Newfoundland and Labrador tenancy
NL ending a residential tenancy for family violence
Understand certificates, 30-day termination notice and confidentiality under sections 25–27.
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Step 1: Apply confidentially to the director
Sections 25–27 of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 offer a special route for a tenant on a month-to-month or fixed-term agreement who believes that continuing to live in the premises creates a family-violence safety risk for the tenant or a child living there. The tenant—or another person acting with the tenant’s consent—can apply for a certificate from the Director of Residential Tenancies.
The application needs one of the qualifying protective court orders (such as an emergency protection order, restraining order or peace bond) or an opinion from a professional authorized under the regulations, such as a licensed medical or nursing professional, social worker, psychologist, police officer or qualifying shelter worker. The director must issue or refuse the certificate within five business days of receiving the application. The decision is final, but a tenant refused a certificate can reapply if circumstances change (section 25).
The government’s application instructions say a tenant does not need to disclose the specific details of family violence in the application. Ask the Residential Tenancies Office how to transmit sensitive supporting documents safely.
Step 2: Serve the notice while the certificate is valid
- After the certificate is issued, sign a termination notice stating the intended termination and move-out date.
- Attach a copy of the certificate and give at least 30 days’ notice to the landlord.
- Provide and serve the notice within 90 days of the certificate’s issue date, using a method authorized under section 35.
- Keep a private record of when and how the landlord received it. Service dates may differ from sending dates.
This special 30-day notice does not need to end on the last day of a rental period. Rent is owed only to the end of the section 26 notice period, even if that falls partway through a usual monthly period. If the 90-day certificate period has expired before notice is given, the tenant must seek another certificate.
What happens to other tenants?
Terminating under section 26 ends the existing rental agreement for every tenant on that agreement. The landlord must notify the other tenants. They can make a new rental agreement with the landlord if they choose; that does not undo the original termination. Consider a safety plan before arranging service or moving.
Privacy and urgent safety
The statute provides confidentiality protections for information connected to the certificate and notice. Do not upload identifying safety documents into an unofficial website or calculator. For immediate danger contact emergency services, and seek help from appropriate local supports.