How to set up a rental property in Newfoundland & Labrador

Step 1: Written lease

• No mandatory lease form in Newfoundland & Labrador -- but a written lease is strongly recommended.
• Newfoundland & Labrador legislation terms apply to any written or verbal tenancy regardless.
• Optional standard form: https://www.gov.nl.ca/gs/cca/rt/
• Both parties sign and keep a copy.

Step 2: Landlord insurance

• Get a rental-dwelling policy -- NOT a homeowner policy -- before the tenancy starts.
• Homeowner policies typically exclude rental income and tenant-caused damage.
• Consider requiring tenant liability insurance as a lease term.

Step 3: Municipal licensing

• No provincial landlord licence required in Newfoundland & Labrador.
• Check with your city or municipality -- some require a rental or business licence.

Step 4: Tenant screening

• Run a credit check and reference check with written consent from the tenant.
• Handle personal information per privacy law (PIPEDA or provincial equivalent).
• Human rights law applies -- you may not discriminate on protected grounds.

Step 5: Move-in condition report

• No prescribed mandatory move-in inspection form in Newfoundland & Labrador. Documenting the unit's condition at move-in is recommended.
• Both parties sign and date. Each keeps a copy. Attach dated photos.

Step 6: Security deposit

• Maximum: 75% of one month's rent (monthly or fixed-term) or 2 weeks' rent (weekly tenancy)
• Interest: Deposit must be placed in an interest-bearing account within 2 banking days of receipt. Simple interest is paid at move-out -- verify the current rate with Service NL.
• Return deadline: Within 10 days after tenancy ends.
• Security deposit max 75% of one month (monthly) or 2 weeks (weekly). Must go in an interest-bearing account within 2 banking days. Return within 10 days.

Step 7: Rent increases & notice rules

• Notice required: One full rental period's written notice (8 weeks for monthly)
• Newfoundland & Labrador has no rent control. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with proper written notice.
• Residential Tenancies Division: https://www.gov.nl.ca/gs/cca/rt/

Step 8: Records & receipts

• Deposit must be placed in an interest-bearing account within 2 banking days of receiving it.
• Keep: signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, all correspondence.
• Dispute body: Residential Tenancies Division -- https://www.gov.nl.ca/gs/cca/rt/