Common Area Maintenance Obligations in Nunavut

Living with roommates or in buildings with shared hallways and laundry can raise questions about who fixes what. In Nunavut, both tenants and landlords have roles when it comes to common area maintenance: keeping hallways, entryways, stairwells, outdoor sidewalks, and shared systems safe and usable. This article explains what tenants should expect, which repairs landlords must arrange, when tenants may be asked to contribute, and practical steps to document issues and raise complaints. It also points to official forms and the tribunal you can contact if problems are not resolved, so renters have clear next steps to protect their health, safety, and quiet enjoyment.

Who is responsible for common areas?

Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining shared spaces that serve multiple units, such as hallways, stairways, exterior entrances, shared laundry rooms, and building systems like heating or plumbing. Tenants are usually responsible for keeping their own unit and any private storage areas clean and undamaged. Review your lease for specific clauses; if the lease shifts a cost to tenants for a shared area, it must be clear and reasonable. See Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained for a plain-language overview of typical responsibilities. ^[1]

Typical landlord obligations

• Arrange and pay for repairs that keep common areas safe and usable, such as fixing lighting in hallways or repairing a broken front door lock.
• Maintain shared systems required for habitability (heat, water, and sewage) so all tenants have access to essential services.
• Keep exterior walkways and entryways free from hazards and, where provided, clear snow and ice according to local standards.
• Provide reasonable lighting and security measures in common areas to protect tenant safety.

When tenants may be asked to contribute or act

• Tenants may be charged for repairs if the damage was caused by the tenant or their guests beyond normal wear and tear.
• Some leases require tenants to share costs for agreed-upon services (for example, contracted snow clearing) — these must be written into the rental agreement.
• If a tenant performs an emergency repair and seeks reimbursement, keep receipts and written notice to support the claim.

How to report problems and request repairs

• Notify your landlord in writing describing the problem, the exact location, and any safety concerns; keep a copy for your records.
• For urgent hazards (no heat, flooding, gas smell), state that it is an emergency and request immediate action; follow up by phone and in writing.
• Allow reasonable access for inspections or repairs when the landlord gives proper notice, and agree on times when possible.
• If the landlord does not respond or refuses necessary repairs, you can file a complaint or application with the tribunal or court that handles tenancy disputes in Nunavut. ^[2]

Documentation and evidence

• Take clear photos and videos with dates showing the problem and any damage to personal property.
• Keep copies of written requests, emails, texts, and any replies from your landlord.
• Keep receipts for any emergency repairs you pay for and note who arranged the work and when.

If you need to look for a new rental while a maintenance issue is unresolved, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to compare listings and find places that meet your needs.

FAQ

Who pays for clearing snow and ice in common areas?

Unless your lease assigns this duty clearly to tenants, the landlord is usually responsible for clearing shared walkways and entrances; check local bylaws and your rental agreement for specifics.

Can a landlord enter the building to fix a common-area issue without notice?

Landlords must follow the notice rules set out by local tenancy law except in emergencies. For non-emergency repairs, reasonable notice is required before entry.

What if the landlord won’t fix a safety hazard?

Document the hazard, give written notice asking for a repair, and if it is not addressed, apply to the tribunal or court that handles tenancy disputes in Nunavut for an order to compel repairs.

How-To

1. Document the issue with dated photos, notes, and copies of any communications.
2. Send a clear written request to the landlord describing the repair needed and your preferred remedy.
3. Allow reasonable time for the landlord to respond and to arrange repairs, following timeframes in tenancy rules if specified.
4. If unresolved, file an application with the appropriate tenancy tribunal or court asking for an order to perform the repairs or for costs.

Help and Support / Resources

• Government of Nunavut — Housing and tenancy information
• Nunavut Court of Justice — Filing procedures and forms

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1. [1] Government of Nunavut — Housing and tenancy information
2. [2] Nunavut Court of Justice — Filing procedures and forms