Condo Repairs in Nunavut: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Condo living is increasingly popular in Nunavut, but renting a condominium comes with unique questions—especially about repair responsibilities. If you're a tenant, knowing who is responsible for fixing broken appliances, plumbing, or structural issues helps protect your rights and ensures your home stays safe and comfortable. This article guides Nunavut tenants through condo repair responsibilities, relevant laws, and essential steps to take if something goes wrong.

Understanding Repair Duties in Nunavut Condo Rentals

In Nunavut, condo repairs are covered by the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[1] and often influenced by condominium corporation bylaws. Generally, responsibilities are split:

• Landlord/Owner: Must maintain the rental unit in a good state of repair, ensure vital services (heat, water, electricity) are functioning, and meet health and safety standards.
• Tenant: Must keep the unit clean, not cause damage, and report repair issues to the landlord promptly.
• Condo Corporation: Typically responsible for common areas (hallways, lobbies, exterior, shared plumbing/electrical), but not repairs in your specific rented unit.

Always check your lease agreement for specific terms—sometimes, condo rules further define repair duties.

Common Repair Scenarios

Routine Repairs

Routine repairs are ordinary maintenance issues such as leaky faucets, broken appliances (if provided), or malfunctioning heating. Landlords usually handle these unless the damage was caused by the tenant’s actions.

For an in-depth look at who handles what, see Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Health and Safety Issues

Landlords must keep the unit safe and healthy. This includes ensuring proper ventilation, working locks, and functioning smoke alarms. Tenants should report health hazards right away.

Learn more about your rights around unsafe conditions in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Emergency Repairs

Emergency repairs address urgent issues affecting safety or habitability—like loss of heat in winter or major plumbing leaks. Landlords must act quickly. If you can't reach your landlord in an urgent situation, you may be allowed to arrange repairs and ask for reimbursement (keep all receipts).

The Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) of Nunavut oversees these issues. For current information, visit the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office (RTO).

Tip: Put all repair requests in writing, with dates and details. This creates a record for your protection.

What Steps Should Nunavut Tenants Take for Repairs?

• Report the issue to your landlord or property manager in writing (email or letter).
• Describe the problem clearly, add photos if possible, and state why it's urgent (if applicable).
• If there’s no timely response and the problem affects your health or safety, contact the RTO.

Relevant Official Form Example

• Application for an Order (Form 1): Used if you need the RTO to intervene after the landlord fails to do necessary repairs. Download the form from the RTO website, fill it out with your details and the nature of the repair dispute, and submit as instructed. For example, if the landlord ignores your written repair requests for a broken heater in the winter, you can file this form for enforcement.

Special Considerations for Condo Rentals

If your landlord claims a repair "is the condo board's job," check your lease and the condo's bylaws. Usually, anything inside your rental unit (walls, appliances, plumbing to your tap) is the landlord’s responsibility; common area repairs go to the condo corporation.

If you're unsure about your specific repair or rights in Nunavut, review the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut page for foundational information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who pays for repairs inside my rented condo in Nunavut?
   Generally, the landlord is responsible for repairs unless damage was caused by the tenant.
2. What should I do if my landlord doesn't respond to repair requests?
   Submit your request in writing, then contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office if there's no reply.
3. Can the condo corporation refuse to fix something in my unit?
   Usually yes, as repairs inside your unit are up to your landlord, not the condo board. Only common areas (like halls or elevators) are the condo corporation’s responsibility.
4. How do I document repair issues?
   Take photos, keep copies of written repair requests, and note the date and details of every communication.
5. Is there an official form to get repairs resolved quickly?
   Yes. You can file an Application for an Order (Form 1) with the Nunavut RTO if necessary repairs are ignored.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must handle most repair issues inside rented condos.
• Tenants should always send written repair requests and keep documentation.
• For unresolved repairs, reach out to the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office.

Understanding repair rules helps ensure your rental is safe and your rights are respected.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office: Information, complaints, and forms
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (Full Legislation)
• Local legal clinics or tenant associations (search your community for support options)

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act, Government of Nunavut – Justice Dept.
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office – Official Tribunal and Forms Access

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