As of May 2026, the baseline cost to evict a tenant in Newfoundland and Labrador is relatively low, starting with a $20 CAD fee to file an Application for Dispute Resolution. However, if the tenant refuses to leave and you require the Office of the High Sheriff for physical removal, your total costs can easily exceed $500 to $1,500 CAD.
Being a landlord comes with unique financial risks, and discovering that a tenant has stopped paying rent or is damaging your property is incredibly stressful 😞. In Newfoundland and Labrador, you cannot simply change the locks or remove a tenant’s belongings, no matter how frustrated you are. You must follow the strict legal framework outlined in the provincial Residential Tenancies Act.
Whether you own a basement apartment in St. John’s or a multi-unit complex in Corner Brook, regaining possession of your property involves administrative steps . While the government filing fees are designed to be accessible to everyday property owners, the hidden costs of prolonged disputes and physical enforcement can add up quickly. Let us break down the financial reality of the eviction process across the province.
Step-by-Step Eviction Cost Breakdown in NL
The eviction procedure involves the Residential Tenancies Division (RTD), which operates under Service NL 🤔. Understanding where the costs occur will help you budget effectively during a vacancy.
Step 1: Serving the Termination Notice
The first step is completely free if you deliver the paperwork yourself . You must serve the tenant with a formal, written Notice of Termination. The standard form must be used, and it outlines why the tenancy is ending and the exact date they must move out. If you choose to send this via registered mail to ensure you have a tracking number, it will cost you roughly $10 to $15 CAD at Canada Post.
Step 2: Filing the Application for Dispute Resolution
If the tenant ignores the notice and remains in the unit past the termination date, you must escalate the matter. You will submit an Application for Dispute Resolution to the Residential Tenancies Division 📊. As of May 2026, the standard filing fee for this application is $20 CAD. This fee secures your place in line for a formal hearing before an adjudicator.
Step 3: Serving the Notice of Hearing
Once Service NL schedules your hearing, you are legally required to serve the official Notice of Hearing package to the tenant . Again, doing this in person is free, but if the tenant is actively avoiding you, you may need to hire a professional process server. In regions like Mount Pearl or Grand Falls-Windsor, a process server generally charges between $75 and $150 CAD to hand-deliver the documents and provide a sworn affidavit of service.
Step 4: Obtaining the Order of Possession
You will attend the hearing (usually conducted via telephone) to present your evidence, such as unpaid rent ledgers or photographs of property damage 🗒️. The adjudicator will review the facts and, if successful, issue an Order of Possession. There is no additional fee from the RTD to receive this written legal decision.
Step 5: Enforcing the Order via the High Sheriff
This is where costs can escalate significantly. If the tenant still refuses to vacate after the Order of Possession is issued, you cannot physically force them out yourself. You must take the RTD order to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador to have it officially recognized, and then hire the Office of the High Sheriff to execute the eviction . Sheriff fees include an administrative fee, mileage to the property, and potentially the cost of hiring a moving company and a locksmith to secure the premises safely.
How Much Does it Cost in Newfoundland and Labrador?
To help you prepare your finances, here is a detailed estimate of the out-of-pocket expenses you may face when evicting an uncooperative tenant in CAD:
| Service / Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Notice of Termination Delivery | $0 – $15 (Registered Mail) |
| RTD Application Filing Fee | $20 |
| Professional Process Server | $75 – $150 (Optional but recommended) |
| Office of the High Sheriff Fees | $100 – $300+ (Depends on mileage) |
| Locksmith & Movers (If required) | $300 – $1,000+ |
Remember that these figures do not include the cost of your lost rental income while the tenant remains in the unit without paying, which is often the largest financial blow to a landlord.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The duration of the eviction process varies based on the reason for termination ⌛. If evicting for non-payment of rent, the rent must be late by 5 days before you can serve a 10-day notice. If the tenant does not leave, waiting for an RTD hearing typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. Waiting for the adjudicator’s written decision and subsequently scheduling the High Sheriff can add another 2 to 4 weeks, making the total timeline roughly 2 to 3 months from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the tenant pay for the eviction costs?
Yes, generally you can. When you file your Application for Dispute Resolution, you can ask the adjudicator to order the tenant to reimburse your $20 filing fee. You can also sue the tenant in Small Claims Court later to recover the Sheriff and locksmith fees.
Is it legal to just turn off the power to force them out?
No, absolutely not. Shutting off vital utilities like water, heat, or electricity is considered an illegal eviction tactic under the Residential Tenancies Act. Doing so can result in massive fines against you and allow the tenant to sue you for damages.
Do I have to pay to store a tenant’s abandoned belongings?
If the tenant leaves belongings behind, you must follow strict provincial rules. Generally, you must store items of value safely for a specific period (usually 30 days) and apply to the Director of Residential Tenancies for permission to sell or dispose of them. You can claim storage costs from the proceeds of any sale.
Can I evict a tenant in winter in NL?
Yes. Unlike some jurisdictions that have seasonal eviction bans, Newfoundland and Labrador allows legal evictions to proceed year-round, even during the harsh winter months, provided you have a valid Order of Possession.
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