Emergency Eviction Rights for Tenants in Nunavut

Leases & Agreements Nunavut published: June 13, 2025 Flag of Nunavut

Emergency evictions can be overwhelming, especially for tenants in Nunavut who may not be familiar with their legal rights or the required procedures. Understanding what constitutes an emergency eviction, your responsibilities, and where to find official support can help protect your housing security and well-being.

Understanding Emergency Evictions in Nunavut

An emergency eviction occurs when a landlord asks a tenant to leave a rental home immediately or with minimal notice, often due to safety concerns, illegal activity, or severe lease violations. In Nunavut, these situations are governed by the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act[1]. Landlords must follow specific legal procedures, and tenants have important rights throughout the process.

What Grounds Permit an Emergency Eviction?

  • Serious threat to the safety of others in the building (such as violence or threats)
  • Substantial property damage caused deliberately or negligently
  • Illegal activity taking place in the rental unit
  • Other urgent circumstances affecting life, health, or property

If you are facing eviction for issues connected to safety, be sure to read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for important background on tenant protections.

Key Protections for Tenants During Emergency Evictions

Landlords must provide reasonable notice unless a true emergency threatens life or property. In most cases, they must obtain an eviction order from the Nunavut Rental Office or the Nunavut Rental Office[2].

  • Written notice: Except in extreme emergencies, tenants must receive written notice specifying the reason and date for eviction.
  • Right to a hearing: Tenants can dispute the eviction before the Rental Office, presenting their side and any evidence.
  • Health and habitability: If the issue involves repairs or unsafe conditions, visit Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for more information.
  • Protection from unlawful lockouts: It is illegal for landlords to remove your belongings or change locks without an official order.

Tenants should keep copies of all communications in case their situation needs review.

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Required Forms: What to Use and How

When responding to an emergency eviction notice or seeking help from the tribunal, use the proper forms:

  • Application to the Rental Office (Form 1): Use this to dispute an eviction, request repairs, or seek compensation. Fill out the form completely and submit it to the Nunavut Rental Office.
    Example: If you receive an immediate eviction notice due to a misunderstanding, complete the application describing your side, include any documentation, and submit it for review.
    Access Form 1 and instructions
  • Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Form 2): This is typically used by landlords but tenants should understand what official notices look like. Confirmation that any eviction process is using proper legal forms is important.
    Learn more about official eviction notices

Always read each notice carefully, check its reason and timeline, and respond promptly if you believe the eviction is not justified.

What to Do If You Receive an Emergency Eviction Notice

Reacting calmly and systematically increases your chances of finding a solution or defending your rights:

  1. Read any official notice carefully. Ensure it lists the reason, date, and is signed.
  2. Keep all paperwork and communication in a safe place.
  3. If you believe there is a mistake, fill out Form 1 to apply to the Rental Office as soon as possible.
  4. Prepare evidence (photos, witness statements, communications).
  5. Attend any Rental Office hearing to present your case.
If you feel unsafe or the situation is urgent (e.g., involving violence or fire), contact local RCMP or emergency services at once.

For a detailed overview of your general legal protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Disputing an Emergency Eviction: Tribunal Process

The Nunavut Rental Office is responsible for handling all tenant-landlord disputes, including emergency evictions. They can:

  • Review and approve or deny eviction orders
  • Hear tenant applications protesting eviction
  • Order repairs or compensation when justified

Hearings may be held in person or by teleconference, and you may represent yourself or bring a support person or advocate.

Where to Find Safe Housing During an Emergency

If an immediate move is required for health or safety, begin searching for alternative housing as soon as possible. Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to explore updated listings and options in Nunavut or neighboring communities.

Summary: Key Points to Remember

Emergency evictions in Nunavut are strictly regulated. Tenants must receive fair notice (unless life or property is in imminent danger) and have the right to dispute notices through formal channels. Always use the official forms, seek help promptly, and document all interactions for your protection.

FAQ: Emergency Eviction in Nunavut

  1. Can a landlord evict me on the spot for an emergency?
    Only in extreme cases—such as immediate threats to safety—can a landlord remove a tenant without standard notice. Usually, an eviction order from the Nunavut Rental Office is required.
  2. What should I do if my unit is unsafe?
    Report urgent repairs to your landlord, and if unresolved, apply to the Rental Office using Form 1. See Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities for practical steps.
  3. Is my deposit affected if I am evicted suddenly?
    Normally, your rental or security deposit should only be withheld for damages or unpaid rent. Learn more in Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.
  4. How do I challenge an emergency eviction?
    Complete and submit Application to the Rental Office (Form 1) as soon as possible, then attend the scheduled hearing.
  5. Where can I get more information about my rights?
    Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for a thorough guide to tenant protections and resources.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

  1. "Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act"–official legislation
  2. "Nunavut Rental Office"—Official tribunal for tenancies

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Canada

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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