Eviction Laws for Tenants in Nunavut: Your Rights Explained

If you’re renting a home in Nunavut, understanding eviction laws is crucial to protecting your right to safe and stable housing. Eviction can be intimidating, but knowing the steps landlords must follow—and your own protections as a tenant under Nunavut law—can help you make informed choices if you ever receive a notice to move. This article breaks down Nunavut’s eviction process, required forms, key timelines, and where to seek help if you need support.

Eviction Laws in Nunavut: The Basics

Evictions in Nunavut are governed by the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. Both landlords and tenants must follow this legislation, which lays out the permitted reasons for eviction, required notice periods, and dispute resolution steps. The Nunavut Rental Office oversees rental disputes, including eviction applications and hearings.

Most Common Reasons for Eviction

• Non-payment of rent: If rent is overdue, your landlord may issue a notice.
• Breach of rental agreement: For example, unauthorized occupants or serious damages.
• End of fixed-term tenancy: When a lease expires and is not renewed.
• Other grounds set out in the legislation: For example, the landlord requires the unit for personal use.

Not all mistakes are grounds for eviction. Many issues, such as minor repairs or misunderstandings about Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained, may be resolved before they reach the eviction stage.

How the Eviction Process Works in Nunavut

Nunavut law sets out clear procedures for landlords when seeking to evict a tenant. An eviction is not legal unless it follows these steps:

1. Notice to End Tenancy

• Landlords must give you written notice, using the correct form. The notice must state the reason and the date you are required to move.
• Common notice periods:
  • 14 days for non-payment of rent
  • Longer for other breaches, or as required by the lease/Act

If you believe the notice was issued incorrectly, or you fix the problem (such as paying overdue rent), eviction may be avoided.

2. Official Eviction Application and Forms

Landlords who wish to proceed must apply to the Nunavut Rental Office for an order of possession. Key forms include:

• Notice to Terminate a Tenancy (form download):
  • Used by landlords to start the eviction process. Tenants should review this notice carefully.
• Application to Rental Office for an Order (form link):
  • If a tenant refuses to leave after notice, landlords use this form. Tenants may respond and explain their side before a decision is made.

For tenants, responding to notices and providing documentation—like copies of payments or repair requests—can be essential. If you disagree with an allegation, prepare to share evidence at a hearing.

3. The Tribunal Process

• Hearings are conducted by a tenancy officer at the Nunavut Rental Office.
• Both landlord and tenant can attend and present their evidence.
• The officer decides if eviction is justified, and will issue an official order.

Always attend your hearing or respond in writing if you cannot attend, as a decision may be made in your absence.

Your Rights and What to Expect

• You cannot be legally evicted without a written notice and an order from the Rental Office.
• Landlords cannot change the locks, remove your belongings, or cut off services without proper process.
• If you are facing eviction for reasons like property damage or unpaid rent, try to resolve the issue early. Tenants often avoid eviction by communicating and, where possible, rectifying the situation.

After a tribunal order, you may have time to move out or appeal. If you’re unsure, ask the Rental Office or a tenant support group for guidance.

Related Issues: Repairs and Responsibilities

Sometimes, eviction notices are linked to complaints about living conditions or misunderstandings over responsibilities. Review Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities to make sure you’ve met your obligations as a tenant.

Rental disputes aren’t only about eviction. Matters like deposits, health and safety, or the end of tenancy can also affect your rights. Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for a broader overview.

Finding a New Home

If you need to relocate after an eviction, consider using Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme—an easy way to browse available housing options securely across Nunavut and beyond.

FAQ: Evictions in Nunavut

1. Can my landlord evict me without giving written notice?
   No. In Nunavut, landlords must provide a written notice explaining the reason and timeline for eviction. Eviction is not valid unless the required process is followed.
2. What can I do if I receive an eviction notice for non-payment of rent?
   Pay any overdue rent quickly. If you pay before the notice period ends, your landlord may not proceed. If you can’t pay, explain your situation in writing and consider attending any hearing arranged by the Rental Office.
3. What should I do if I disagree with the eviction reason?
   You have the right to respond to the landlord’s application and attend the hearing. Bring any documents (like proof of payment or repair requests) to support your side of the story.
4. Are there emergency protections for tenants facing sudden evictions?
   In urgent situations, contact the Rental Office or a local tenant advocacy group for guidance and to ask about your rights to stay or appeal.

How To: Handle an Eviction Notice in Nunavut

1. Read the notice carefully
   Make sure you understand why you received it and what the notice requires.
2. Respond promptly
   Contact your landlord, fix the issue if possible, or prepare your side of the story.
3. Collect documents and evidence
   Gather rent receipts, photos, or repair communications to present your case.
4. Attend your hearing or reply in writing
   If a Rental Office hearing is set, be there on time or submit a written response.
5. Seek help if needed
   Contact the Rental Office or tenant advocates for support or to clarify your rights and options.

Key Takeaways

• Evictions in Nunavut must follow the strict steps set out in the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act.
• All tenants are entitled to written notice and a fair hearing before they can be forced to move out.
• If you receive an eviction notice, act quickly and seek guidance—the Rental Office is there to help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office (tribunal handling rental disputes and eviction applications)
• Read more about your rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut
• Contact a local tenant advocacy group or community legal service for confidential support.

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act – full legislation
2. Nunavut Rental Office (forms, instructions, contact)

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