What to Do If Repairs Are Done Poorly as a Tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador

Living in a safe, well-maintained rental is a right for every tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador. But what if your landlord carries out repairs poorly, leaving issues unresolved or creating new safety risks? Understanding your rights and knowing the proper steps to take can help get the situation fixed quickly and fairly.

When Repairs Are Done Poorly: Know Your Rights

In Newfoundland and Labrador, landlords are responsible for making sure rental units meet health, safety, and maintenance standards. If repairs are incomplete, low quality, or make the problem worse, this is a breach of your rights as a tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018.^[1] Poor repairs may include:

• Leaky plumbing that's patched but still causes water damage
• Broken heaters that work only intermittently
• Unqualified workers doing electrical work
• Cosmetic fixes hiding safety hazards

It's important to document these problems, as they may affect your health, safety, or use of your home. To learn more about what issues qualify as health or safety concerns, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Your First Steps: Document and Notify Your Landlord

• Document everything: Take photos or videos of the repair, and write down the date and details.
• Notify your landlord in writing: Explain clearly what was done poorly and how it's affecting your rental. Keep copies of all correspondence.

Often, a clear, written notice will prompt the landlord to fix the issue correctly. For common repair issues and how to resolve them, you may find help at Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Escalating the Issue: When to Involve the Residential Tenancies Division

If your written request is ignored or the problem isn’t resolved after a reasonable period, you can formally escalate the issue. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the Residential Tenancies Division (RTD) oversees tenant and landlord disputes.

Applying for an Order to Have Repairs Done Properly

You can apply for dispute resolution using:

• Application Form (RTB-01 – Application Form): Use this form to ask the RTD for an order that the landlord must make proper repairs. Download and submit it here.^[2]

Practical example: If your landlord fixed a ceiling leak, but it continues to drip because the root cause wasn’t repaired, you would complete the Application Form, attach your evidence, and request that the RTD order the landlord to do the repairs properly.

Possible Remedies the RTD Can Order

• Require your landlord to have the repair corrected
• Compensation for loss of use or damage to your belongings
• Reduce your rent until the repair is properly completed

Processing times and possible remedies may vary. Always include strong documentation and keep communication timelines clear.

Related Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Both tenants and landlords have ongoing duties regarding maintenance, health, and safety. For a full overview, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

For those searching for new accommodations, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme with easy browsing and up-to-date listings.

To learn about tenant and landlord rights in your province, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

FAQ: Poor Repair Work in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals

1. What should I do if a repair is done poorly in my rental?
   Document the issue, contact your landlord in writing with details, and if not resolved, apply to the Residential Tenancies Division for help.
2. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t fixed properly?
   No, you should not withhold rent without an order from the Residential Tenancies Division; doing so can put you at risk of eviction.
3. How long must I wait before escalating a poorly done repair?
   You should allow a reasonable period after written notice to your landlord. If nothing improves, you may apply to the RTD.
4. What official form do I use for repair disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador?
   Use the "Application Form" (RTB-01 – Application Form), available on the provincial government's RTD website.
5. Who makes the final decision if my landlord won’t fix the repair?
   The Residential Tenancies Division will hear your case and issue an order if needed.

Key Takeaways

• Tenants have a right to safe, properly maintained homes in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Poor repair work should be reported and documented; escalate to the RTD if the problem is not resolved.
• Always follow official steps and never withhold rent without a legal order.

Remember, acting quickly and keeping records are your best tools for resolving repair disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Division – Newfoundland and Labrador (official tenant-landlord dispute board)
• RTD Application Form and Resources
• Contact the RTD for support or guidance
• Try local tenant support centers or legal aid for additional advocacy

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)
2. Residential Tenancies Division (RTD), Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy