What are the grounds for evicting a tenant?
Two different things get called eviction here. A landlord may end a tenancy without giving a reason by serving notice under section 18 — 3 months for a monthly or fixed-term tenancy, 4 weeks week to week. Separately, the Act gives grounds for cause, each with its own steps. Unpaid rent (s.19): once rent is 5 days overdue (3 weekly), notice of not less than 10 days (3 weekly); paying in full, including any late fee, before the date cancels it, except from the third such notice in 12 months (s.19(2), (3)). A broken material term (s.20): first a written notice of the breach and a reasonable time to fix it; only then a notice given at least 1 month before the end of a rental period (7 days weekly), ending on the last day of a rental period. Premises not kept clean or damage (s.22): first a notice to comply; if the tenant does not comply within 3 days (or a reasonable time), a notice of not less than 5 days. Interfering with others' peaceful enjoyment (s.24): not less than 5 days. A tenant who makes the premises unfit for habitation (s.21(2)): notice effective immediately. Use the official form, and if the tenant does not leave, apply to the Director: only an order, enforced by the sheriff, can make them go.
- Where this comes from
- Section 18, and Sections 19–24 for cause, Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)
- Last reviewed