Breaking a lease in Newfoundland and Labrador
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Newfoundland and Labrador sets periodic notice that must cover a full rental period, and publishes a 30-day family-violence exit with a 90-day certificate, a special-circumstances exit, and a material-breach exit.
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How much notice for a periodic tenancy
Open this section ↓A week-to-week tenancy needs not less than 7 days of notice before the end of the rental period; a month-to-month tenancy not less than 1 month; a mobile-home site not less than 1 month. The notice must cover a full rental period: notice given on December 15 where rent is due the 1st is effective January 31, not January 14.
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Fixed term: can it end early?
Open this section ↓To end a fixed term at its expiry, a tenant gives not less than 2 months of notice before the end of the fixed term.
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Assignment and sublet
A sublet or assignment needs the landlord's written permission.Open this section ↓A sublet or assignment needs the landlord's written permission. The landlord cannot refuse without a good reason, cannot impose terms that did not apply to the primary tenant, and cannot charge a fee beyond costs actually incurred. Tenants in subsidized housing have no right to sublet or assign.
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The violence exit
A tenant may terminate a rental agreement with 30 days of notice where the tenant believes that, because of family violence, their safety or that of a child living with them is at risk.Open this section ↓A tenant may terminate a rental agreement with 30 days of notice where the tenant believes that, because of family violence, their safety or that of a child living with them is at risk. The tenant applies to the Director using the Tenant's Application to Terminate Family Violence form, with either a protective order or a statement from an authorized third-party verifier. The Director's certificate is valid for a period of 90 days from the date of issue.
If you are in danger, call 911. Support is also available across Canada through your local victim services.
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Other published exits
Open this section ↓- Special-circumstances exit: one month of notice with evidence for reduced income through ill health, a rent-subsidizing person becoming ill, having to live with an ill family member, permanent admission to a nursing home or similar facility, or the tenant's death.
- Material-breach exit: not less than one month before the end of the rental period where the landlord fails to remedy a breach after written notice, and immediate termination where the premises are uninhabitable.
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If your landlord is in breach
Where the landlord fails to remedy a breach after written notice, the tenant may give a notice of termination not less than one month before the end of the rental period, and may terminate immediately where the premises are uninhabitable.Open this section ↓Where the landlord fails to remedy a breach after written notice, the tenant may give a notice of termination not less than one month before the end of the rental period, and may terminate immediately where the premises are uninhabitable.
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Common Questions
How much notice do I give to end a monthly tenancy in Newfoundland and Labrador?Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionHow much notice do I give to end a monthly tenancy in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Not less than 1 month, and the notice must cover a full rental period. Notice given on December 15 where rent is due the 1st is effective January 31, not January 14.
Can I break a lease in Newfoundland and Labrador because of family violence?
Yes, with 30 days of notice where you believe your safety or that of a child living with you is at risk, applying to the Director with a protective order or an authorized verifier's statement. The Director's certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
This page tells you what the published rules and documents are. It does not predict what a landlord will agree to or how a tribunal will decide. Following the correct route helps avoid owing rent you did not have to, but nothing here guarantees a particular result. For advice on your situation, contact your provincial tribunal or a paralegal or lawyer.
Where to go from here
Guidepost is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This page is general information about the process for Newfoundland and Labrador. The correct notice, documents, and route depend on your facts; for advice, contact your provincial tribunal or a paralegal or lawyer. Full disclaimer. Facts checked September 2026.
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.