Getting Your Rental Deposit Back in Nunavut: Tenant Guide

Leaving a rental unit in Nunavut? As a tenant, getting your deposit back is an important step at the end of your tenancy. Nunavut's rental laws provide specific protections to help you recover your deposit, as long as you've met your responsibilities and followed the right procedures. This article explains what you need to know to maximize your chances of a full deposit return and avoid common pitfalls, including inspection tips, notice periods, and how to handle disputes.

Understanding Rental Deposits in Nunavut

In Nunavut, your rental deposit (often called a security deposit or damage deposit) is money you pay at the start of your lease, usually equal to one month's rent. The deposit must be returned to you at the end of your tenancy unless your landlord has valid reasons to deduct from it—such as unpaid rent, damages (beyond normal wear and tear), or cleaning costs.

Learn more about the basics by reading Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Official Tribunal and Legislation: Who Oversees Deposits?

Deposit matters in Nunavut are handled by the Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). If you and your landlord disagree about your deposit, the RTO is responsible for resolving disputes.

The laws governing your deposit and rental rights are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)^[1].

Steps to Get Your Deposit Back

Here are the key steps Nunavut tenants should follow to ensure their deposit is returned:

• Give Proper Written Notice: Notify your landlord in writing before moving out. In Nunavut, tenants in a monthly lease must give at least one-month’s notice (unless your rental agreement says otherwise).
• Prepare for Final Inspection: Arrange a walkthrough with your landlord. Take photos before and after cleaning to document the condition of the unit.
• Leave the Property Clean and Damage-Free: Return the rental in a similar state to when you moved in, except for normal wear and tear. Fix or report any damages you caused.
• Return All Keys: Hand over all copies of keys or access devices to the landlord.
• Request Your Deposit Back in Writing: After you move out, formally request the return of your deposit, preferably by email or a signed letter, and keep a copy for your records.

What Can Your Landlord Deduct From Your Deposit?

• Unpaid rent (if you’ve missed payments)
• Damages beyond normal wear and tear (holes in walls, broken appliances, etc.)
• Extraordinary cleaning costs, if you leave the unit much dirtier than when you moved in

Remember: Your landlord cannot keep your deposit just because of minor wear or minor cleaning. Deductions must be reasonable and provided in writing within 10 days after you move out^[1].

If you feel a deduction is unfair, ask your landlord for a detailed list and evidence. If you still disagree, you can file a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Office.

Required Forms for Nunavut Tenants

• Notice to Terminate a Tenancy: There is no standardized form provided online by Nunavut, but you must give written notice to your landlord, clearly stating the move-out date and your intention to end the tenancy. Sample contents: rental address, intended move-out date, your name and signature.
• Application to Resolve a Dispute (Residential Tenancies Office): Use this to apply for a deposit return if the landlord refuses without valid reason. Download the application instructions from the Nunavut RTO official site. Submit the completed form to the RTO to begin the process.

Always keep copies of your notice, photos, correspondence, and inspection records. This documentation is valuable if there is a dispute.

Making Sure You’re Protected

Taking these proactive steps can help you avoid delays or unfair deductions. Conducting an initial inspection when you move in and documenting the unit’s original condition is also a good practice—see more in the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

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For a full overview of your rights, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

FAQs About Rental Deposits in Nunavut

1. When should I get my deposit back after moving out?
   The landlord must return your deposit (minus any valid deductions) within 10 days after you vacate the rental unit.
2. Can my landlord keep the deposit for normal wear and tear?
   No. Normal wear and tear (such as faded paint or minor carpet wear) is not a valid reason to deduct from your deposit.
3. What should I do if my landlord refuses to return my deposit?
   First, request an explanation and a written breakdown. If you still disagree, file an application with the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office to resolve the dispute.
4. Do I have to be present at the final inspection?
   It's a good idea to be there for the walkthrough, but if you can't, you should still take detailed photos before leaving and communicate with your landlord in writing.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Always give written notice and document the unit’s condition
• Your deposit must be returned within 10 days after moving out, less any legal deductions
• If a dispute arises, you can apply to the RTO for help

If you follow the correct steps and keep records, recovering your deposit should be straightforward.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancies Office (Nunavut): Inquiries, disputes, and official forms
• Email: nu_rto@gov.nu.ca | Phone: (867) 975-6522
• Nunavut Court of Justice: Last-resort for unresolved tenancy disputes

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)

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