What is a security Deposit?

A security deposit is a one-time only payment and cannot be more than one
month's rent.

Must a landlord provide a receipt for a

security deposit?
A landlord shall give the tenant a written receipt stating the amount of
the deposit, the date of payment, and the premises to which it applies

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a

security deposit?
Landlords must pay tenants interest on security deposits.

How much can be charged for a security

deposit?
A security deposit cannot be more than one months rent.

How much time does a landlord have to

return a security deposit after the tenant
moves out?
The landlord shall return the security deposit to the tenant within 15 days.

What is a rental agreement?

A rental agreement provides for a tenancy of a short period that is
automatically renewed at the end of the period unless the tenant or landlord
ends it by giving written notice.

What are the types of rental agreements?

Month-to-month, One-way leases, and Fixed-term leases.

Must a landlord give a copy of a signed rental

agreement to the tenant?
The landlord shall give a copy of the agreement, signed by the landlord and
the tenant, to the tenant..

Must a landlord give a tenant a copy of the

Residential Tenancies Act?
Yes, Under Section 5 and 6 of the Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord has to
provide a copy of the Act, without cost, to the tenant, upon entering into a
rental agreement.

What is a Rental Premises Condition Report

form?
It is a form to be filled out, involving he physical condition of the aspects of
the property.~

Does the Residential Tenancies Act apply to a

verbal rental agreement?
Yes, the act applies to a verbal rental agreement.

Can a landlord request post-dated cheques

for rent payments?
Yes, the landlord can request post-dated cheques.

Are there residential premises not covered

by the Act?

where meals and bed linens are provided;

where the owner shares bathroom and kitchen facilities with an

occupant, as in a boarding home;

provided by an educational institution to its students (including units

owned by Memorial University of Newfoundland);

provided by religious, charitable or non-profit organizations;

in a hospital or nursing home;

occupied on a transient basis provided in a hotel, motel, inn, tourist

home or hostel.

Does the Act apply to business/commercial

rental agreements?

No, the Act does not apply to this type of landlord-tenant relationship.

Is a tenant responsible to have insurance on

his/her personal belongings?
Yes, a tenant is responsible to carry insurance on his/her personal
belongings. A tenant's personal belongings are not covered by insurance the
landlord may have on the residential premises.

Went a rented premises is sold to a new

owner, does the rental agreement continue?
Yes, the Rental Agreement (written or verbal) continues as if there was no
change in ownership, however a foreclosure may result in an exception.

What happens to a security deposit when

there is a change in ownership?
The new owner will be responsible for the security deposit.

Can a landlord charge a fee for late payment

of rent?
Yes, the landlord can charge $5.00 for the first day the rent is late and $2.00
for each additional day the rent is not paid up to a maximum of $75.00.

Can a landlord charge a fee if a tenants rent

cheque is returned because of non-sufficient
funds (N. S. F. ) in the tenants account?
If a rent cheque is returned N.S.F., a landlord may charge a fee not greater
than $25.00.

Can a tenant withhold rent because a

landlord is not maintaining the premises?
No, not paying the rent may result in the landlord serving a short Termination
Notice

Cana landlord terminate a rental agreement

when the tenant does no pay rent?
Yes, a landlord can give a short Termination Notice when the rent is not paid.

Can a landlord increase rent by giving a

verbal notice to the tenant?
No, a landlord must give the tenant a written notice to increase the rent.

Can a landlord increase rent anytime?

A landlord cannot increase the rent during any fixed term rental agreement
or during the first 12 months of a week to week or month to month rental
agreement.

Is a tenant responsible for damages to the

residential premises?
A tenant is responsible to repair damages where the tenant or one of the
tenant's guests or visitors caused the damages.

What can a landlord do if a tenant has not

repaired damages?
A landlord can request in writing a tenant to repair damages.

Can a termination notice be verbal?

No, a termination notice must be in writing.

Where can I get a copy of the Residential

Tenancies Act?
Official copies of the Act can be purchased for $5.25 (including tax) at our
Locations and at the Government Service Centers.

If a landlord gives a tenant a Termination

Notice in writing, is the tenant required to
give a written notice of his/her departure?
Yes, all notices of termination by a landlord will also require a written notice
from a tenant when he is leaving, otherwise rent is payable to effective date
of termination.