Immediate steps if you suspect carbon monoxide
If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, get everyone out of the building, call emergency services, and seek medical help if anyone is unwell. For official health guidance on carbon monoxide symptoms and prevention, see the federal guidance.[1]
- Call 911 or your local emergency number if anyone is dizzy, confused, fainting, or has flu-like symptoms.
- Get everyone outdoors immediately to fresh air and keep clear of the building for safety reasons.
- Do not re-enter the rental unit until emergency responders or qualified technicians declare the property safe.
Notify your landlord and document the problem
After safety is secured, notify your landlord in writing and request urgent inspection and repairs. For general tenant safety tips and common landlord obligations, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
- Give dated written notice to the landlord describing symptoms, alarm readings, and the time and date; keep a copy for your records.
- Photograph alarm units, labels, and any signs of damage or fuel leakage; record the name of anyone who inspected the unit.
- Request immediate repairs or an inspection in writing and set a reasonable deadline for action, such as 24–72 hours depending on urgency.
When to seek formal remedies in Nunavut
If urgent repairs do not happen, or the landlord does not respond, tenants can pursue formal remedies. In Nunavut, residential tenancy disputes and applications for remedies are typically processed through local administrative channels or the Nunavut Court of Justice; you may need to file an application to request orders or compensation.[2]
- Ask the landlord to provide written confirmation of any inspections or actions taken and save all replies.
- If the landlord fails to act, prepare to file a formal application with the appropriate body or court to request repairs, rent abatement, or other remedies.
- Contact local legal aid, a community legal clinic, or tenant support services for help preparing your application and evidence.
FAQ
- How quickly must my landlord fix a carbon monoxide issue?
- Landlords must address life-safety risks immediately; timelines for repairs can vary, but urgent hazards should be fixed without delay.
- Can I withhold rent if carbon monoxide is detected?
- Withholding rent is risky and often not allowed; instead document the issue, give written notice, and seek tribunal relief or emergency remedies.
- What evidence helps a tenant's case?
- Photographs, alarm readings, dated written notices to the landlord, medical records, and witness contact details are useful evidence.
How-To
- Document the incident: take photos, note times, and save any alarm or detector readings.
- Notify the landlord in writing and keep a dated copy of that notice.
- Arrange emergency repairs with the landlord or request that emergency services perform a safety check if the building remains unsafe.
- If the landlord does not act, file the appropriate application with the housing authority, tribunal, or court and include your evidence.
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Help and Support / Resources
- Health Canada: Carbon monoxide information
- Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting
- Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
