Secure Building Access and Intercoms: Tenant Rights in NL

Feeling safe at home is essential for every tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador. Whether you’re moving into a large apartment complex in St. John’s or renting a smaller building, secure access and reliable intercom systems are important for your wellbeing. This article outlines your rights, your landlord's obligations, and practical steps for tenants when security measures aren’t up to standard.

Why Secure Building Access and Intercom Systems Matter

Secure entry, functioning locks, and intercoms provide crucial protection against unauthorized visitors and help tenants feel at ease in their homes. In Newfoundland and Labrador, both landlords and tenants play a role in keeping rentals safe.

Landlord Responsibilities Under the Law

Landlords must ensure that properties, including all entryways, are reasonably secure. While the law does not specify that all types of buildings must have intercoms, multi-unit buildings must have safe, functional entry systems, and any provided intercoms or buzzer systems must be kept in working order. This is outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018^[1]. Key requirements include:

• Securing all external entrances with sturdy, working locks
• Maintaining any installed intercom or buzzer systems
• Promptly addressing broken access doors, lock failures, or malfunctioning intercoms

If these systems break, your landlord is generally responsible for arranging repairs quickly. Failing to repair access-related issues may be treated as a safety or maintenance violation. For more on these responsibilities, check Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Tenant Safety Rights

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a rental property that meets basic safety and security standards. If you notice a broken front door, faulty intercom, or missing buzzer, notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Quick, clear communication often leads to prompt repairs.

In urgent situations—like if your building's main entrance cannot be locked—you can treat this as an emergency repair need.

When Repairs Are Needed: Steps You Can Take

Here are simple actions if your building access or intercom is not secure:

• Document the issue. Take photos or videos of the broken system as evidence.
• Notify your landlord in writing. Clearly describe the problem and request repairs.
• Keep copies of all communications. These will help if you need to escalate the matter.
• Follow up as needed. If repairs aren't made, contact Newfoundland and Labrador’s Residential Tenancies Office for support.

Missing or malfunctioning security features can also impact your overall health and safety in your rental unit. Learn more by reading Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Filing a Complaint or Seeking Resolution

If your landlord does not address safety concerns, you may file an Application for Dispute Resolution with the Residential Tenancies Office. Use the official Tenant’s Application form (Form 6), which is available online:

• Form Name: Application by Tenant (Form 6)
• Use: Tenants seeking to resolve issues like insufficient repairs or building security problems
• Where to get it: Download Form 6 from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Relevant Legislation Protecting Tenant Safety

Section 8 and 26 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 sets out the landlord’s responsibility to provide and maintain a secure premise^[1]. Local building and fire codes may also require certain types of locks and security mechanisms, especially in multi-unit dwellings.

For more detailed information about tenant protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you are considering a move and want secure, well-maintained rental options.

1. What can I do if my building’s main door won’t lock?
   If your main door is not secure, notify your landlord immediately in writing and ask for urgent repairs. If they do not act quickly, contact the Residential Tenancies Office and consider applying for dispute resolution using Form 6.
2. Are landlords required to install intercoms or buzzers?
   No, Newfoundland and Labrador law does not require intercoms in all rentals. But if a system is present, the landlord must keep it working and safe for tenants.
3. Is my landlord allowed to give entry codes or keys to non-tenants?
   Landlords should not give keys or codes to anyone who is not authorized. This could be a breach of your right to privacy and safety. Notify your landlord if you suspect misuse.
4. How can I prove that an access or security issue is affecting my safety?
   Document the issue with photos, videos, and written notes. Save all communication with your landlord. Use this evidence if filing a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office.
5. Where can I find the official forms for tenancy complaints?
   All tenant application forms, including Form 6, are available on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador website.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador must ensure secure access and maintain existing intercoms.
• Submit urgent repair requests in writing when you notice a safety issue.
• Support your concerns with evidence—photos, dates, and written communication help if you need official dispute resolution.

Protect your right to feel safe and at home—address entry and intercom issues quickly, and know that tenant protections are in place to support you.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: Information, forms, and complaint support
• All official residential tenancy forms (including Form 6)
• For broad information about your rights and obligations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador
• If urgent, call the Residential Tenancies Division at 1-877-829-2608 (toll-free in NL)

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (NL) – Section 8: Repair and maintenance; Section 26: Habitable condition

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