Adding Someone to Your Lease in Nunavut: Tenant Guide

Thinking about adding a roommate, partner, or family member to your lease in Nunavut? Whether your household is changing, you want to share rent, or ensure everyone is protected by law, it's important to follow proper steps and understand your rights under Nunavut rental law. This guide explains in plain language how Nunavut tenants can add someone to a lease, which official forms to use, your landlord’s rights, and what to do if problems arise.

Before You Add Someone: Know Your Rights and Lease Terms

Before you begin, it's important to check your original lease agreement. Some leases in Nunavut specifically require landlord approval before anyone new can be added, while others outline restrictions or conditions for having guests or roommates. Review your rental agreement to find out:

• If new tenants can be added
• Whether you need landlord consent, and how to request it
• If a written amendment or new lease is required

Nunavut tenancies are governed by the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. This law sets out the process and protections for tenants and landlords.

Step-by-Step: Adding a Person to Your Lease in Nunavut

Here are the practical steps any Nunavut tenant should take when looking to add someone to their lease:

• Talk to your landlord first. Explain who you wish to add and why. Written communication (email or letter) is best.
• Both you and the new tenant may need to complete a formal application. Landlords have the right to screen prospective tenants, including background and reference checks.
• Get the landlord’s consent in writing. A new lease or an amendment to your current lease should be signed by you, the new tenant, and the landlord.
• Use the official form: In Nunavut, you may use the “Amendment to Written Tenancy Agreement” section (see below) or create a separate signed addendum. Keep copies for everyone involved.

This process helps ensure everyone’s rights and responsibilities are clear. Trying to add a person without following these steps can lead to disputes or even eviction.

Official Forms and Practical Examples

Form: Amendment to Written Tenancy Agreement

• Name: No standardized government ‘Add Tenant’ form, but Nunavut's recommended templates provide examples of lease amendments.
• When to use: If your existing lease allows for amendments, use an addendum or amendment template to add the person's name, the date they’re joining, and any changes to responsibilities.
• How: After getting the landlord’s written approval, complete the amendment or template, then have all parties sign it. Keep copies for yourself and the new tenant.

Example: If you’re adding a roommate to share rent, you would fill out the amendment, notify your landlord, and sign the new agreement before your roommate moves in.

Role of the Nunavut Rental Office

The Nunavut Rental Office is the official body that manages rental disputes and tenant questions. If your landlord does not respond or refuses permission without reason, you can contact the Rental Office for help or file an application.

Key Points: Landlord Approval and Responsibilities

• Landlords generally cannot refuse a reasonable request to add a co-tenant without good grounds (such as overcrowding or tenant history issues).
• All tenants on the lease are fully responsible for rent and abiding by the lease.
• If the new person is not officially added, they have no legal protection and you may be in breach of your lease.

If you’re not sure about your rights or your landlord’s decision, review the details at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for complete protections.

What Happens Next? Dealing With Changes and New Responsibilities

After adding someone to your lease, their name should appear on all relevant documents and communications. It’s a good idea to discuss how to split rent, who handles property issues, and what to do when one person wants to move out.

For more about managing shared responsibilities, see the guide Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Can You Be Denied?

Landlords have the right to screen new tenants. However, denials must be reasonable—such as past rental problems, limits on occupancy, or valid business reasons. Unreasonable or discriminatory refusals can be challenged with the Rental Office.

Also, consider how moving in a new person may affect your rent, deposit, or shared utilities. For guidance on those topics, read Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

Finding new people to live with, or searching for a different rental entirely? Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings and easily compare your options across Nunavut and all of Canada.

FAQ: Adding Someone to Your Rental in Nunavut

1. Do I need my landlord’s permission to add someone to my lease?
   Yes, you must get written permission from your landlord before officially adding another person.
2. What happens if I add a roommate without telling my landlord?
   This can put you at risk of breaching your lease agreement, which may lead to eviction or disputes. Always follow correct procedures.
3. Is my new roommate responsible for rent if they’re not on the lease?
   No, only tenants listed on the lease are legally responsible for rent and damages. Unlisted roommates do not share those responsibilities or protections.
4. Can my landlord increase the rent if I add someone?
   Not automatically. The landlord can only increase rent according to legal guidelines, which are outlined in the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act. They must follow proper notice periods for any rent change.

Conclusion: What Tenants Should Remember

• Always seek written landlord approval before adding anyone to your lease.
• Use official forms or lease amendments and keep copies for everyone.
• If the landlord refuses without reason, you can contact the Nunavut Rental Office for support.

This process protects your rights and ensures that all household members are covered under Nunavut's tenancy laws.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office (Tenancies and Rents): Official agency for tenant questions and disputes
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act: Full text for all rights and responsibilities
• For practical guidance, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act: Official legislation PDF
2. Nunavut Rental Office: Landlords and Tenants – Government of Nunavut

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