Renting out property in Newfoundland and Labrador
Newfoundland and Labrador has no rent cap, but it has some of the longest rent increase notice periods in Canada: six months for monthly and fixed-term tenancies. Security deposits are capped at three-quarters of a month's rent and earn interest at a regulated rate. The province's Residential Tenancies program, part of Government Services, mediates and adjudicates disputes.
Rent increases
- Rent control
- No rent control: no limit on the amount of an increase
- How often
- Not more than once in 12 months, not during a fixed-term agreement, and not in the first 12 months of a weekly or monthly tenancy
- Written notice
- At least six months' written notice for monthly or fixed-term tenancies, or eight weeks for weekly tenancies, on the prescribed form, signed, citing the section of the Act and stating the effective date, the increase and the new rent
Security deposits
- Maximum
- Three-quarters of one month's rent for month-to-month and fixed-term agreements; two weeks' rent for week-to-week
- Who holds it
- The landlord, in trust. Landlords who rent three or more units must keep deposits in a separate account.
- Interest
- Owed at the rate set by the Security Deposit Interest Regulations. The province publishes a rate schedule and an interest calculator.
- Returning it
- Within 10 days after the tenancy ends, return the deposit with interest unless the parties agree otherwise or you file an application to keep part or all of it. If you miss the deadline, the Director can order it returned without a hearing.
- Pet deposits
- Not allowed as a separate deposit. Any amount above the maximum can be applied by the tenant toward rent.
Other essentials in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Entry: written notice at least 24 hours ahead, with the tenant's name, the address, the section of the Act, the date, a reasonable time and the reason. After a termination notice, make a reasonable effort to give four hours' notice for showings. No notice is needed in an emergency.
- Written terms: landlords must give tenants the terms of the rental agreement in writing.
- Notices must cite the section of the Act that gives the grounds for termination.
- Non-payment: a monthly tenant can be given a 10-day termination notice once rent is five days in arrears.
- Promotional rents: a discount cannot be used to get around the increase rules; a later change in rent counts as an increase.
How Propvara helps NL landlords
- Record each deposit and the account it is held in using tenancies and deposits, with alerts for deposits that have no holder recorded.
- Rent change history with effective dates shows when an increase is next allowed. Province-aware rent increase checks and notices will account for NL's six-month notice.Coming soon
- Use timestamped photos and case history from repairs as evidence if you apply to keep a deposit.
- Prepare an operating statement mapped to CRA T776 lines for tax season.
Newfoundland and Labrador landlord questions
How much notice do I need to raise the rent?
Six months in writing for monthly or fixed-term tenancies (eight weeks for weekly), on the prescribed form. Rent can rise only once in 12 months, and not during a fixed term.
What is the maximum security deposit?
Three-quarters of a month's rent for monthly and fixed-term agreements, or two weeks' rent for weekly. Separate pet deposits are not allowed.
How long do I have to return the deposit?
10 days after the tenancy ends, with interest, unless you and the tenant agree otherwise or you apply to keep some or all of it.
Is there rent control in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No. There is no cap on the amount, only rules on frequency and notice.
Official sources
- Government Services NL: Landlord and tenant
- NL guide: Security deposit (PDF)
- NL policy 13-001: Rental increase (PDF)
- NL policy 3-002: Landlord's notice to enter (PDF)
- NL: Table of changes to the RTA (PDF)
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the Residential Tenancies, Government Services NL or a lawyer before acting.
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