Newfoundland and Labrador Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners

Newfoundland and Labrador's rental market is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (RTA), which replaced the earlier 2000 legislation on January 1, 2019. Whether you manage a single rental unit or a multi-unit building, understanding these provincial rules is essential for running a compliant rental business.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in Newfoundland and Labrador for guidance specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

Key Newfoundland and Labrador Rental Laws at a Glance

Security Deposits

Landlords in Newfoundland and Labrador may collect a security deposit, but it cannot exceed 75% of one month's rent for monthly or fixed-term tenancies, or two weeks' rent for week-to-week agreements. Collecting "first and last month's rent" is not permitted — only the first period's rent and the security deposit may be collected upfront.

The deposit must be placed in an interest-bearing account within two banking days. Landlords managing three or more units must hold deposits in a dedicated trust account. The deposit must be returned within 10 days of the tenancy ending unless a claim is filed with Service NL.

For more detail, see our Security Deposits guide.

Rent Increases

Rent cannot be increased during the first 12 months of a tenancy, and only once per 12-month period thereafter. There is no cap on the amount of the increase, but landlords must provide:

• 6 months' written notice for month-to-month or fixed-term tenancies
• 8 weeks' written notice for week-to-week tenancies

Discontinuing a service or amenity previously included may be deemed a rent increase and is subject to the same notice requirements.

For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.

Eviction Procedures

Newfoundland and Labrador allows both cause-based and no-fault terminations, but landlords must follow strict notice requirements.

For-Cause Terminations

• Non-payment of rent — Rent must be overdue by 5+ days before a termination notice can be issued; the tenant has 10 days to pay and void the notice
• Material breach — Unauthorized pets, smoking, or additional occupants
• Interference with peaceful enjoyment — 5-day termination notice

No-Fault Terminations

Self-help evictions (changing locks, disconnecting services) are prohibited without permission from Service NL.

For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.

Required Disclosures

Landlords must provide tenants with several key documents and disclosures at the start of a tenancy:

1. Copy of the RTA — Must provide a copy of the Residential Tenancies Act and Regulations; tenants may be asked to sign an acknowledgment of receipt
2. Landlord contact information — Name, telephone number, and address for service of documents
3. Agent information — If a property manager or agent manages the property, their contact details must also be disclosed
4. Written rental agreement copy — Must be provided within 10 days of signing
5. Oral agreement notice — For verbal agreements, prescribed written information must be provided within 10 days

For more detail, see our Required Disclosures guide.

Maintenance and Habitability

Under the RTA, landlords must maintain rental premises in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and in compliance with all applicable health, safety, and housing standards. Key obligations include:

• Structural integrity and weather protection
• Plumbing, heating, and electrical systems in good working order
• Compliance with municipal building and fire codes
• Prompt response to maintenance requests

Tenants are responsible for keeping the premises clean and repairing damage caused by their own negligence or willful acts.

For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.

Late Fees

Newfoundland and Labrador sets specific limits on late fees:

• $5.00 for the first day rent is late
• $2.00 for each subsequent day
• Maximum total: $75.00 across consecutive rental periods

NSF cheque charges are capped at $25.00 or the amount the financial institution charged the landlord, whichever is less.

For more detail, see our Late Fees guide.

Lease Requirements

The RTA governs both written and oral rental agreements. Key requirements include:

• All agreements must specify tenant and landlord names, property address, tenancy term, rent amount, and included services
• Fixed-term leases must be for a minimum of six months
• Tenants have the right to assign or sublet with the landlord's written consent, which cannot be unreasonably withheld
• A signed copy of the lease must be provided within 10 days

For more detail, see our Lease Requirements guide.

Dispute Resolution

The Residential Tenancies division of Service NL mediates and adjudicates disputes between landlords and tenants. Either party can file an application to resolve issues such as security deposit claims, maintenance disputes, or termination disagreements.

Getting Started with Compliance

Managing compliance across Newfoundland and Labrador's regulatory framework can be complex. Landager helps landlords track their compliance status, manage lease terms, and stay updated when regulations change.

Explore more Newfoundland and Labrador compliance topics:

• Security Deposits
• Eviction Process
• Required Disclosures
• Rent Increases
• Lease Requirements
• Maintenance Obligations
• Late Fees