Tenant Rights for Seasonal Workers in Newfoundland and Labrador

Seasonal work is a vital part of Newfoundland and Labrador's economy, attracting workers from across Canada and beyond. If you’re a seasonal worker renting a home—short-term or part-year—understanding your rights and obligations as a tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador is essential to enjoying a safe, fair, and stable living situation. This article guides you through the key legal protections, important forms, and practical steps for seasonal renters, from deposits to inspections and ending your tenancy smoothly.

Overview: Seasonal Workers and Residential Tenancy Law

In Newfoundland and Labrador, all tenants—including seasonal or part-year workers—are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018^[1]. Whether you’re staying for a few months during fishing, tourism, or agriculture work, or returning each year, your rental situation has legal rights.

What Defines a Seasonal Tenancy?

• Often short-term (a few months, coinciding with seasonal work periods)
• Can be fixed-term (set start and end date) or month-to-month
• May have unique clauses in the rental agreement—always review before signing

Both landlords and tenants must follow the rules set out in the Residential Tenancies Act, regardless of the season or duration.

Your Key Rights as a Seasonal Tenant

• Right to a Written Agreement: A written lease is highly recommended, even for short stays. This protects you and outlines expectations.
• Security of Tenure: Seasonal tenants cannot be evicted without proper notice and for legal reasons listed in the Act.
• Deposit Limits: Landlords can request a rental deposit, but amounts and rules are regulated.
• Safe, Well-Maintained Housing: The landlord must provide a safe, healthy, and properly maintained place to live.
• Privacy: Your landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the unit (except in emergencies).

For the full scope of tenant and landlord obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Rental Deposits

Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador can request a rental deposit (often called a security deposit). This deposit cannot exceed the amount of one month's rent or $400, whichever is less. When your tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned with interest, provided the unit is left undamaged and clean.

Learn more about deposit rules at Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Move-In and Move-Out Inspections

The initial inspection is important for documenting the condition of your rental. Although not mandatory in NL, it’s wise to request a written inspection at move-in and move-out.

Check our Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants for helpful tips.

Essential Forms for Seasonal Tenants

Seasonal tenants may need to use specific forms, especially when giving notice or dealing with issues. Here are the key forms, directly from Service NL – Residential Tenancies Division:

• Notice to Terminate – By Tenant (Form RTB-11): Use this form if you wish to end your tenancy early or at the end of your agreed term. Example: you are finishing your seasonal job and plan to return home; provide written notice by completing Form RTB-11 and give it to your landlord. Notice periods are generally one month for month-to-month leases and as stated in your agreement for fixed-term leases.
• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RTB-12): If you face a dispute over rent, repairs, or eviction, file Form RTB-12 with the Residential Tenancies Division to request a hearing.

Tip: Always keep copies of submitted forms and written communications for your records.

Ending Your Seasonal Rental

Ending your tenancy involves more than just moving out:

• Give the proper written notice using the right form
• Clean and repair any tenant-caused damage
• Request a move-out inspection and document the condition
• Submit your new address for return of your security deposit

This ensures you leave on good terms and get your deposit back. For guidance, read How to Get Your Security Deposit Back with Interest When Moving Out.

What to Do About Repairs and Maintenance

Your landlord is legally responsible for repairs and ensuring the unit meets health and safety standards. As a tenant, you must promptly report any issues in writing. For emergency issues (like no heat or major leaks), contact your landlord immediately and follow up with written notes.

If repairs aren’t addressed, you can apply for dispute resolution at the Residential Tenancies Division using Form RTB-12.

Read Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for more actionable steps.

Staying Informed as a Seasonal Tenant

• Review your lease carefully
• Communicate clearly and in writing with your landlord
• Collect resources and contacts for tenant help

For more general rights in your province, visit the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador page.

Need to search for a new seasonal rental? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—with interactive map search, affordability filters, and up-to-date listings coast to coast!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do seasonal workers in Newfoundland and Labrador have the same rights as year-round tenants?
   Yes, the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 protects all tenants, regardless of how long they stay.
2. How much security deposit can a landlord charge in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   No more than one month's rent or $400, whichever is less.
3. What should I do if my landlord refuses to return my rental deposit?
   You can file an Application for Dispute Resolution (Form RTB-12) with the Residential Tenancies Division.
4. Can I end my seasonal rental early if my work finishes before the lease ends?
   Check your lease terms. For fixed-terms, you may need landlord agreement or must provide Form RTB-11 with proper notice.
5. Are inspections required at move-in or move-out?
   Inspections aren’t legally required but highly recommended to avoid disputes.

Key Takeaways for Seasonal Workers Renting in NL

• Seasonal tenants hold the same legal rights as other tenants under provincial law.
• Written leases, proper notice, and good documentation are your best protection.
• Use official forms for notices and disputes, and reach out to government resources if you need support.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Division – Service NL: Official tribunal for renting disputes—Residential Tenancies Division
• Forms and Documents: Official rental forms and applications
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Provincial Contacts: Phone: (709) 729-2608 | Email: landlordtenant@gov.nl.ca

---

1. See: Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
2. Service NL – Residential Tenancies Division: Official site for tenancy information and dispute resolution
3. Forms: Service NL – Rental Forms

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy