Damage Deposit Rules for Tenants in Nunavut

Understanding your rights as a tenant in Nunavut is crucial—especially when it comes to money matters like damage deposits. This guide explains what the law says about damage deposits in Nunavut, key processes to follow, and the supports available to help ensure a fair rental experience.

What Is a Damage Deposit and Is It Allowed in Nunavut?

In Nunavut, a damage deposit is money a landlord may request from a tenant at the start of a tenancy, which serves as security for any damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other financial losses covered by the rental agreement.

Nunavut’s rental rules are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut). Under Section 14 of the Act, landlords are legally permitted to ask for a damage deposit when a new tenancy begins.

How Much Can a Landlord Ask For?

• A landlord can ask for a damage deposit up to a maximum of one month’s rent.
• This deposit must be paid when the tenancy begins—not in installments or before signing the lease.
• Landlords must hold the deposit in trust and pay interest on it; the interest rate is set by the Government of Nunavut annually.

Always request a written receipt for any deposit paid and keep this for your records.

When and How Is the Deposit Returned?

Landlords must return the damage deposit (plus interest) within 10 days of the end of your tenancy, unless part or all of it is required for:

• Unpaid rent
• Repairing damages beyond normal wear and tear
• Other claimable costs under the tenancy agreement

If any amount is withheld, your landlord must provide a written explanation of the deductions.

Key Steps for Tenants: Protecting Your Deposit

Take these practical steps when moving in and out to ensure your rights are protected:

• Complete a move-in inspection with your landlord, using a checklist to note the condition of each room.
• Take photos or videos of the property’s condition before you move in.
• Keep copies of all correspondence, damage deposit receipts, and inspection forms.

At move-out, do a final inspection together. This evidence will help if a disagreement arises about deposit deductions.

Relevant Official Forms

• Notice to Terminate a Tenancy – Used when a tenant or landlord is ending a tenancy. This form must be delivered according to the rules (typically 30 days’ notice for monthly leases). Find Nunavut tenancy forms here. Example use: You want to move out and need to provide legal notice to your landlord.
• Application for Dispute Resolution – If there is a disagreement about a withheld deposit, this form is used to request a hearing with the Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies. Example use: Your landlord keeps some or all of your deposit and you disagree with the reason.

What Happens If the Deposit Isn’t Returned?

If your landlord does not return your damage deposit on time or makes deductions you believe are unfair, you can apply for dispute resolution through Nunavut's residential tenancy office. Gather all relevant documentation—inspection checklist, copies of communications, your lease, and any photos or video evidence—to support your application.

Tip: Always communicate in writing and keep copies—this helps if you need to support your claim later.

Understanding Your Tenant Rights in Nunavut

Nunavut’s Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut guide provides a helpful overview of legal protections, including information on security deposits, repairs, and dispute resolution.

If you’re just starting out as a tenant or want to understand more about rental deposits in general, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

For an easier search experience when looking for your next rental, Browse apartments for rent in Canada and make well-informed housing choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord request more than one month’s rent as a damage deposit in Nunavut?
   No. Legally, landlords in Nunavut are only allowed to request a deposit up to the equivalent of one month’s rent.
2. Does my landlord have to pay me interest on my damage deposit?
   Yes. By law, the landlord must pay yearly interest on your deposit, based on the government-set rate.
3. What can my landlord deduct from my deposit?
   Only actual costs for damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other specific charges allowed by your rental agreement.
4. What if I disagree with the amount my landlord kept?
   You can file an Application for Dispute Resolution through the Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies to have the case reviewed.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Landlords can request a damage deposit of up to one month’s rent
• Deposits must be returned within 10 days of moving out, with interest
• If you disagree with deposit deductions, you can dispute it through Nunavut’s tenancy office

These rules are designed to provide security for both tenants and landlords—make sure you document every step and know your rights!

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies – Official body handling rental disputes, forms, and tenant-landlord questions
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act – Read the full legislation
• Local tenants’ associations or the Legal Services Board of Nunavut, for legal advice and support
• To review your rights overall, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut). Read legislation
2. Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies. Official information & forms

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy