What maintenance am I as a tenant responsible for?

Tenants must keep the rental unit clean, dispose of garbage, prevent damage, and handle minor tasks such as replacing light bulbs or batteries.

Who is responsible for major repairs?

Landlords are generally responsible for major repairs and ensuring the rental is safe and habitable, unless the tenant caused the damage.

What can I do if my landlord won’t fix something?

You can apply for dispute resolution using Form 6 at the Residential Tenancies Office if your landlord neglects urgent repairs.

Can my landlord charge me for minor repairs?

Only if the repairs are due to damage caused by you, your guests, or your pets—not for normal wear and tear.

Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities Newfoundland and Labrador

Moving In / Out Newfoundland and Labrador published June 13, 2025

Understanding your maintenance duties as a tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador is essential for a smooth rental experience and to safeguard your rights. Whether you're moving in or already renting, knowing what you’re responsible for and what’s on your landlord can help prevent disputes and maintain a healthy living environment.

Who Handles Maintenance in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, both tenants and landlords have specific responsibilities when it comes to the upkeep of a rental unit, as outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)^[1]. Generally, landlords must keep the property in a good state of repair and comply with health, safety, and housing standards. However, tenants are obligated to maintain cleanliness and avoid causing damage, aside from normal wear and tear.

Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities

As a tenant, your key maintenance obligations include:

Keeping your rental unit clean and sanitary
Promptly disposing of garbage and recycling
Preventing damage caused by you, your guests, or pets
Reporting any repairs or hazards to your landlord as soon as possible
Handling minor upkeep like replacing light bulbs and smoke alarm batteries

Tenants are not typically required to do major repairs or anything outside regular upkeep. If something in the unit breaks due to no fault of your own, it's your landlord’s responsibility to fix it.

Common Issues: Repairs, Mold, and Safety

When issues such as broken appliances or mold arise, it's important to understand the process. Tenants must notify landlords about required repairs in writing, keeping a dated copy for their records.

Health and safety hazards—such as faulty wiring, persistent moisture, or pests—should always be addressed by the landlord. Learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Tip: Always communicate with your landlord in writing (email or letter) about repairs and keep records. This protects your rights and ensures clear documentation.

Routine and Emergency Repairs

Routine repairs are everyday maintenance issues like leaking faucets or worn-out appliances. Emergency repairs address situations that put health or safety at immediate risk (e.g., no heat in winter, major leaks).

If your landlord doesn't respond promptly to a repair request, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Office for help. Find more on this in Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities and Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

What About Inspections and Moving Out?

Landlords often inspect the property at move-in and move-out to check for any damages beyond normal wear. Tenants are encouraged to participate in these inspections. To understand what’s expected, see Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Forms and How to Address Repair Disputes

If you can’t resolve a maintenance issue with your landlord, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO), the official board handling rental disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador. Use the following form:

Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 6): Use this form to apply for a hearing when there's a dispute about maintenance, repairs, or other tenancy matters. You can find Form 6 here (Government of NL).

For example, if your landlord refuses to repair a broken heater in winter after repeated requests, you would fill out Form 6, submit it to the RTO, and they would schedule a hearing.

Summary of Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords have obligations that, when respected, create a fair and safe rental experience. For a full overview, check Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Looking for new places to live? Browse apartments for rent in Canada quickly and easily with Houseme’s helpful map tools.

Need more Newfoundland and Labrador-specific information? Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador for a clear summary of your protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What maintenance am I as a tenant responsible for?
Tenants must keep their unit clean, avoid damage, dispose of garbage, and handle minor upkeep such as changing light bulbs or batteries.
Who is responsible for major repairs?
Landlords are responsible for major repairs and anything that affects the habitability or safety of the unit, unless the tenant caused the damage.
What can I do if my landlord won’t fix something?
If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you may apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancies Office using Form 6.
How should I report a repair issue?
Contact your landlord in writing, provide clear details of the problem, and keep copies for your records in case of dispute.
Can my landlord charge me for minor repairs?
Only if you, your guests, or your pets caused the damage. Normal wear and tear is not chargeable to the tenant.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

Tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador must keep their rental unit clean and report problems promptly.
Major repairs and anything impacting health or safety are the landlord’s responsibility.
Unresolved disputes can be addressed through the Residential Tenancies Office, using official forms.

Quick summary: Know your rights and duties, maintain clear communication, and use provincial forms and services if issues arise.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Office – Newfoundland and Labrador: Information, forms, and dispute resolution services.
Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 6)
Consumer Affairs: Tenant Rights NL: Plain-language guidance for tenants.
Local tenant advocacy groups or legal aid services (contact information available via provincial government websites).