Renting a place to live
Renting a home in Newfoundland and Labrador provides newcomers with flexible options while settling into life in a new province. Knowing what to expect from rental agreements, available amenities, and your rights as a tenant helps make the process easier and reduces the chances of misunderstandings. Here are the basic steps to follow when looking to rent a place in Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Determine Your Budget and Needs: Decide on a budget for rent and list your preferences for amenities, location, proximity to work or school, and other essentials (like pet policies or parking).
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Research the Rental Market: Use trusted sources like CMHC reports, local rental websites, or community boards. Consider different types of rentals (shared rooms, apartments, basement suites, or houses) and compare the prices. Here are some rental listing websites for Newfoundland and Labrador. These sites are popular for rental listings, but remember to exercise caution, especially with private listings (see Scam information), and verify details in person or through trusted contacts if possible.
- Kijiji (Newfoundland and Labrador): Widely used for rental listings, with a range of housing options in urban and rural areas.
- Rentals.ca: Features verified rental listings across Newfoundland, particularly in St. John’s.
- Realtor.ca: :Known for home sales, but also includes rental listings through real estate agencies.
- Facebook Marketplace: Offers community listings for rentals and short-term accommodation.
- NL Classifieds: Newfoundland-specific classified ads, including housing rentals.
- Beware of Scams: Be cautious of listings that ask for upfront deposits before you view the property or landlords who refuse to meet in person. Never transfer money without verifying the property and its legitimacy.
- Schedule Viewings: Contact landlords or property managers to set up viewings. Look closely at the property’s condition and ask questions about utilities, heating, and maintenance responsibilities.
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Review Lease Agreement Details: Carefully read the lease agreement and check for essential components of the lease agreement:
- Parties Involved: Include both landlord and tenant names and contact information.
- Property Description: Address and details of the rental property.
- Lease Duration: Weekly, monthly, or annually.
- Rent Amount and Payment: Clear terms on the rent amount, due date, and payment method.
- Security Deposit: Amount and terms for return.
- Utilities: Clarify if utilities like water, heating, and electricity are included.
- Maintenance: Know whether the landlord or tenant is responsible for repairs and upkeep.
- House Rules: Pet policy, noise restrictions, and visitor limitations.
- Termination: Conditions for ending the lease early.
- Understand Tenant Rights and Responsibilities: Familiarize yourself with tenant rights and responsibilities through resources like the Residential Tenancies Board. Ask about who is responsible for repairs, snow removal, and other maintenance You can find reliable information in Spanish about your rights as a tenant visiting PLIAN: Public Legal Information Association NL.
- Obtain Tenant Insurance: Some landlords may require tenant insurance for liability and personal property coverage, which protects both you and the landlord. Visit: Insurance Bureau of Canada
- Finalize the Lease and Move In: Once all terms are clear and you feel confident about the property, sign the lease, pay the security deposit, and plan your move-in. Remember to: Check heating systems, ensure windows seal properly, and verify appliances are functional. Snow removal, parking, and other amenities should be clarified with the landlord.
- For a detailed rental guide, refer to the CMHC Renting Guide.
Inspection and Amenities:
Support for Tenants: For questions on tenant rights or disputes, contact the Residential Tenancies Board
Phone: 709-729-2608
Toll-Free in NL: 1-877-829-2608
Email: landlordtenant@gov.nl.ca
Information: Government of NL Residential Tenancies
