Who is the official board for rental disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) handles rental disputes in the province.
What law covers tenant rights in shared housing?
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 governs rental and roommate situations in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Do roommate agreements have legal standing?
Roommate agreements are not covered by tenancy law but can be enforced as private contracts.
Can one roommate end the lease for everyone?
Only tenants named on the lease can end it for everyone. Check your lease's terms.
Am I responsible if my roommate doesn't pay rent?
If you are both on the lease, you are usually jointly responsible for all rent.
What if my roommate damages the unit?
If both are on the lease, the landlord can hold all tenants responsible for damages.
How can I add a new roommate?
You must get the landlord’s written consent to add a roommate to the lease.
Can a landlord refuse a new roommate?
Yes, landlords can refuse if the new roommate doesn’t qualify or for other valid reasons.
Is subletting allowed in shared housing?
Subletting is only allowed with the landlord’s written consent.
Can my landlord raise the rent if a roommate leaves?
Not unless your lease allows it or you both agree. Otherwise, rent control applies.
Are utilities split by law between roommates?
No, how utilities are split depends on your roommate agreement, not tenancy law.
What notice does my roommate need to give to move out?
If not on the lease, check your agreement. If on the lease, standard notice applies (see below).
How much notice do I give to end a month-to-month lease?
You must provide at least one month's written notice. Use the Notice of Termination by Tenant Form.
If only one roommate leaves, does the lease end?
No, the lease continues for remaining tenants unless all parties agree to end it.
Can I evict my roommate?
No, only the landlord can give an eviction notice. Roommates can’t evict each other.
Do rights differ in shared housing vs. renting alone?
Your rights under the Act are the same if you’re a tenant on the lease.
What if my roommate is threatening or violent?
Contact the police for immediate safety concerns and seek support from the landlord and RTO.
What happens to my damage deposit if a roommate moves out?
Deposits are usually returned at the end of the lease to all tenants named on it.
Can I get my deposit back before the lease ends if I leave?
Generally, no. The deposit is held until the lease ends for all tenants.
Does the landlord need to approve all roommates?
Yes, the landlord must approve all tenants named on the lease.
Can my landlord evict only one roommate?
Yes, but only under specific conditions and following proper notice per the Act.
My roommate wants someone to move in. Can I refuse?
If you’re both on the lease, both your consent and landlord approval are needed.
Can I be held liable for my roommate’s guests?
Yes. If damage or nuisance occurs, all tenants on the lease may be held responsible.
What official forms are used for ending a tenancy?
Use Notice of Termination by Tenant (Form) to give notice.
How do I dispute a roommate’s share of rent or bills?
Tenancy law won’t resolve this; settle disputes through private agreement or court.
What if my roommate uses illegal drugs in the unit?
Illegal activity can be grounds for eviction. Notify the landlord or RTO if needed.
Is there a maximum number of people allowed in a shared unit?
Municipal bylaws and the landlord’s rules may limit occupancy—check your lease.
Does my landlord decide who gets a room?
Room assignments among tenants are private, unless specified in the lease.
Can I move out mid-month if I give notice?
You can leave, but you are responsible for the rent until notice ends or a replacement is found.
Who is responsible for cleaning shared spaces?
This should be set out in a roommate agreement; tenancy law does not specify.
What if a roommate violates house rules?
House rules are enforced privately between roommates, not by tenancy law.
Can my landlord enter my room?
Landlords must give 24 hours’ written notice, unless there’s an emergency.
If my roommate is not on the lease, do they have any protections?
No, only tenants named on the lease are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act.
Can I remove a roommate who isn't paying?
Only the landlord can remove tenants legally. Speak with the landlord about your options.
How do I file a complaint about my landlord?
Submit a written complaint to the RTO. Use the Application for Dispute Resolution – Tenant.
Do landlords need to know everyone living in the unit?
Yes, landlords have the right to know all occupants and approve tenants.
Can I rent out my room without landlord approval?
No, you need written landlord approval before subletting or assigning your room.
Can other tenants let me into the unit if I’m locked out?
Yes, as a tenant you have the right to access common areas; issues should be discussed with the landlord if locked out.
How can I end my part of the lease if my roommate stays?
You must give proper notice using the Notice of Termination by Tenant Form; the landlord decides if others stay.
Is verbal notice to leave enough?
No. Written notice is required to end a tenancy officially under the Act.
Who signs for repairs or maintenance in shared units?
Any tenant on the lease can contact the landlord for repairs.
I want to stay but my roommate is leaving. What should I do?
Talk to your landlord about changing the lease or finding a replacement roommate.
Can the landlord end our lease early if one roommate breaks a rule?
Under some circumstances, yes. The landlord must follow the Act and proper notice procedures.
What if I pay more rent than my roommate?
That’s a private arrangement between roommates unless the lease specifies otherwise.
Are pets allowed if my roommate is allergic?
Refer to the lease and discuss with your roommate; landlords can ban pets in some rentals.
What is a joint tenancy?
Joint tenancy means all roommates are equally responsible under one lease agreement.
Is there a government form for roommate disputes?
No. Government forms only address tenant-landlord issues, not disputes between roommates.
Can I sue my roommate for unpaid rent?
Yes, in Small Claims Court, but not through the RTO.
What if I have a roommate by arrangement only, not on the lease?
They are considered occupants, not tenants, and have fewer protections.
Do I need my roommate's permission to have overnight guests?
Unless restricted by your lease or roommate agreement, this is a private arrangement.
What is the Application for Dispute Resolution – Tenant form used for?
Use this form (Application for Dispute Resolution – Tenant) to resolve issues with your landlord, not roommate disputes.
