What is a good first step for a landlord before starting a new tenancy?
Service NL, the government agency responsible for consumer safety, suggests that landlords with investment property in the Newfoundland and Labrador province should require a written rental application from each prospective tenant. This involves investigating a tenant’s rental history, income, credit, and criminal background. From there, the landlord can approve a tenant and start the next step in the tenancy.
Is a written lease agreement (tenancy agreement) required?
A written lease/tenancy agreement is not required in Newfoundland and Labrador but any changes to the tenancy MUST be written and follow the Residential Tenancies Act. If a rental agreement is in writing, the landlord must provide the tenant with a copy of the tenancy agreement within 10 days of the lease signing.
What happens if a tenant is late on rent?
If the tenant’s rent is late by 15 days, the landlord may serve a 10 day written notice. The landlord may also charge a late fee, the amount of which changes and is set by Service NL.
Is the collection of a security deposit permitted?
Landlords may collect a security deposit in Newfoundland and Labrador territories.Where a tenant pays rent weekly, the security deposit may be no more than an amount equal to two weeks rent. For those tenants who pay monthly, no more than an amount equal to three quarters of the monthly rent is permitted to be collected as a security deposit.
Is a signed condition report required in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Condition reports can be very beneficial to a landlord, documenting the condition of the rental unit at the beginning of the tenancy so that the landlord can hold the tenant responsible for damage done to the property since move-in. It is not required by the Residential Tenancies Act, but it is recommended.
Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?
The landlord must keep the premises in compliance with habitation, housing and safety laws. This includes making repairs and keeping the unit safe with proper doors and locks. The tenant must make sure that neither she nor her guests or family commit abuse or negligence that attribute to any needed repairs.
Is it required to give a rent receipt in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The landlord must give the tenant a rent receipt and the security deposit. The receipt must include the date of the rent received, amount of rent and property address of the rental unit. In Newfoundland and Labrador It is required that the landlord keep records of rent and deposits.
When can a landlord enter the rental unit?
The landlord must give proper notice before entering the rental unit, except in the case of an emergency. Proper notice in Newfoundland and Labrador is 24 hours written notice. The landlord may only enter the unit between the hours of 9 AM – 5 PM and 7 – 9 PM.
What are the laws for rent increases?
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the landlord may not increase the rent in the midst of a fixed term tenancy. The landlord must wait 12 months after the start of tenancy before increasing the rent in a monthly or weekly tenancy. In a week-to-week tenancy, the landlord must serve a notice no less than 8 weeks before the day of increase. In a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must serve the notice no later than 3 month before the date of increase.
How does a tenancy end?
At the end of a tenancy the landlord must give a proper termination notice to terminate the tenancy. For a fixed term and month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must give notice no later than 3 months before the end of tenancy. For a week-to-week tenancy, the landlord must give no less than 4 weeks notice.
