Can my landlord refuse my emotional support animal in Nunavut?

A landlord must consider ESA requests supported by medical documentation and may only refuse if there is significant hardship or risk.

Do I need to pay a pet deposit for an ESA in Nunavut?

No. Landlords cannot charge extra fees or a pet deposit for a documented ESA used as a disability accommodation.

What kind of documentation do I need for my ESA?

A letter from a licensed healthcare or mental health professional stating your disability and the need for an ESA is generally sufficient.

How do I file a complaint if my landlord refuses my ESA?

Contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office or the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal for assistance and to start a dispute resolution process.

Are there restrictions on ESA types in Nunavut rentals?

The ESA must not be a danger to others or cause property damage. Otherwise, reasonable accommodation is expected for commonly accepted ESAs.

Emotional Support Animals in Nunavut Rentals: Tenant Rights Explained

Utilities & Services Nunavut published: June 13, 2025

Living with an emotional support animal (ESA) in Nunavut raises important questions for tenants and landlords. If you rely on an ESA for your mental health, it’s crucial to know your rights, the responsibilities involved, and how Nunavut law treats these support animals in rental housing. This article provides plain-language guidance for Nunavut tenants navigating ESA accommodations in rental units.

What Is an Emotional Support Animal and How Is It Different from a Service Animal?

Emotional support animals offer comfort, companionship, or relief from symptoms of a mental health condition. Unlike service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a physical or psychiatric disability, ESAs typically require only a letter or documentation from a medical professional.

Service animals: Specially trained; usually covered under legal protections for accessibility.
Emotional support animals: Not required to have special training; support a recognized psychological or emotional condition.

In Nunavut, legal protections for ESAs differ from those for service animals, especially in private rental housing.

Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Nunavut Rental Housing?

Nunavut’s main tenancy law is the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut). While the Act does not expressly mention emotional support animals, federal non-discrimination laws, including the Canadian Human Rights Act and Nunavut’s own Human Rights Act, may provide some protection if your ESA is part of a disability accommodation plan. This means:

Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on disability, which can include mental health conditions.
If a medical professional recommends an ESA as part of your treatment, your landlord may need to accommodate your request, even if the building is otherwise "no pets allowed." Reasonable accommodations are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

However, there is no automatic right for all tenants to keep an ESA; you must provide supporting documentation such as a letter from a qualified health care provider.

How to Request Permission for an Emotional Support Animal in Nunavut Rentals

To ask your landlord for an ESA accommodation, take these steps:

Get a letter from a licensed medical or mental health professional stating your disability and the need for an ESA.
Formally submit your request to your landlord, attaching the supporting letter.
Your landlord must consider the request and may only refuse if accommodating your ESA would cause undue hardship (for example, significant property damage or health risks to others).

It’s a good idea to make requests in writing and keep all records.

What Documentation Do Tenants Need for ESAs?

A letter from your medical or mental health professional should state:

Your name and confirmation you have a disability as defined by law (the specific diagnosis does not need to be disclosed).
An explanation that an ESA is recommended as part of your condition’s treatment.
The professional’s credentials and contact information.

Official forms are not standardized in Nunavut for this request. Follow up in writing and keep a copy for your records.

What Can Landlords Ask or Require?

While landlords in Nunavut have to consider accommodation requests in good faith, they can ask:

For reasonable verification from a healthcare provider.
That the ESA does not cause property damage or safety risks.

Landlords cannot charge extra pet deposits or fees for an ESA that is part of disability accommodation. For more details on the rules about routine and security deposits, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know. If you feel your rights are not respected, you can apply to Nunavut’s Residential Tenancies Office (link below).

How Are Disputes Over Emotional Support Animals Handled?

Tenants can contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office to resolve accommodation issues or discrimination concerns. You can also seek advice from the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal if you believe your rights as a person with a disability are being violated.

If you move out with an ESA, remember to follow best practices. For practical tips see Moving Out Tips: A Tenant's Guide to a Smooth Rental Exit.

Overview: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities with Emotional Support Animals

Tenants must maintain control of the animal and ensure cleanliness.
Landlords must respond to valid accommodation requests and cannot discriminate against tenants with disabilities.
Both parties should communicate respectfully about concerns or problems involving an ESA.

For a broader look at tenant and landlord rights in Nunavut, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

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FAQ: Emotional Support Animals and Nunavut Rentals

Can my landlord refuse my emotional support animal in Nunavut?
Landlords must consider requests to keep an ESA if it is documented as part of your disability accommodation. Refusal is only permitted if the request would create undue hardship.
Do I need to pay a pet deposit for an ESA?
No extra fees or pet deposits can be charged if your ESA is recognized as a disability accommodation under human rights law.
What if my landlord doesn't respond to my accommodation request?
You can contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office or the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal for support in resolving the issue.
Are there limitations on the type of animal I can keep as an ESA?
Generally, the ESA should be a reasonable species and not pose a health or safety risk to other residents.
What documentation does my landlord need for an ESA?
A letter from a licensed health professional confirming your disability and need for an ESA is usually sufficient.

Conclusion: What Tenants in Nunavut Need to Remember

Emotional support animals can be allowed as a disability accommodation, but documented need is required.
Landlords cannot discriminate against you for disabilities, including mental health needs supported by an ESA.
Use clear, written requests and keep records of all communication.

Understanding the laws helps tenants and landlords find positive solutions. For more on common housing challenges, check out Common Issues Tenants Face and How to Resolve Them.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office: For questions about rights and dispute resolution under tenancy law.
Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal: For discrimination or disability accommodation issues.
Government of Nunavut – Tenant Information: Guides and contacts for renters in Nunavut.

Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act, available at Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)
Canadian Human Rights Act, available at Canadian Human Rights Act
Nunavut Human Rights Act, available at Human Rights Act (Nunavut)
Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office: Official government information
Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal: Official tribunal page