Landlord Guide to Renting in Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador requires landlords to use a written rental agreement for all residential tenancies. The province provides a standard Rental Agreement form. Both fixed-term and periodic tenancies are recognized.

• A written rental agreement is required for all residential tenancies (RTA, s. 10(1))
• The landlord must provide the tenant with a copy of the signed rental agreement within 10 days of signing (RTA, s. 10(3))
• The government provides a standard Rental Agreement form that may be used to comply with the Act
• Any term that conflicts with the Residential Tenancies Act is void and unenforceable (RTA, s. 3)

Newfoundland and Labrador allows landlords to collect a security deposit up to a prescribed maximum. Strict rules govern how the deposit must be held and returned.

• A landlord may collect a security deposit equal to a maximum of 75% of the first month's rent (RTA, s. 14(1))
• The deposit must be held in a trust account at a financial institution in the province (RTA, s. 14(4))
• Interest accrues on the security deposit at the rate prescribed by regulation and must be paid to the tenant (RTA, s. 14(6))
• The deposit may only be applied to unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear (RTA, s. 14(2))

Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador must provide tenants with key information at the start of the tenancy to ensure transparency and compliance.

• A signed copy of the rental agreement must be provided to the tenant within 10 days (RTA, s. 10(3))
• The landlord must disclose the name and address of the property owner or authorized agent
• The location of the security deposit trust account and the amount deposited must be disclosed
• A condition report documenting the state of the premises at move-in is recommended and should be signed by both parties

Rent is due on the date specified in the rental agreement. Newfoundland and Labrador has specific rules regarding rent payment and the landlord's remedies for non-payment.

• Rent is due on the date agreed upon in the rental agreement (RTA, s. 12)
• A landlord may not require the tenant to pay rent solely by post-dated cheques or automatic withdrawal without the tenant's consent
• If rent is unpaid for 5 days or more after the due date, the landlord may serve a Termination Notice giving the tenant a specified period to pay or vacate (RTA, s. 18)
• The landlord may apply to the Residential Tenancies Division for an order for unpaid rent

Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador must maintain the rental premises in a good state of repair and in compliance with all health, safety, and housing standards.

• The landlord must maintain the premises in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and in compliance with health, safety, and housing standards (RTA, s. 9(1))
• The tenant must promptly notify the landlord of any needed repairs or maintenance issues
• If the landlord fails to maintain the premises, the tenant may apply to the Residential Tenancies Division for a repair order
• Emergency repairs that affect the health or safety of the tenant must be addressed without delay

The tenant's right to quiet enjoyment is protected under the Act. Landlords must provide advance notice before entering for non-emergency purposes.

• The landlord must provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering the premises (RTA, s. 11(1))
• Entry must be at a reasonable time, generally between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., unless otherwise agreed
• Entry without notice is permitted only in genuine emergencies posing a risk to life or property (RTA, s. 11(2))
• The landlord may enter to show the unit to prospective tenants during the notice period, with advance notice

Newfoundland and Labrador regulates the frequency and notice requirements for rent increases. Rent increase caps have been introduced to protect tenants.

• Rent may be increased only once every 12 months (RTA, s. 13(1))
• The landlord must provide at least 6 months' written notice before a rent increase takes effect (RTA, s. 13(2))
• Newfoundland and Labrador has introduced rent increase guidelines; the allowable maximum is set by regulation
• A tenant who believes a rent increase is excessive may apply to the Residential Tenancies Division for a review

Notice periods in Newfoundland and Labrador depend on the type of tenancy and the reason for termination. All notices must be in writing and served properly.

• Month-to-month tenancy: at least 3 months' notice to terminate, effective on the last day of a rental period (RTA, s. 18)
• Week-to-week tenancy: at least 4 weeks' notice (RTA, s. 18)
• Fixed-term tenancy: notice must be given at least 3 months before the end of the term, or the tenancy continues as a periodic tenancy
• Nonpayment of rent: the landlord may serve a termination notice giving the tenant a specified period (typically 5–14 days) to pay or vacate

Evictions in Newfoundland and Labrador must follow the procedures established under the Residential Tenancies Act. The Residential Tenancies Division adjudicates disputes.

• The landlord must serve the tenant with a written Termination Notice specifying the grounds for eviction
• If the tenant does not vacate, the landlord must apply to the Residential Tenancies Division for an order of possession
• An adjudicator will hear both parties and may grant or deny the eviction application
• Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing possessions, shutting off services) are strictly prohibited (RTA, s. 8)

The security deposit must be returned to the tenant after the tenancy ends, subject to any lawful deductions. Timelines and procedures are set out in the Act.

• The security deposit plus accrued interest must be returned within 15 days after the tenant vacates (RTA, s. 14)
• Deductions may only be made for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear, supported by documentation
• The landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized statement of any deductions
• If there is a dispute, either party may apply to the Residential Tenancies Division for a determination