Emergency Repair Charges in Nunavut: Tenant Rights Explained

If you’re a tenant in Nunavut, emergency repairs—such as a burst pipe, no heat in winter, or a broken lock—may need urgent attention. But what happens if your landlord charges you for these repairs? This article explains your rights, responsibilities, and the steps to take if you face unexpected costs for emergency repairs in your rental unit in Nunavut.

Who Is Responsible for Emergency Repairs?

In Nunavut, both tenants and landlords have duties when it comes to repairs, but the distinction between emergency and routine repairs is important. Generally, landlords are responsible for ensuring rental units meet health and safety standards, including urgent or emergency repairs that affect your safety or make the unit uninhabitable.

• Examples of emergency repairs: no heat in winter, burst pipes, gas leaks, total power failure, broken exterior locks.
• Landlords must address emergency repairs as soon as possible to ensure tenant safety.

If you want a broad overview of landlord and tenant obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Can Tenants Be Charged for Emergency Repairs?

Under Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Act^[1], tenants should only be made to pay for emergency repairs if:

• The tenant, their guests, or pets caused the damage on purpose or through negligence.
• The tenant failed to report a needed repair, leading to further damage.

Otherwise, emergency repairs due to wear and tear or natural breakdowns are the landlord’s responsibility. If your landlord tries to charge you for such repairs, you may have grounds to dispute the charge.

What to Do If You’re Charged for Emergency Repairs

Here’s what you should do if you receive a bill or rent deduction for an emergency repair:

• Ask your landlord for a written explanation and an itemized bill.
• Request proof that you (or your guests) caused the damage, if that is the landlord’s claim.
• Check your rental agreement for any clauses about emergency repairs.
• Document the repair with photos and written notes, including before-and-after conditions.

If the charge seems unfair, contact Nunavut’s Office of the Rental Officer to discuss your options or file a dispute. See more about common tenant issues at Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Filing a Dispute in Nunavut

If you can’t resolve the issue directly with your landlord, you can make a formal complaint or application through the Office of the Rental Officer in Nunavut.

Relevant Official Forms

• Application to the Rental Officer Form: Use this form to formally dispute charges, request an order for repairs, or seek a refund for improper repair costs.
  Download from Nunavut Rental Office.
  Example: If your landlord deducts $500 from your rent for an emergency plumbing repair you did not cause, complete the "Application to the Rental Officer," explain the facts, and submit supporting documents (photos, emails, bills).

The Rental Officer will review your application, notify your landlord, and set a hearing if needed.

Your Rights Under Nunavut’s Tenancy Law

The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act outlines both tenant and landlord obligations regarding repairs and disputes.^[1] It protects tenants against unfair repair charges for emergencies unless damage is your fault. For a thorough look at all your rights as a Nunavut tenant, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Staying Safe, Healthy, and Legal

Quick, proper repairs aren’t only about comfort—they affect your health and safety. Explore more about this topic at Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Need to move while repairs are ongoing or consider a new rental? Canada's best rental listings platform makes it easy to explore available options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord deduct emergency repair costs from my rent?
   If the damage wasn’t your fault and you followed reporting procedures, your landlord should not deduct emergency repair costs from your rent. If they do, contact the Rental Officer.
2. Who pays for emergency repairs caused by natural wear and tear?
   Landlords are responsible for emergency repairs required due to wear and tear or equipment failure, not the tenant.
3. What can I do if I can’t reach my landlord during an emergency?
   If your landlord is unavailable, arrange only essential emergency repairs yourself and keep all receipts. Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible, as you may be able to recover the repair cost.
4. How can I formally dispute a charge for emergency repairs?
   Complete the "Application to the Rental Officer" form and provide clear documentation to the Office of the Rental Officer in Nunavut.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords generally pay for emergency repairs in Nunavut unless you are at fault.
• Keep detailed records and communicate in writing for any repair issues or disputes.
• You can file a dispute with the Nunavut Rental Officer using the official application form if unfairly charged.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Office of the Rental Officer (Nunavut): Phone: (867) 975-6137, Email: rentaloffice@gov.nu.ca
• Nunavut Legal Aid: Free legal assistance for eligible tenants.
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

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1. Nunavut. Residential Tenancies Act. Section 28, 42. Accessed 2024.

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