Kaza · tenancy rules
Newfoundland and Labrador
The deposit maximum, who holds it, the rent-increase cap, the notice period and the late-fee rule in Newfoundland and Labrador, each quoted from the regulator's own published material.
Last changed 2019-01-01. Kaza re-verifies every rule by 2027-08-30, and the build fails if it is overdue.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Newfoundland and Labrador?
In Newfoundland and Labrador the security deposit on a monthly tenancy is capped at 0.75 months' rent. Other tenancy types differ: weekly: 2 weeks' rent. The cap is set by statute and a tenancy agreement cannot raise it.
“Week to Week: 2 Weeks Rent. Month to Month: 3/4 Month Rent. Fixed Term (6-12 months): 3/4 Month Rent. This money is not considered revenue for the landlord and must be held in an interest earning trust account, separate from the landlord's other bank account if the landlord has more than 3 rental units. The RTA requires the landlord to return the deposit (plus interest) to the tenant within 10 days after the rental agreement is terminated unless: (i) the landlord and tenant reach an agreement on the return of the security deposit; or (ii) the landlord files a claim to retain all or a portion of the security deposit. The RTA does not permit a landlord to collect separate security deposits for separate items such as pets.”
Who holds the security deposit in Newfoundland and Labrador?
It is held by the landlord, in a trust account separate from their own money. The trust account must be interest-earning, and separate from the landlord's own account where the landlord has more than 3 rental units. No separate pet deposit is permitted; anything collected over the maximum may be used by the tenant toward rent. Interest is payable to the tenant.
“Week to Week: 2 Weeks Rent. Month to Month: 3/4 Month Rent. Fixed Term (6-12 months): 3/4 Month Rent. This money is not considered revenue for the landlord and must be held in an interest earning trust account, separate from the landlord's other bank account if the landlord has more than 3 rental units. The RTA requires the landlord to return the deposit (plus interest) to the tenant within 10 days after the rental agreement is terminated unless: (i) the landlord and tenant reach an agreement on the return of the security deposit; or (ii) the landlord files a claim to retain all or a portion of the security deposit. The RTA does not permit a landlord to collect separate security deposits for separate items such as pets.”
When must a deposit be returned in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Within 10 days of the tenancy ending, with the interest owed on it.
“Week to Week: 2 Weeks Rent. Month to Month: 3/4 Month Rent. Fixed Term (6-12 months): 3/4 Month Rent. This money is not considered revenue for the landlord and must be held in an interest earning trust account, separate from the landlord's other bank account if the landlord has more than 3 rental units. The RTA requires the landlord to return the deposit (plus interest) to the tenant within 10 days after the rental agreement is terminated unless: (i) the landlord and tenant reach an agreement on the return of the security deposit; or (ii) the landlord files a claim to retain all or a portion of the security deposit. The RTA does not permit a landlord to collect separate security deposits for separate items such as pets.”
How much can a landlord raise the rent in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Newfoundland and Labrador sets no limit on the amount of a rent increase, but rent may rise no more than once every 12 months. No increase at all is allowed in the first 12 months of a tenancy.
“Under Section 16 of the Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord may not increase the rent: more than once in a 12 month period where the residential premises is rented from week to week or month to month; during the term of the rental agreement, where the residential premises is rented for a fixed term; during the 12 month period immediately following the commencement of the rental agreement. The landlord is required to give the tenant written notice of: not less than 8 weeks before the effective date of the increase where the residential premises is rented from week to week; and not less than 6 months before the effective date of the increase where the residential premises is rented from month to month or for a fixed term.”
How much notice does a rent increase need in Newfoundland and Labrador?
At least 6 months' written notice before the new rent starts. A notice served late does not take effect early: the date moves, not the rule.
“Under Section 16 of the Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord may not increase the rent: more than once in a 12 month period where the residential premises is rented from week to week or month to month; during the term of the rental agreement, where the residential premises is rented for a fixed term; during the 12 month period immediately following the commencement of the rental agreement. The landlord is required to give the tenant written notice of: not less than 8 weeks before the effective date of the increase where the residential premises is rented from week to week; and not less than 6 months before the effective date of the increase where the residential premises is rented from month to month or for a fixed term.”
Can a landlord charge a late fee in Newfoundland and Labrador?
$5 on the day rent was due, then $2 for each day it stays unpaid, to a maximum of $75.
“Yes, the landlord can charge $5.00 for the first day the rent is late and $2.00 for each additional day the rent is not paid up to a maximum of $75.00.”
This is not legal advice
Kaza applies published provincial tenancy rules and shows the source it used, and it refuses to answer when a rule is unverified or overdue for review rather than guessing. It does not know the facts of your tenancy, any order made about it, or any agreement between the parties. For advice on a specific situation, speak to the tenancy regulator for the province or to a lawyer.
These same rules are enforced inside the product: Kaza refuses to raise an unlawful charge or serve an unlawful notice, rather than warning about one. How the compliance engine works.