Tenant Rights to Cooling During Heatwaves in Newfoundland and Labrador

Summertime heatwaves are becoming more common, even in Newfoundland and Labrador. If you live in a rental home and are concerned about sweltering temperatures, you might wonder if your landlord is required to provide air conditioning or other cooling measures. In this article, you’ll get a clear view of your rights under provincial law and practical advice on what steps you can take if extreme heat becomes a problem in your rental unit.

What the Law Says About Cooling in Rental Units

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the key piece of legislation governing rental housing is the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018^[1]. While this Act obligates landlords to provide and maintain the rental property in a good state of repair and fit for habitation, it does not specifically require landlords to install or provide air conditioning or any particular form of cooling during heatwaves.

However, landlords must ensure that the premises meet health, safety, and housing standards set by local authorities. If temperatures in your unit become dangerously high and pose a risk to your health or safety, this could fall under broader requirements to maintain a livable environment. Check local municipal bylaws or health codes, as some may have specific temperature guidelines for rental units in extreme circumstances.

Are Fans or Air Conditioners Required?

Unless stated in your lease agreement, landlords are not legally required to supply air conditioning or portable fans. If an air conditioner or fan is already provided as part of the rented premises, your landlord is responsible for ensuring it is in working condition and repairing it if it breaks down, as part of their routine maintenance obligations. For more on these responsibilities, read Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Health and Safety During Heatwaves

Extreme heat can impact tenant health, especially for the elderly, children, or those with medical conditions. While the law does not specify a maximum temperature for rentals, provincial and national health guidelines urge landlords and tenants to prevent unsafe indoor conditions when possible.

If you believe your health or safety is at risk due to excessive heat, consider the following steps:

• Contact your landlord by email or in writing to report your concerns
• Request temporary solutions, such as the use of fans, portable air conditioners (if your electrical system supports it), or permission to install your own cooling units
• If your landlord does not address a serious health or safety risk, you may be able to file a complaint with your municipality, local public health office, or the provincial Residential Tenancies office

Key takeaway: While landlords are not specifically required to provide cooling, they must maintain safe and livable units. Speak to your landlord if you have health or safety concerns due to extreme heat.

What to Do if Cooling Equipment Fails

If your lease states that cooling equipment (like an air conditioner) is included and it stops working:

• Notify your landlord promptly in writing, describing the issue
• Allow a reasonable period for repairs
• If repairs are not made, you can contact the Residential Tenancies Office of Newfoundland and Labrador for further guidance or to file an application for dispute resolution^[2]

How to File a Complaint or Apply to the Residential Tenancies Office

If a health or safety risk remains unresolved, you may use Form 6: Tenant’s Application to the Director (download Form 6 here). This form allows tenants to request an order for the landlord to make repairs or correct unsafe conditions.

• When to use: If your landlord has not addressed your request to fix a serious health or safety issue related to cooling or extreme heat
• How to use: Complete the form with details of your complaint, attach any written correspondence or evidence, and submit it to the Residential Tenancies Office

Tips for Tenants Concerned About Heat

• Review your lease agreement for any provisions about air conditioning or cooling
• If you buy your own fan or portable air conditioner, check with your landlord about installation and electrical safety
• Document communications with your landlord and keep records of complaints and repairs

For a comprehensive look at rules and tenant protections across the province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador required to provide air conditioning?
   No, landlords are not legally required to provide air conditioning unless it is included in your lease.
2. If the rental unit becomes too hot during a heatwave, can I ask my landlord to take action?
   Yes, you can and should notify your landlord if indoor heat creates a health or safety risk. While landlords must maintain safe conditions, they are not obliged to install new cooling systems unless agreed in the lease.
3. What can I do if my landlord refuses to address extreme heat that affects my health?
   Document the issue, communicate with your landlord in writing, and if necessary, file a complaint with the Residential Tenancies Office using Form 6: Tenant’s Application to the Director.
4. Can I install my own portable air conditioner?
   Often yes, but you need your landlord’s consent for installation and must comply with building/electrical safety guidelines.
5. Where can I get more information about tenant rights in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   Start with Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador and visit the Residential Tenancies Office.

Conclusion: What Tenants Should Remember

• Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador are not obligated to provide air conditioning, but must maintain safe, livable conditions
• Report health or safety risks from extreme heat to your landlord and keep records
• If necessary, use official complaint forms and seek help from the Residential Tenancies Office

While cooling is not guaranteed by law, clear communication and knowing your rights can help you maintain a safe and comfortable home.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office of Newfoundland and Labrador – information, forms, and dispute resolution
• Provincial Landlord and Tenant Fact Sheets
• Municipal public health offices (check your local city website)
• Community legal clinics and tenant advocacy groups (contact the Public Legal Information Association of NL: publiclegalinfo.com)

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1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)
2. Residential Tenancies Office of Newfoundland and Labrador

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