Top 5 Maintenance & Repair Facts Tenants Need in Newfoundland

Maintenance and repairs are a key part of every rental experience in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a tenant, knowing your rights and responsibilities can help ensure your rental home stays safe, healthy, and comfortable. This guide outlines the most important facts about maintenance and repairs under the province's laws, highlighting what you should expect—and what you need to do—if problems arise.

1. Who Is Responsible for Repairs?

In Newfoundland and Labrador, landlords must keep rental properties in a good state of repair. This means the home must be fit for habitation, comply with health, safety, and housing standards, and all vital services—like heat, water, and electricity—must be maintained.^[1] Tenants are responsible for keeping their unit reasonably clean and for repairing any damage they or their guests cause, outside of normal wear and tear.

• Landlords must fix any structural problems, leaks, faulty wiring, or issues that impact health and safety.
• Tenants are usually responsible for minor repairs from daily living, such as changing light bulbs if safe to do so.
• For a full breakdown, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you're unsure who should fix a specific issue, check your rental agreement and the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) guidelines.

2. What Is Considered Urgent or Emergency Repairs?

Issues that impact health, safety, or basic living comforts (like loss of heat in winter, no running water, or security risks) are considered emergencies and must be addressed quickly. Tenants should notify their landlord immediately, in writing if possible. If the landlord does not respond promptly, tenants may have the right to arrange for repairs themselves and deduct reasonable costs from their rent—but strict rules apply.

• If you face health hazards (e.g., no heat in winter, severe water leaks), report the problem as both a maintenance and a health and safety issue. See Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more on your rights.
• Retain all communication records and receipts.
• You must give your landlord a reasonable chance to fix the problem first.

3. How to Request Repairs Officially

All repair or maintenance requests should be made in writing. This creates a record of your request, which can help if disputes arise. Email is often acceptable, but check if your landlord has a preferred communication method in your lease. Always include details (date, issue description, photos if possible).

Relevant Official Forms

• Application to the Director (Form 12)
  Use this when the landlord is not meeting their obligation to repair or maintain the property. This form starts a dispute resolution process with the Residential Tenancies Office.
  Download the Application to the Director (Form 12)
  Example: If you have notified your landlord about a broken furnace and they have not repaired it in a reasonable amount of time, you can submit Form 12 to the RTO.

4. What Happens If Repairs Aren't Completed?

If your landlord does not resolve serious repair or maintenance problems within a reasonable time, you have options:

• Apply to the Residential Tenancies Office using Form 12 (see above) for an order requiring repairs or compensation.
• In certain emergencies, arrange repairs yourself and claim the cost—but only after proper notice and according to provincial law.
• If the issue relates to pests, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

The RTO can order your landlord to fix the problem and may allow compensation for loss of use or damaged property.

5. Tips for a Smooth Maintenance Experience

• Document all repair requests and responses.
• Notify your landlord promptly of any new issues.
• Review your move-in inspection report for pre-existing damage. For more, see Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.
• Stay informed of your rights in the province: visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find homes that are well-maintained: Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

Maintaining open communication and knowing how to handle repair issues make renting less stressful. Most maintenance issues are resolved quickly when tenants and landlords are proactive and respectful.

1. Is my landlord required to fix everything that breaks?
   Landlords must repair problems affecting health, safety, and habitability, but tenants are responsible for any damage they cause beyond normal wear and tear.
2. What can I do if my landlord ignores my repair requests?
   Submit repair requests in writing, then apply to the Residential Tenancies Office with Form 12 if needed. Keep records of all attempts at communication.
3. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn't do repairs?
   No, you must continue paying rent. Instead, follow the proper procedures to address repair issues through the RTO and official forms.
4. Who do I contact about urgent repairs during evenings or weekends?
   Contact your landlord or their emergency contact. If vital services are not restored quickly, document your efforts and contact the Residential Tenancies Office for next steps.
5. What if repairs are needed due to normal aging, not my fault?
   This remains the landlord’s responsibility. Report the issue promptly and document it.

1. How do I submit a repair request in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   Describe the problem and send your request in writing to your landlord. Keep a copy for your records.
2. How do I apply to the RTO if my landlord won’t fix something?
   Complete Application to the Director (Form 12), include evidence, and file it with the Residential Tenancies Office in NL.
3. How can I prove there was pre-existing damage when moving in?
   Use your move-in inspection report and photos to show the conditions at the start of your tenancy.
4. How do I deal with pests like bed bugs in my rental home?
   Notify the landlord immediately and review provincial guidelines. Learn more in Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) NL: For dispute resolution, forms, and repair complaints. Official RTO Website
• Province-wide Landlord and Tenant Information: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Tenant Support Groups: Provincial housing advocacy organizations often offer guidance and support for repairs and disputes.
• Public Legal Information Association of NL (PLIAN): Legal information for tenants

1. ^[1] See Section 6 of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador).