Repairs & Maintenance in a Newfoundland and Labrador Rental
Your landlord has a legal duty to keep the unit in good repair. Here's how to request repairs and escalate if they don't happen.
Last updated: September 2026
The Landlord's Duty to Repair
Newfoundland and Labrador's Residential Tenancies Act requires a landlord to maintain the rental unit in a good state of repair, fit for habitation, and compliant with health and safety standards. This covers essentials like heating, electrical safety, and structural soundness.
How to Request a Repair
Put repair requests in writing and keep a copy with the date. This record matters if the landlord delays and you need to apply to the Residential Tenancies Division. Give a reasonable amount of time to respond based on urgency -- a heating failure in winter needs a much faster response than a cosmetic issue.
If Repairs Are Ignored
If a landlord doesn't act within a reasonable time, a tenant can apply to the Director of Residential Tenancies for an order requiring the repair, and in some cases compensation. Withholding rent to force a repair isn't a protected remedy and risks weakening the tenant's position at a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my landlord required to keep in good repair in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The unit's overall state of repair and habitability, including heating, electrical safety, and structural soundness.
Can I stop paying rent if my landlord won't fix something?
It's not recommended. Instead, apply to the Director of Residential Tenancies for an order requiring the repair.
What should I do first if something needs repair?
Notify your landlord in writing, keep a copy, and give a reasonable amount of time to respond before applying to the Residential Tenancies Division.
Sources
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