How many days late can my rent be before eviction starts in Newfoundland and Labrador?

There is no grace period—your landlord may begin the eviction process as soon as rent is late by one day.

Am I allowed to pay late fees for overdue rent?

Landlords may only charge late fees up to $5 per day, to a maximum of $75 per late period, if your lease allows it.

Can I stop eviction by paying overdue rent after notice?

Yes, paying all overdue rent and late fees before the notice period ends will cancel the eviction process.

What Happens If You Pay Rent Late in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Rent & Deposits Newfoundland and Labrador published: June 13, 2025

For tenants in Newfoundland and Labrador, paying rent on time is an essential responsibility under your lease. Life can get unpredictable, and sometimes rent payments are delayed. However, understanding what happens if you’re late with your rent can help you avoid costly consequences and find solutions if you fall behind.

When Is Rent Considered Late?

According to the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, your rent is due on the due date set out in your rental agreement. If you miss that date, even by one day, your rent is officially late. There is no legal grace period in Newfoundland and Labrador.

If a due date lands on a weekend or holiday, clarify with your landlord or check your lease, as terms may vary.

Landlord Responses to Late Rent

Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador have clear rights if you are late making a rent payment:

They may issue a written notice of termination (an eviction notice) immediately once rent is late.
You do not have to be late more than once for this process to start.
Some landlords may choose to remind you or allow a short window to pay, but they are not legally required to do so.

If you're unsure about your obligations or what your landlord can demand, the Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips can help you better understand your situation.

Notice to Terminate a Rental Agreement

If your rent is unpaid one day after the due date, your landlord can serve you a “Notice to Terminate a Rental Agreement” for non-payment. This is a legal document under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 requiring you to either pay your overdue rent or move out within a specific period.

Official Forms for Late Rent and Eviction

There are two important forms used in cases of late rent in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Notice to Terminate a Rental Agreement (Form 1)
Use: Sent by a landlord to inform you that your rental agreement will end because of non-payment. You have until the effective date in the notice (usually not less than 10 days from delivery) to pay the rent or move out.
View the official Form 1
Example: If your rent is due on the 1st but not received by the 2nd, the landlord can deliver this notice on the 2nd. If you pay all rent owed before the termination date in the notice, the eviction process stops.
Application to Residential Tenancies Division (Form 6)
Use: If you do not pay or move out by the date in the Notice to Terminate, your landlord may file a Form 6 application with the Residential Tenancies Division to request an official eviction order.
View Form 6
Example: After receiving a termination notice, if you have neither paid nor vacated by the deadline, your landlord files Form 6 to have the Tribunal formally evict you.

How the Eviction Process Works for Late Rent

If you're late on rent, here's what typically happens:

Your landlord delivers a Notice to Terminate for non-payment, stating the earliest day your tenancy will end (at least 10 days after you receive notice for month-to-month, or 7 days for weekly tenancies).
You can "cure" the notice by paying all overdue rent and any associated fees before the termination date.
If you do not pay or move out by the set date, your landlord can apply to the Residential Tenancies Division for an eviction order.

Summary: The process is strict and timelines are short. Act quickly if you fall behind to avoid eviction.

Can You Be Charged Late Fees?

Landlords may only charge late fees if your lease allows it, and the maximum permitted is set by provincial regulation—currently $5 for each day the rent is late, up to a maximum of $75 per late period.^[1]

Tenants: If you cannot pay rent on time, let your landlord know immediately, and explore financial support options. Communication may help prevent formal eviction proceedings.

Understanding both landlord and tenant responsibilities can help you avoid conflict. For a comprehensive guide on rights and mutual expectations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

How Can Tenants Protect Themselves?

If you are worried about missing rent:

Contact your landlord as soon as possible to explain your situation.
Try to make a partial payment if you cannot pay in full (though this does not stop the eviction process unless the full amount is paid).
Keep written records of communication, receipts, and any payment arrangements.
Seek assistance from local tenant support services or government agencies.
If you receive a termination notice, act quickly—pay all arrears before the deadline or prepare to move.

You can also learn about general tenant and landlord rights on the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador page.

Where to Find Rental Listings and More Housing Options

If you need to move or are looking for your next home, you can find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and use their helpful search features.

FAQs About Late Rent in Newfoundland and Labrador

How many days late can I pay my rent in Newfoundland and Labrador before eviction starts? Your landlord can issue an eviction notice the day after rent is missed—there is no legal grace period.
Can I stop the eviction if I pay the overdue rent after receiving notice? Yes. If you pay all late rent (and any valid late fees) before the termination date, the eviction process must be cancelled.
Are late fees allowed by law? Yes, but only up to $5 per day and $75 total per late period, if outlined in your lease.
What should I do if I receive a Notice to Terminate? Act immediately: pay overdue rent or contact your landlord to discuss possible arrangements before the deadline.
Who handles rental disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador? The Residential Tenancies Division of Service NL handles landlord-tenant matters and disputes.

Key Takeaways

There is no legal grace period for paying rent late in Newfoundland and Labrador—eviction action can start immediately after the due date is missed.
Paying the overdue rent before the notice deadline will stop the eviction process.
Always communicate promptly with your landlord and keep documentation if you run into payment issues.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Residential Tenancies Division – Official board for all landlord-tenant disputes, forms, and guides.
Forms and Notices (Service NL) – Download termination, application, and response forms.
Info for Tenants (Province of NL) – Up-to-date rules and tenant advice.
Consider contacting the NL Tenant Rights association or local housing support services for advocacy and help.