Living in Newfoundland and Labrador can mean dealing with an unexpected guest who overstays or enters without permission. Tenants and renters need clear, practical steps to protect their safety, preserve evidence, and understand when they may be held responsible for a guest's behaviour. This guide explains what counts as a trespassing guest, when a tenant can be held liable, and how to document incidents, notify landlords, and use official dispute channels. It covers relevant forms and tribunal options in plain language so tenants can act confidently, reduce the risk of eviction or liability, and find housing resources if needed.
How responsibility is defined in Newfoundland and Labrador
Tenants are generally responsible for the behaviour of their guests when those guests damage property, create disturbances, or breach the rental agreement. The provincial tribunal that handles disputes and applications is the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (Residential Tenancies Tribunal)[1], and the governing statute is the Residential Tenancies Act (Residential Tenancies Act)[2]. If a guest's entry is criminal or creates immediate danger, police may be involved while tenancy remedies proceed through the tribunal.
What to do if a guest is trespassing
- Document dates, times, photos and witness names as clear evidence you can present to a landlord or tribunal.
- Contact or tell the guest clearly (in person or by phone) to leave, and note the time and any response.
- Notify your landlord or property manager in writing and keep a dated copy of the message.
- File official forms or an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if informal steps fail.
- Call police immediately if there is an immediate threat, criminal activity, or danger to anyone’s safety.
Official forms and when to use them
Common official documents you may need and when to use them:
- Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal — used when you request an order for possession, compensation, or remedies after a tenant or guest causes ongoing problems; example: filing to remove a persistent trespassing guest who refuses to leave and causes disturbances.[3]
- Notice to End Tenancy / Notice to Quit (tenant or landlord forms) — used to formally notify a party that the tenancy will end for cause or another allowable reason; example: a landlord may issue a notice if guest behaviour breaches the lease.
FAQ
- Can a tenant be evicted because of a guest?
- Yes. A tenant can face eviction if a guest causes damage, disturbances, or breaches the lease; eviction typically follows proper notice and may require a tribunal hearing.
- What if I feel unsafe asking a guest to leave?
- If you feel threatened, call police first, then document the event and inform your landlord in writing as soon as possible.
- How quickly should I file with the tribunal?
- File as soon as informal steps fail; acting promptly preserves evidence and legal options since deadlines and remedies vary by case.
How-To
- Gather evidence: take photos, save messages, collect witness names, and keep a dated log of events.
- Contact the guest and ask them to leave; follow up by informing your landlord in writing with copies of your communications.
- Complete and submit the tribunal application forms if the landlord does not address the issue or the guest refuses to leave.
- Call police if there is an immediate threat or criminal behaviour and record the incident report number for tribunal evidence.
If you need to find alternative housing or check local listings while resolving a tenancy concern, consider Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings[4]. For help with complaint steps you can also read How to Handle Complaints in Your Rental: A Tenant's Guide and review your province overview at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Help and Support / Resources
- Service NL: Residential Tenancies information
- Residential Tenancies Tribunal
- Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador
