What are the grounds for evicting a tenant?
Short Answer
In NL a landlord can end a tenancy without a reason by notice under section 18 (3 months monthly, 4 weeks weekly, a fixed term only at its end), or for cause under sections 19 to 24. Only a Director's order can remove 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 before the end of a rental period for a monthly tenancy, 4 weeks week to week, and for a fixed term 3 months before the end of the term (a fixed term cannot be cut short this way).
Separately, the Act gives grounds for cause, each with its own steps. Unpaid rent (s.19): once rent is 5 days overdue (3 week to week), notice of not less than 10 days (3 week to week); 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.
- Section 18, and Sections 19–24 for cause, Residential Tenancies Act, 2018 (Newfoundland and Labrador)