Tenant duties and quick actions
As a tenant in Nunavut you are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent vermin and maintain cleanliness. Practical actions below help keep units healthy and avoid damage.
- Store garbage in sealed containers and place it where municipal or building collection requires.
- Secure food and waste promptly to reduce attraction for rodents and insects.
- Report infestations and property defects to your landlord in writing as soon as you notice them.
- Keep records: date-stamped photos, videos, and written notes of sightings or damage.
- Respond to repair or inspection appointments within the required timeframes to allow access and fixes.
Preventing vermin and safe garbage handling
Small habits reduce risk: clean shared spaces, avoid piling recyclables, and seal holes or gaps where pests can enter. If building-wide measures are needed, ask your landlord to arrange professional pest control or coordinated garbage management.
- Seal cracks and repair screens to stop entry points for rodents and insects.
- Call your landlord or property manager promptly when you see pests or droppings.
- Record cleaning and garbage schedules to show you followed building rules and reduced risk.
- Follow municipal garbage rules and storage instructions to avoid attracting wildlife.
For tenant-focused steps and rights related to infestations, see Dealing with Pests in Your Rental: Tenant Rights and Effective Solutions. If you are thinking of moving because of chronic problems, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to view options elsewhere.
Repairs, reporting and official forms
Notify your landlord in writing and keep copies. In Nunavut check official guidance for required forms and timelines[1]. If your landlord does not act, you can apply to the relevant authority to request an order or inspection[2].
- Tenant repair notification: send a dated written request describing the pest issue or defect, the date you first noticed it, and any photos attached; keep a copy for your records.
- Formal complaint or application: if informal requests fail, file the territorial complaint or application form with the appropriate office; follow filing instructions and deadlines provided by the territorial authority.
When to escalate
If pests, mould, or unsafe conditions persist after you report them, escalate by following the official complaint pathway and, if necessary, applying for a hearing with the territorial tribunal[3]. Keep copies of every communication and invoice.
FAQ
- Who is responsible for extermination in a rental in Nunavut?
- Responsibility often falls to the landlord for structural infestations, while tenants must avoid creating conditions that attract pests; report issues promptly in writing.
- Can my landlord charge me if I cause a pest problem?
- Landlords may seek compensation for damage caused by tenant negligence, but they must follow official processes to claim deductions from a deposit or seek an order.
- What immediate steps should I take if I spot rodents?
- Record sightings, secure food, notify your landlord in writing, and request prompt pest control or repairs.
How-To
- Document the problem with photos, dates, and notes.
- Send a written repair or pest notification to your landlord and keep a copy.
- Allow access for inspections or pest control arranged with proper notice.
- Follow up if repairs or treatment are delayed and request timelines in writing.
- If unresolved, file a complaint or application with the territorial office within the required deadlines.
Key Takeaways
- Preventing infestations is a shared responsibility between tenants and landlords.
- Document everything: photos, dates, written requests, and receipts protect your rights.
- Use official complaint pathways if informal repair requests do not resolve the hazard.
Help and Support / Resources
- Government of Nunavut - Housing and tenant information
- Nunavut Legislation - Consolidated Acts and regulations
- Department of Justice, Nunavut - dispute resolution and contacts
