Tenant Action Steps for Unsafe Employer Housing in Newfoundland and Labrador

If you’re a tenant living in employer-provided housing in Newfoundland and Labrador and feel your housing conditions are unsafe, it’s vital to know your legal rights and the steps you can take. Unsafe conditions—such as mold, pests, faulty wiring, lack of running water, or structural dangers—can threaten your health and security. This guide explains the legal protections available for employer housing tenants, practical steps to resolve unsafe situations, and where to seek help in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Your Right to Safe and Healthy Housing

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 of Newfoundland and Labrador, all tenants—including those in employer-provided housing—have the right to a home that meets basic health and safety standards. Landlords must maintain the property in a condition that ensures your wellbeing. This includes ensuring that utilities work, there are no infestations, and the property complies with local health and building codes.

• Tenants should never have to live with hazards like exposed wiring, broken heating, or chronic leaks.
• If your housing is unsafe, your landlord (including an employer renting you the unit) must take action.

For more details about common hazards, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What Counts as an Unsafe Condition?

Unsafe conditions can take many forms. Common examples in employer housing include:

• Lack of heat, water, or electricity
• Pest infestations (bed bugs, mice, cockroaches, etc.)
• Mold or mildew affecting air quality
• Unsafe stairs, windows, or locks
• Structural damage posing injury risk
• Broken or missing smoke/CO detectors

If you experience any of these, you have the right to request repairs or improvements.

Immediate Steps to Take If Your Employer Housing is Unsafe

To address unsafe conditions, tenants should act promptly, clearly, and in writing when possible.

1. Document the Problem: Write down when the problem started. Take photos or videos as evidence. Keep a record of all correspondence with your employer-landlord.
2. Notify Your Employer-Landlord in Writing: Clearly explain the issue and ask for repairs. Note the date and keep a copy. Written notice protects your rights if the issue is not fixed promptly.
3. Contact Local Health or Building Inspectors: If your landlord doesn’t respond quickly (usually within a reasonable time), you may contact municipal authorities for an inspection. A report from an inspector can strongly support your case.
4. Apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal: If conditions remain unsafe, tenants can file a claim with the official tribunal.

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal of Newfoundland and Labrador oversees these issues. You can contact or apply through their official website.

Required Forms: What to File and When

As a tenant, you may need to file a formal application to resolve your issue. Key forms include:

• Tenant’s Application to Resolve a Dispute (Form 6)
  When to Use: File this form if your landlord/employer fails to fix unsafe conditions after written notice. For example, if you notified them about a lack of heat and nothing changes after several days, use Form 6 to request an order for repairs or a rent reduction.
  Download Form 6 from the official source
• Notice to Remedy (Form 2)
  When to Use: Although typically issued by landlords, tenants may provide written notice to their employer-landlord demanding the problem be fixed. This should outline the issue and request prompt action.

Forms must be submitted to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Ensure you include supporting evidence—photos, reports, and written communication.

Tip: Always keep copies of all documents and communications. If there’s an urgent threat to health or safety, call local authorities or public health inspectors right away.

What the Tribunal Can Do for You

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal can order repairs, award compensation, or allow you to withhold rent if unsafe conditions are proven and were not addressed. On occasion, the tribunal may permit you to terminate your tenancy early without penalty if conditions are severe. All orders from the tribunal are legally binding for both you and your employer-landlord.

Other Tenant Rights and Related Concerns

Employer-provided housing does not limit your rights under the law. For more on general rights and responsibilities, see Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them. It’s important to know that any attempts by your employer to threaten eviction or retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions are prohibited under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.

Need to search for safe housing alternatives? Browse apartments for rent in Canada and start your search for a better living situation today.

To learn more about your local tenant rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my employer refuses to address unsafe housing conditions?
   You should notify them in writing, document the conditions, and if unresolved, file an application (Form 6) with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. If your safety is at immediate risk, contact local authorities or health inspectors.
2. Is my employer required to follow the same laws as any landlord?
   Yes. Employer-landlords must uphold all obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, and cannot deny you basic health and safety rights.
3. Can I withhold rent if my employer doesn’t do repairs?
   Not without Tribunal approval. File an application first and wait for an order permitting you to withhold rent or end your lease without penalty.
4. How can I prove my employer housing is unsafe?
   Document everything—take photos, keep written records, and get inspection reports if possible. Evidence helps support your case with the Tribunal.
5. Where can I find help if English is not my first language?
   Contact the Residential Tenancies Tribunal—they can arrange for translation services or refer you to local tenant advocacy groups for additional support.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Your right to safe housing applies equally when renting from your employer.
• Document unsafe conditions and report them in writing to your employer-landlord quickly.
• If the problem is not fixed, file Form 6 with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal for legal remedies.

Prompt action and thorough documentation will help you protect your rights and well-being.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (file applications, find forms, contact info)
• Local Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation support and complaint lines
• For health or building safety emergencies: Your local municipal offices
• Community tenant advocacy services may be available in larger towns and cities

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador): Full text of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018
2. Residential Tenancies Tribunal: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Tribunal Portal
3. Official forms: Application Forms and Notices
4. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing: Provincial Housing Programs and Resources

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