Renting in Newfoundland and Labrador means knowing which everyday maintenance tasks are yours and which the landlord must handle. Tenants are expected to keep the unit reasonably clean, prevent damage, report needed repairs promptly, and follow simple rules to protect habitability. This guide explains common tenant maintenance duties, how and when to notify your landlord, how to document problems, and practical next steps if repairs are delayed or refused. It uses plain language for renters, points to provincial resources and official forms, and offers step-by-step actions so you can protect your living conditions and your rights while residing in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Who is responsible for maintenance?
Landlords are generally responsible for major repairs and ensuring the rental unit meets health and safety standards. Tenants are usually responsible for minor day-to-day upkeep, cleanliness, and preventing damage caused by neglect or misuse. If a repair affects habitability — like heat, water, or structural safety — the landlord must act quickly. When in doubt, describe the problem in writing to your landlord and keep a copy.
Common tenant maintenance duties
- Clean and remove garbage to avoid pests and odours.
- Change light bulbs and replace fuses where fixtures are tenant-accessible.
- Unplug and safely clear minor clogs in drains if you caused them.
- Operate and maintain appliances expressly provided for tenant care in the lease.
- Prevent damage (for example, avoid drilling without permission and manage moisture to reduce mold).
How to report repairs and document problems
Always report needed repairs in writing (email or text is fine) and include the date, description, and photos if possible. Keep copies of every message and any replies. If a landlord gives a timeline, note it and follow up in writing if the deadline passes. Written records and photos are crucial if you later need to apply to the tribunal.
When the landlord does not fix the issue
If the landlord does not address a serious repair in a reasonable time, you can escalate the matter. For urgent health and safety problems (no heat, major leaks, electrical hazards) call the landlord immediately and follow up in writing. If repairs remain undone, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal[1] for orders requiring repair or other remedies under the Residential Tenancies Act[2].
Routine repairs and emergencies
Routine issues, like a dripping faucet or a broken cabinet hinge, are usually handled through normal communication with your landlord; see guidance on routine responsibilities for details and examples: Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities. For urgent repairs or safety concerns, follow emergency procedures and, when necessary, consult emergency repair guidance: Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
Paying for repairs and deducting costs
Tenants should not normally pay for major repairs. If you arrange an urgent repair to protect safety or property, get a written estimate beforehand if possible, keep receipts, and seek written landlord approval or a tribunal order to recover costs. Never withhold rent to force repairs unless you have a tribunal order allowing it.
Petty damage, cleaning, and wear-and-tear
Normal wear-and-tear from everyday use is not the tenant's financial responsibility; damage from negligence or misuse may be charged at the end of tenancy. Take photos at move-in and move-out to support your case for deposit returns.
FAQ
- What repairs am I responsible for as a tenant?
- Tenants are responsible for everyday cleaning, minor maintenance like changing light bulbs, preventing damage, and reporting issues promptly; landlords handle major repairs and habitability problems.
- What can I do if my landlord ignores a serious repair?
- If a landlord does not address serious repairs, document your communications, keep photos, and consider applying to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal[1] for an order requiring repair or other remedies.
- Can I hire someone to fix an urgent problem and recoup costs?
- You can arrange emergency repairs if necessary to prevent damage or risk, but keep receipts and try to get landlord approval; you may need a tribunal decision to recover costs.
How-To
- Document the problem with dated photos and a written description.
- Notify the landlord in writing, include the issue, date, and request a repair deadline.
- Allow reasonable access for repairs and follow up if no action is taken.
- If unresolved, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal[1] with your evidence and copies of communications.
Help and Support / Resources
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal contact and forms
- Service NL landlord and tenant information and forms
- Residential Tenancies Act guidance and legislation
