Who Handles Condo Repairs in Newfoundland and Labrador Rentals?

Renting a condominium in Newfoundland and Labrador offers unique advantages, but also raises questions about repair responsibilities. Whether it's a leaky faucet, appliance issues, or urgent maintenance, knowing who must address repairs is crucial for a safe and comfortable home. This article explains tenant and landlord duties for condo repairs, how to handle problems, and where to get help according to Newfoundland and Labrador tenancy law.

Understanding Repair Responsibilities in Condo Rentals

In Newfoundland and Labrador, responsibilities for condo repairs are set out by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and your lease agreement^[1]. If you are renting a condo, you are considered a tenant under the RTA, while your landlord may be the condo owner—but the condo corporation can also play a role for certain building-wide issues.

• The landlord/condo owner is responsible for maintaining the unit and ensuring it is safe and fit to live in, including repairs to structure, plumbing, heating, and appliances provided with the lease.
• The tenant must keep the unit clean, avoid causing damage, and report repair issues quickly.
• The condo corporation handles maintenance of common areas and building systems (like roofs, hallways, elevators).

Which Repairs Are Landlord or Tenant Duties?

The division of repair duties generally follows this pattern:

• Landlord's duties:
  • Major repairs (plumbing, electrical, structural issues)
  • Heating and hot water systems
  • Appliances included in the rental
  • Health and safety code compliance
• Tenant's duties:
  • Minor repairs and upkeep (changing light bulbs, cleaning)
  • Damage caused by tenant or guests
• Condo corporation:
  • Common areas (lobbies, exterior walls, roofs, elevators, hallways)
  • Sometimes heating or plumbing systems that serve the entire building

Check your lease to see if the landlord has made the tenant responsible for any specific types of repairs (but note, the law overrides the lease if it is less favourable to tenants than the RTA).

What to Do When Repairs Are Needed

As a tenant, act quickly if something needs fixing. Here are steps to resolve repair issues in your condo:

• Notify your landlord in writing (email or letter) about the problem as soon as possible.
• For urgent repairs, mark your request "urgent” and explain why it's an emergency.
• If the issue is in a shared or common area, ask your landlord to contact the condo corporation.
• Keep copies of all communication.

If you don't get a timely response, you may escalate the issue through the Office of the Residential Tenancies (ORT), which handles tenancy complaints and disputes across the province. Learn how to apply for dispute resolution at the ORT.

Official Forms for Repairs and Complaints

• Tenant's Application (Form 6): Use if your landlord refuses to make necessary repairs. Fill out Form 6 and submit it to the ORT with details and evidence (e.g. photos, emails). For example, if you reported a leaking ceiling and the landlord didn’t respond, apply using this form.
• Landlord's Application (Form 12): If your landlord believes you caused damage, they can use Form 12 to recover repair costs from you, but only after filing with the ORT.

Read more about the process in Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for urgent issues, or Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities for non-urgent maintenance.

Role of the Office of the Residential Tenancies (ORT)

The Office of the Residential Tenancies is Newfoundland and Labrador’s official body for rental disputes, including repair disputes. They resolve cases using the RTA and help enforce tenant rights.

Health and Safety in Your Condo

Your landlord or the condo corporation must provide a safe living environment. If mold, pests, or structural hazards are present, report this immediately. Tenants should be aware of their rights regarding unsafe conditions—learn more in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

For those considering a move or searching for a new place, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for updated condo and apartment listings.

For a full look at your local rights and rules, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who pays for appliance repairs in a rented condo?
   If the appliance was provided by the landlord, they are responsible for repairs unless you or your guests caused the damage. Check your lease for exceptions.
2. What if my landlord ignores my repair requests?
   Document your requests and apply to the Office of the Residential Tenancies (ORT) using the Tenant's Application (Form 6). Bring evidence of communication and the problem.
3. Can the condo corporation enter my unit to fix something?
   Usually, condo staff may only access your unit for urgent repairs, scheduled maintenance, or emergencies, and should arrange this through your landlord with proper notice.
4. Am I responsible for repairs in common areas of the condo?
   No, common area repairs are the responsibility of the condo corporation, usually coordinated by your landlord.

Conclusion: What Tenants Should Remember

• Landlords must handle most repairs inside your unit; tenants handle minor upkeep and anything they damage.
• The Office of the Residential Tenancies is your go-to authority for unresolved repair issues.
• Being proactive and keeping records of communication helps resolve problems faster.

Understanding your rights makes condo renting in Newfoundland and Labrador safer and less stressful.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of the Residential Tenancies (ORT) – Official dispute resolution and tenant help
• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation – Housing programs and tenant resources
• Public Legal Information Association of NL – Free legal info for tenants

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act, SNL 2018, c. R-14.1. Access it via Residential Tenancies Act (current legislation).

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