Do Tenants Have a Right to Internet in Nunavut?

Access to utilities and essential services is a key concern for many tenants in Nunavut, especially in remote communities. With reliable internet access now critical for work, study, and daily life, many renters want to know: are landlords required to provide internet as part of a rental agreement in Nunavut? This guide covers your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, what landlords must supply, and what to expect regarding internet service in your Nunavut rental.

Are Landlords Legally Required to Provide Internet?

Under Nunavut's tenancy laws, there is no legal requirement for landlords to supply internet or include internet as a utility in rental agreements. The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act focuses on basic habitability and essential services. These include:

• Hot and cold water
• Heat and power
• Sanitation (sewage and garbage removal)

Internet is considered a non-essential amenity, not a core utility. While it's becoming more important, Nunavut law does not currently mandate landlords to offer or pay for internet service.

When Is Internet Included?

Some rental units may offer internet as part of the rent, especially furnished or shared accommodations. If so, it must be clearly stated in your rental agreement. Review your lease to confirm whether internet is included or if you need to arrange for your own connection and payment.

If you are unsure about your contract terms after signing, see What Tenants Need to Know After Signing the Rental Agreement for guidance.

What Does the Law Say in Nunavut?

The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act governs most landlord-tenant matters in the territory.¹ While landlords must provide essential utilities as outlined by law, internet is not included among these requirements.

The Nunavut Rental Office is the official body that handles disputes and questions about tenancy in Nunavut. If you feel an agreement about internet is being breached, you can reach out to them for support or dispute resolution.

Paying for Internet: Who Is Responsible?

Unless the rental agreement says otherwise, tenants are responsible for arranging their own internet service and paying the bills. Always confirm with your landlord if you have access to shared Wi-Fi, or if you’ll have to set up your own connection.

Can I Request Internet as a Reasonable Accommodation?

If you require internet for medical or accessibility reasons, you may be able to request it as an accommodation under certain circumstances. Discuss this directly with your landlord and put your request in writing. Remember, the landlord is not automatically obligated to provide internet unless it relates to a covered accommodation under human rights law.

What Utilities Must Landlords Provide?

By law, Nunavut landlords must make sure certain basic services work properly. These include:

• Heat (especially critical during winter)
• Running hot and cold water
• Electrical power
• Proper sanitation (sewage, garbage removal)

For more on landlord and tenant rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

What to Do If There Is a Problem With Utility Services

If essential services are disrupted or not provided, you can take steps to resolve the issue:

• Contact your landlord in writing to report the problem
• If the problem isn’t fixed promptly, contact the Nunavut Rental Office

For other utility and maintenance concerns, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Are There Any Official Forms for Internet Issues?

Nunavut does not have a standard form specifically for internet-related disputes. However, tenants can use the Application for Dispute Resolution to bring any rental issue (including disagreement over contractual services) to the Rental Office for review.

• Form: Application for Dispute Resolution
• When to use: If you and your landlord disagree about what services should be included or there’s a breach of your rental agreement.
• How to use: Download the form from the Nunavut Rental Office, fill it out with your details and the nature of the dispute, and submit it as directed on the site.

Summary

In Nunavut, internet is not considered an essential utility landlords must provide. Unless it’s specifically included in your lease, tenants are responsible for securing and paying for their own service. Be sure to read your lease carefully and keep documentation of any promises made regarding internet in your unit.

Want to compare rental homes with or without internet included? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme and see what’s offered near you.

1. Is my landlord allowed to cut off shared internet access?
   If internet service is explicitly provided in your rental agreement, your landlord cannot cut it off without breaking the contract. If internet is not listed, they are not required to provide it.
2. Can I set up my own internet connection in the unit?
   Yes, you may arrange for your own internet service, provided you do not damage the property or violate any terms of your lease. Always discuss potential installation with your landlord first.
3. What should I do if my landlord promised internet but now won’t provide it?
   Get any communication or promises in writing. If your landlord agreed to provide internet and is not following through, you can file a complaint with the Nunavut Rental Office.
4. Does a weak or slow internet connection count as a breach of my rights?
   Only if your rental agreement specifies a certain level of service and the landlord is failing to meet it. If internet is not part of your contract, the landlord is not responsible.
5. Where can I learn more about my rights as a tenant in Nunavut?
   Read Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for comprehensive information on Nunavut’s rental laws.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Landlords in Nunavut do not have to provide internet unless your rental agreement includes it.
• Essential utilities required by law are heat, water, power, and sanitation—not internet.
• Always check your lease and get all agreements in writing to avoid future disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office – Official dispute resolution and rental information
• Nunavut Legal Aid – Free legal advice and tenant advocacy
• To compare properties, pricing, and amenities, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme
• For a broad overview, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

---

1. See: Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (Government of Nunavut)
2. Contact: Nunavut Rental Office (Tribunal for residential tenancies)

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