Can a New Landlord Raise the Rent Right Away in Nunavut?

If you’re renting a home in Nunavut and your rental property has been sold or there’s a change in ownership, you may wonder if the new landlord can increase your rent immediately. Understanding your rights is essential, especially with affordable housing in demand and frequent landlord turnovers across the territory. This article explains Nunavut’s rent increase laws, tenant protections, and what you should do if you get a notice about a rent hike.

Who Regulates Rent Increases in Nunavut?

Residential tenancies in Nunavut are regulated by the Residential Tenancies Act, Nunavut. The Residential Tenancy Office of Nunavut oversees enforcement, forms, and dispute resolution for tenants and landlords.

Can a New Landlord Raise the Rent Immediately?

No, a new landlord cannot increase your rent right away just because they bought the property. The law treats changes of ownership as a transfer of the landlord’s rights and responsibilities, not a reset of your rental agreement or rent amount. You remain protected under your original lease or rental agreement.

Under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord (new or existing) must:

• Follow required notice periods for any rent increase
• Respect limits on how often rent can be increased (usually once every 12 months)
• Use the proper form and serve it to the tenant in advance

This means your rent cannot be raised until your tenancy has met these legal requirements, regardless of a change in property ownership.

Notice Period for Rent Increases

In Nunavut, landlords must provide at least three months' written notice before increasing rent. This applies whether it’s a new landlord or your current one.

Maximum Frequency and Calculation

• Frequency: Rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
• Notice: Written notice is mandatory. The notice must specify the new rent amount and the date it takes effect.
• Applies to: Both fixed-term leases (once the term renews) and month-to-month tenancies.

Visit the official Residential Tenancy Office for more details or to review the Residential Tenancies Act in depth.^[1][2]

What to Do If You Receive a Rent Increase Notice

If you receive a notice of rent increase from your new landlord:

• Check the notice date: Was it served at least 3 months before the increase would take effect?
• Check the timeline: Has it been at least 12 months since the last rent increase?
• Ensure it’s in writing, with all details clearly stated.

If the landlord doesn’t follow these rules, you can dispute the rent increase with the Residential Tenancy Office.

Key Form: Notice to Increase Rent

• Form Name: Notice of Rent Increase (no official number)
• When Used: Landlord must use this form to officially inform you of any rent rise, with proper advance notice.
• Download: Notice of Rent Increase (Nunavut government)
• Practical Example: If your rent is $1,000/month and your tenancy started in January, your landlord must wait until the following January before issuing a rent increase notice, giving you at least 3 months’ written warning.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

When ownership of your rental changes, all existing lease terms, deposits, and agreements remain valid. Your new landlord cannot ignore these rights. To learn more about ongoing tenant obligations during and after a landlord change, read Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

If you’re facing multiple rental issues, such as repairs, access, or communication problems with a new landlord, the Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them guide may help.

For more information on local tenant laws, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

You can also Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme if you’re considering other housing options.

FAQs About Rent Increases After Landlord Changes in Nunavut

1. Can a landlord raise my rent after buying the property?
   No, the new landlord must follow all standard rent increase rules, including proper notice and timing—ownership change does not change these laws.
2. What should I do if I get less than 3 months' notice?
   You can contact the Residential Tenancy Office to dispute the increase, as it is not valid without full notice.
3. Does my lease agreement change after a new landlord takes over?
   No, your lease continues unchanged. All previous rights and responsibilities apply.
4. Is there a limit on how much my landlord can increase rent?
   Nunavut does not set a maximum percentage cap, but increases must be reasonable and comply with the Act. Large, sudden increases may be disputable.
5. Where do I go if I have questions or need help disputing a rent increase?
   Contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office for advice and dispute resolution.

Key Takeaways for Tenants in Nunavut

• A new landlord cannot raise your rent right away—they must follow the same rules as the previous landlord.
• You must receive at least 3 months' written notice before any rent increase can take effect.
• If you feel your rights are not being respected, dispute the increase through the Residential Tenancy Office.

Remember, you have strong protections as a tenant in Nunavut and resources available if you need support.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office: Information, forms, and dispute process
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act: Complete legislation
• Nunavut Income Assistance Programs: Support for low-income tenants

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1. "Residential Tenancies Act, RSNWT (Nu) 1988, c R-5." See full text on Nunavut Legislation website.
2. "Residential Tenancy Office"—Government of Nunavut, Department of Justice
3. "Notice of Rent Increase" Form, Government of Nunavut

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