Newfoundland and Labrador Lease Agreement Guide 2026: RTA 2018, Deposits, No Rent Cap
Newfoundland and Labrador's Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 modernized the province's tenancy rules with clearer deposit handling, defined notice periods, and the Residential Tenancies Division (Service NL) for dispute resolution. No rent cap — landlords can raise rent with proper notice.
Sourced from Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, S.N.L. 2018, c. R-14.2 and current Service NL guidance.
Key NL rules
Security deposit
Maximum 0.75 of one month's rent (an unusual fraction — 3/4 month). Held in trust by the landlord, returned within 15 days of the end of the tenancy with interest at the rate set by regulation, unless the landlord applies to retain part.
Rent — no cap
No cap on the amount. Notice rules:
- Three months for monthly tenancies
- 8 weeks for weekly tenancies
- Once per 12 months
Term and ending
Fixed-term leases end on the date specified. Month-to-month requires one full rental month's notice from the tenant. Landlord grounds use the prescribed notice forms.
Entry
24 hours' written notice between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Emergency entry allowed.
Unenforceable clauses
- "Security deposit equals one month's rent" — capped at 0.75 month.
- "No interest on the deposit" — mandatory at the regulation rate.
- "Tenant pays all repairs" — landlord's repair duty (s. 8) is non-waivable.
- "No pets allowed (no exceptions)" — service animals protected under the NL Human Rights Act.
Residential Tenancies Division (Service NL)
Disputes go through Service NL's Residential Tenancies Division. Decisions are written and can be appealed.
Electronic signatures
Valid under NL's Electronic Commerce Act, 2001.
NestBord's Newfoundland and Labrador lease generator handles the 0.75-month deposit cap and notice rules automatically.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I charge as a deposit?
0.75 of one month's rent — three-quarters of a month, unusual but the legal cap.
Is there rent control?
No. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with 3 months' notice (monthly tenancies), once per 12 months.
How long to return the deposit?
15 days from the end of tenancy and tenant's forwarding address, with interest.
How much notice from the tenant to end?
One full rental month for monthly tenancies; one week for weekly.
Can I refuse pets?
Yes generally. Service animals must be allowed.
Can I evict for non-payment?
Yes. Serve the prescribed notice and apply to the Residential Tenancies Division.
Disclaimer
General information, not legal advice. Consult an NL paralegal or Service NL for specific situations. References accurate as of 2026.
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