Newfoundland and Labrador Tenant Maintenance & Repairs Guide

Maintenance & Repairs Newfoundland and Labrador published July 01, 2025 Flag of Newfoundland and Labrador

Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador is essential for a safe, well-maintained home. The province's Residential Tenancies Act sets clear rules about who is responsible for repairs, maintenance standards, and what to do if things aren't fixed. Whether you’re dealing with leaky plumbing, broken heating, or need to understand the complaint process, this guide gives you a complete overview of how maintenance and repairs laws work for tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Who Is Responsible for Rental Unit Maintenance?

Maintenance is a shared responsibility, but the law requires landlords to:

  • Maintain the property in a good state of repair and fit for habitation
  • Comply with health, safety, housing, and building standards

As a tenant, you’re expected to keep your home reasonably clean, report needed repairs, and not cause damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Common Landlord Maintenance Duties

  • Providing working heating and plumbing systems
  • Maintaining safety features (smoke detectors, locks)
  • Ensuring the structure is weatherproof
  • Carrying out repairs due to normal aging or malfunction

Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities

  • Notifying the landlord in writing when a repair is needed
  • Keeping the rental unit clean
  • Repairing any damage caused by yourself or your guests

For further details, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How to Request Repairs in Newfoundland and Labrador

If you notice a problem requiring repair, act quickly. Here’s how:

  • Document the issue (take photos or videos)
  • Contact your landlord in writing (email or dated letter is best)
  • Be specific about the problem and request timelines for repair

Official Maintenance Request Form

Although not mandatory, it’s recommended to use a written record. If you need to file for repairs through the province, the Residential Tenancies Tribunal handles such disputes.

Form: Application for Repairs
Use when your landlord has not resolved a maintenance issue after reasonable notice. Access the Application for Repairs (Form RTF6) at the official government site.
Example: You made two written requests about a leaking roof, but nothing has been done. You can file Form RTF6 with the Tribunal and include proof of your communication with the landlord.

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Emergency vs. Routine Repairs

Some issues require immediate action. Emergency repairs are problems that threaten health, safety, or the building’s security (like no heat in winter or burst pipes). For emergencies, notify your landlord right away—written/phone is best. If the landlord cannot be reached or delays repairs, you may be permitted to arrange the repair and seek reimbursement. Always keep receipts and document all communication.

Routine repairs, like a dripping faucet or loose cabinet, should be reported in writing and handled within a reasonable timeframe. For an overview of handling urgent situations, visit Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Health and Safety Standards

Your landlord must ensure the rental property meets health and safety codes. If you have concerns about mold, pests, or structural problems, you may reach out to your local municipal office—or, if unresolved, to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

For tips on identifying health risks in your home, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Filing a Complaint: When Repairs Aren’t Done

If your landlord refuses or fails to make necessary repairs, you have the legal right to file an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal of Newfoundland and Labrador.

  • Gather copies of all requests, photos, and communication
  • Complete and submit the Application for Repairs (Form RTF6)
  • You may attend a hearing where both you and your landlord can explain your sides
  • If the Tribunal finds in your favour, the landlord can be ordered to perform repairs or compensate you

More information on the Tribunal and procedures is available on the Residential Tenancies Tribunal Newfoundland and Labrador website.

Relevant Laws and Where to Learn More

  1. What repairs are landlords required to complete?
    Landlords must fix essential services (heating, plumbing, electrical), structural issues, and anything affecting health, safety, or the reasonable enjoyment of the unit.
  2. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t fix something?
    No, withholding rent is not allowed unless approved by an order from the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. Instead, file a complaint and follow the official processes.
  3. How quickly must a landlord perform repairs?
    Emergency repairs should be handled immediately. Routine repairs must be done within a reasonable time, which varies based on the issue's urgency.
  4. Who pays for damages I or my guests cause?
    Tenants are responsible for repairing or paying for any damage (other than normal wear and tear) caused by themselves or guests.
  5. What if repairs are not done after a Tribunal order?
    If a landlord ignores a Tribunal repair order, you can request enforcement through the provincial court system.
  1. How do I request repairs from my landlord?
    Notify your landlord in writing. Be clear, specific, and keep copies of your communications for your records.
  2. How do I file an official repair complaint?
    Complete and submit the Application for Repairs (Form RTF6) to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, including your evidence.
  3. How can I prove my repair request?
    Use dated emails, photos, letters, and notes from any conversations. Keeping a record helps support your case if you need to escalate it.

Key Takeaways

  • Landlords must keep rentals safe and in good repair. Tenants must promptly report problems and maintain cleanliness.
  • If a landlord fails to make required repairs, tenants can apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal using Form RTF6.
  • Emergency repairs require immediate action—communicate fast and keep proof of all requests.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. [1] Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 – Newfoundland and Labrador
  2. [2] Residential Tenancies Tribunal Newfoundland and Labrador
  3. [3] Application for Repairs (Form RTF6)

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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