Episode 143: Location-Specific Tenancy Guidance for Newfoundland and Labrador
Summary
Today’s location-specific episode features Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. We explore the overview of the housing guiding document called Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Act.
Each of my location-specific podcasts is set up the same way answering the same four questions:
1) What are the basics of the Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Act
2) What are the nuances of this location – what is different that stands out?
3) Some guidance about abandoned items left behind by a tenant in a rental in Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
4) Where to get help in your local area in Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
This episode is NOT all inclusive – you must research further in your specific area including your County, Regional District, Parish, City or any other Governing Body that involves your rental location, but today’s episode will get you started!
This episode includes resources for Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador including:
Newfoundland and Labrador Residential Tenancies Act Landlord & Tenant - Digital Government and Service NL
Abandoned Items Guidance Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador landlord-pdf-section-16-personal-property-after-termination.pdf
Housing, Legal Aid, Arbitration, Mediation, and any other helpful links in Canadian Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Contact - Digital Government and Service NL
Listen to the full episode :
This Week’s Blog Post:
Why Newfoundland and Labrador Stands Out
Hi friends! I’m Dr. Jen, and in today’s episode of My Life as a Landlord, we explore what might be the most comprehensive and well-organized provincial tenancy system I’ve seen so far—Newfoundland and Labrador. This Canadian province does an excellent job of providing clear, accessible resources for both landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Act and its accompanying guides and forms are not only easy to use but incredibly thorough. If you’re a landlord here, you’ve got a strong framework to rely on.
Clear Rules and Unique Features
Newfoundland and Labrador offer clarity that’s often missing in other jurisdictions. Everything from lease templates to rental increase procedures is spelled out with examples and printable forms. One standout feature is the province’s dedicated form for early lease termination under special circumstances—like illness, care facility admission, or death. This type of clarity makes life easier for both landlords and tenants navigating difficult situations.
Rent, Deposits, and Legal Timelines
Let’s talk numbers. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months, and tenants must receive at least six months’ notice. Security deposits are capped at three-quarters of one month’s rent for monthly leases, and landlords must pay interest on them. They even provide a deposit interest calculator and forms to ensure compliance. If rent is unpaid for five days, landlords can issue a termination notice, and tenants only have two chances to cure late payments per year before the landlord can proceed with termination, even if everything is eventually paid.
Abandoned Property and Legal Process
The rules around abandoned items are also incredibly clear. Landlords must store tenant belongings for 30 days and then apply through the appropriate channels to sell or dispose of them. The process requires documentation, photos, and an itemized list of estimated values and costs. It’s a lot of work, but it ensures fairness and legal protection. Again, everything comes with pre-made forms, step-by-step instructions, and contact information for where to get help.
Getting Help and Final Thoughts
Newfoundland and Labrador offer physical offices in St. John’s, Corner Brook, and Gander, plus phone and email support. The online portal is packed with tools—over 100 pages of guides, forms, and the actual Tenancy Act itself. This location sets a gold standard for landlord-tenant clarity. I recorded this episode from San Antonio, Texas. Why? Because real estate takes you places. Where do you want real estate to take you?
Join me in the next episode—already live—where we head to the great state of Oklahoma. I’ll see you there!