Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) law guide
Quick answer
Newfoundland and Labrador has no rent control: landlords may raise rent by any amount with 3 months written notice, once per 12 months. The security deposit is capped at three-quarters of one month's rent. Disputes go to the Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL; for nonpayment overdue by 15 days, a landlord may issue a 10-day termination notice.
Security deposit rules
Maximum 3/4 of one month's rent; must be placed in trust within 2 days; returned with interest within 15 days of tenancy end
Rent control
None, no percentage cap; 3 months written notice required; one increase per 12-month period
Tribunal/board
Residential Tenancies Section, Service NL (hearings held within 20 km of the rental property)
Nonpayment notice
10-day termination notice once rent is 15+ days overdue; tenant can stop eviction by paying in full within 10 days
Newfoundland and Labrador rental market snapshot
Population
530,000
Renter households
~28%
Median rent
$1,265/mo (2BR, St. John's area)
Largest rental markets
St. John's, Mount Pearl, Corner Brook, Gander
St. John's remains one of the most affordable rental markets in Atlantic Canada. CMHC 2025 data shows the average 2BR in the St. John's CMA near $1,265; asking rents on new listings are rising faster as no cap applies to market-rate housing.
NL landlords may collect a security deposit of up to three-quarters (75%) of one month's rent. This is a unique cap, lower than most other provinces. The deposit must be placed in a trust account within 2 days of receipt.
If there are no claims, the landlord must return the deposit with interest within 15 days of the tenancy ending. Deductions may only be made for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear; disputes are resolved by the Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL.
NL has no rent control: a landlord may raise rent by any amount. However, a landlord must provide at least 3 months written notice before any increase, rent cannot be raised more than once every 12 months, and it cannot be raised during the first 12 months of a new periodic tenancy or during any fixed-term agreement.
Non-refundable fees such as application fees, pet charges (absent damage), or administrative costs are not permitted. The only permissible upfront charge is the legislated security deposit.
Rent becomes overdue the day after the due date. If rent remains unpaid for 15 days, the landlord may issue a 10-day termination notice. The tenant can stop the eviction by paying the full outstanding amount within those 10 days.
If the tenant does not pay or vacate, the landlord applies to the Residential Tenancies Section of Service NL by completing an application form and paying a $20 filing fee. A hearing is scheduled within 20 km of the rental property, and a Residential Tenancies Officer issues a binding order.
NL landlords must give 24 hours written notice before entering for inspections or non-emergency purposes. Entry is permitted during reasonable hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. In genuine emergencies, landlords may enter without prior notice.
Landlords must maintain the rental unit in a good state of repair and comply with all applicable health and safety standards. Tenants can report failures to Service NL, which has authority to investigate and issue orders requiring repairs.
NL tenants are protected under the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Act, 2010, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, and other grounds.
Tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment. Illegal lockouts, utility shutoffs, and landlord harassment are prohibited and can be reported to both Service NL and the Human Rights Commission. Verbal tenancy agreements are legally binding, though a written agreement is recommended.
NL does not require a written lease; verbal agreements are legally enforceable and the standard conditions of the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 apply automatically. A written lease is strongly recommended to avoid disputes about terms.
At the end of a fixed term, the tenancy automatically converts to a month-to-month arrangement unless proper notice is given by either party. The Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 replaced the older 1975 Act and modernized the framework, including clearer rules on assignment and subletting.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, SNL 2018, c R-14.2. Laws change; confirm the current statute or consult an attorney before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-06.
Newfoundland and Labrador FAQ
No. Newfoundland and Labrador has **no rent control** and no provincial percentage cap. Your landlord can raise rent by any amount, but must give you at least **3 months written notice**, can only do so **once per 12 months**, and cannot raise rent during a fixed-term agreement or in the first 12 months of a new periodic tenancy.
A landlord can charge a maximum of **three-quarters (75%) of one month's rent** as a security deposit. It must be placed in trust within 2 days and returned with interest within **15 days** of you vacating, minus lawful deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
If your rent is **15 days overdue**, your landlord can issue a **10-day termination notice**. You can stop the eviction by paying all outstanding rent within those 10 days. If you do not pay or vacate, the landlord applies to **Service NL's Residential Tenancies Section** with a **$20 filing fee**, and a hearing is held within 20 km of your rental unit.
No. Verbal tenancy agreements are **legally binding** in NL, and the standard conditions of the **Residential Tenancies Act, 2018** apply automatically to all tenancies. However, a written lease is strongly recommended to avoid disputes about the terms of your agreement.
**Service NL** is the provincial government department that houses the Residential Tenancies Section. It handles all landlord-tenant disputes, applications, and enforcement. To file a complaint or application, contact Service NL at **1-877-829-2608** (toll-free) or visit a Service NL Centre in person. Hearings are held within 20 km of the rental property.
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