How to set up a rental property in Newfoundland & Labrador
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Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check
A step-by-step guide for first-time landlords in Newfoundland & Labrador, mandatory lease form requirements, deposit rules, inspection obligations, licensing, and rent-increase rules. Free downloadable checklist included.
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Newfoundland & Labrador at a glance
Open this section ↓Official RTD website →↑ Close this sectionMandatory lease form
No (written lease recommended)
Move-in inspection
Not required
Deposit
75% of one month's rent (monthly or fixed-term) or 2 weeks' rent (weekly tenancy)
Rent control
No
Tribunal
Residential Tenancies Division (RTD)
Legislation
Residential Tenancies Act, 2018
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Step 1: Written lease
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo mandatory form required
No mandatory prescribed form. The standard agreement (RT-1) is recommended. Verbal leases are legally binding in Newfoundland & Labrador.
Optional standard form →3
Step 2: Landlord insurance
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionGet a rental-dwelling policy before the tenancy starts
A standard homeowner policy typically excludes rental income and damage caused by tenants. Rental properties are covered by a rental-dwelling (landlord) policy instead.
Consider requiring your tenant to carry liability insurance as a condition of the lease. This is not required by law in Newfoundland & Labrador but is common practice.
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Step 3: Municipal licensing
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNo provincial licence required in Newfoundland & Labrador
There is no provincial landlord registration or licence anywhere in Canada. However, some cities and municipalities require a rental or business licence before you can rent a property. Check with your city or municipality before putting a tenant in.
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Step 4: Move-in condition report
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNot requiredNo prescribed mandatory move-in inspection form in Newfoundland & Labrador. Documenting the unit's condition at move-in is recommended.
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Step 5: Security deposit
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionMaximum
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.
Verify current rate →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.
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Step 6: Rent increases and notice rules
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNotice required for a rent increase
Not less than 8 weeks' written notice where the premises are rented week to week, and not less than 6 months where rented month to month or for a fixed term. No more than one increase in any 12 month period, and no increase in the first 12 months of the agreement.
Full notice & rent rules for Newfoundland & Labrador →Rent control
Newfoundland & Labrador has no rent control. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with proper written notice.
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Step 7: Records and receipts
Deposit must be placed in an interest-bearing account within 2 banking days of receiving it.Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionDeposit must be placed in an interest-bearing account within 2 banking days of receiving it.
Keep copies of: the signed lease, deposit receipt, condition report(s), rent payment records, notice letters, and all correspondence with your tenant.
Tribunal: Residential Tenancies Division. https://www.gov.nl.ca/gs/landlord-tenant/
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Your Newfoundland & Labrador landlord setup checklist
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionNewfoundland & Labrador: New Landlord Setup Checklist 8 steps to set up your first rental property correctly
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/landlord-tenant/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: Not less than 8 weeks' written notice where the premises are rented week to week, and not less than 6 months where rented month to month or for a fixed term. No more than one increase in any 12 month period, and no increase in the first 12 months of the agreement.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/landlord-tenant/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/landlord-tenant/General information only, not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your province's Residential Tenancies Division.
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Frequently asked questions
Open this section ↓Do I need to use a specific lease form in Newfoundland & Labrador?
No mandatory form is required in Newfoundland & Labrador. No mandatory prescribed form. The standard agreement (RT-1) is recommended. Verbal leases are legally binding in Newfoundland & Labrador.
What deposit can I collect in Newfoundland & Labrador?
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. Maximum: 75% of one month's rent (monthly or fixed-term) or 2 weeks' rent (weekly tenancy).
Is a move-in inspection report required in Newfoundland & Labrador?
No prescribed mandatory move-in inspection form in Newfoundland & Labrador. Documenting the unit's condition at move-in is recommended.
Do I need a landlord licence in Newfoundland & Labrador?
There is no provincial landlord licence required in Newfoundland & Labrador. However, some municipalities require a rental or business licence. Check with your city or municipality.
What are the rent-increase rules in Newfoundland & Labrador?
Notice required: Not less than 8 weeks' written notice where the premises are rented week to week, and not less than 6 months where rented month to month or for a fixed term. No more than one increase in any 12 month period, and no increase in the first 12 months of the agreement.. Newfoundland & Labrador has no rent control. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with proper written notice.
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Related guides
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionLandlord & Tenant: Newfoundland & Labrador
Notice forms, rent-increase rules, repairs, and tribunal filing for Newfoundland & Labrador.
Eviction Guide: Newfoundland & Labrador
Non-payment, cause, and own-use eviction steps in Newfoundland & Labrador.
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Facts checked September 2026
More than one unit? The Landlord Pass
Prepare the rent increase notices on this page for every property you hold, with the dates checked against the province rule that governs each one, and an alert when one of them moves.
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