.

Always use the latest forms directly from the official Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Forms page.

For a full summary of rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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1. Do I need my landlord’s approval to add a new roommate?
   Yes. In Newfoundland and Labrador, you must get your landlord’s permission before adding a new tenant to the lease. Otherwise, the new person may have fewer legal protections.
2. Am I responsible for my roommate’s share of rent?
   If you are a co-tenant (lease signer), you are jointly and severally liable. This means the landlord can ask you to pay the whole rent if your roommate does not pay their share.
3. What can I do if a roommate damages property?
   If all roommates are on the lease, everyone may share liability for damages. You can try to resolve it privately; if serious, the landlord may claim part or all of the security deposit.
4. What should I do if I want to move out before my lease ends?
   Notify your landlord in writing as early as possible using the Notice of Termination form. Discuss your departure with remaining roommates and review your responsibilities for rent and the deposit.
5. Does the Residential Tenancies Office resolve disputes between roommates?
   No, unless all are official tenants or directly party to the lease. Most disputes between roommates are civil matters best handled outside the Office.

Roommate situations in Newfoundland and Labrador require clear communication and a strong understanding of both legal and practical rights and responsibilities. When in doubt, make agreements in writing and consult official resources.

• Only co-tenants on the lease have full rights and protections under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.
• Everyone on the lease is responsible for the whole rent and for keeping the unit in good condition.
• Most roommate conflicts must be resolved privately or through the courts—not the provincial tenancy office.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office of Newfoundland and Labrador: Filing forms, questions on tenancy rights, and official mediation.
• Community Legal Information NL: Non-profit legal information and resources for renters.
• Public Legal Information Association of NL: Free guides and support for tenants’ issues.
• For a comprehensive legal overview, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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1. [1] Residential Tenancies Office of Newfoundland and Labrador: official site
2. [2] See the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 of Newfoundland and Labrador

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