Living through a break-in is upsetting. If you rent in Newfoundland and Labrador, acting quickly protects your safety, your belongings and your legal rights as a tenant. This guide explains what renters should do immediately after a break-in: contacting police, documenting damage, preserving evidence, notifying your landlord, and using official tenancy resources and forms to seek repairs or compensation. It also explains what landlords are generally required to do about security and repairs, when to apply to the provincial tenancy board, and where to find help in Newfoundland and Labrador. Read on for clear, practical steps and links to the forms and agencies that can assist you.
What to do immediately after a break-in
If you are safe, call 911 or your local police to report the break-in and request an officer. Get the incident number and officer name, then avoid touching potential evidence. Notify your landlord in writing about the incident and any damage to doors, locks or windows so repairs can be arranged.
- Call 911 or local police and ask for a report number and officer details[1].
- Make sure everyone is safe; leave the unit if you feel unsafe and wait elsewhere.
- Preserve evidence: do not clean or repair until you have photographs and a police report.
- Tell your landlord in writing about damage and request urgent repairs where needed.
Documenting damage and evidence
Document everything with photos, date-stamped videos and a written log of what was taken or damaged. Keep receipts for any emergency purchases or temporary repairs you pay for. Good records help with police investigations, insurance claims and any tenancy board application.
- Take clear photos of broken locks, damaged windows, and disturbed areas.
- List missing items with estimated values and any serial numbers or distinctive marks.
- Keep receipts for temporary housing, locks, or emergency repairs you pay for.
Rights, landlord duties and official forms
In Newfoundland and Labrador, tenants and landlords are governed by provincial tenancy rules and the residential tenancy process. In many cases the landlord must repair security features (locks, doors, lighting) to keep the rental fit and safe. If your landlord does not act promptly, you can apply to the provincial tenancy body for an order for repairs or compensation. See official guidance and forms to start a dispute[2].
- Request written repairs from your landlord and keep a dated copy of the request.
- File the official tenancy application form if repairs or compensation are refused or delayed[3].
- Consider insurance or a claim for losses if your landlord is not responsible for stolen personal property.
If you want more on safety and habitability, read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for practical tenant-focused information. For an overview of provincial rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.[2]
FAQ
- Who should I call first after a break-in?
- Call 911 or local police to report the crime and get a report number for insurance and tenancy records.[1]
- Can my landlord enter to make repairs after a break-in?
- Landlords generally must arrange repairs to restore security; they should provide reasonable notice unless it is an emergency. If they do not act, you can apply to the provincial tenancy board for orders.[2]
- What official forms should I use to start a tenancy complaint?
- Use the residential tenancy application form to request orders for repairs or compensation; follow the instructions on the provincial forms page and include your evidence and police report.[3]
How-To
- Call police and get a report number.
- Photograph damage and make a written inventory of stolen items.
- Secure the unit temporarily (locks, boarded windows) and keep receipts for costs.
- Notify your landlord in writing and request urgent repairs.
- Complete and submit the official tenancy application form with your evidence if the landlord does not act.[3]
- Contact tenant advice services or legal aid for help preparing your case.
Help and Support / Resources
- Tenancy forms and applications - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Residential Tenancies Act - Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Call police after a break-in - Royal Newfoundland Constabulary / RCMP
