How Tenants Can Handle Unsafe Living Conditions in Nunavut

Living in a safe, healthy home is your right as a tenant in Nunavut. However, some rental properties may become unsafe due to maintenance issues, hazards, or neglect. If you're facing these challenges, it's important to know how Nunavut law protects you and what steps to take for a quick resolution.

Recognizing Unsafe Living Conditions in Nunavut Rentals

Unsafe or unfit living conditions can include issues that affect your health or safety, such as:

• Mold, persistent leaks, or water damage
• Broken heating in winter, or no access to adequate heat
• Faulty electrical wiring or lack of working smoke alarms
• Pest infestations (such as bedbugs or mice)
• Lack of safe and functioning plumbing or sewage
• Structural problems posing a safety risk, like broken stairs

Tenants and landlords share responsibility for keeping homes safe. For an overview of duties, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Your Rights and Landlord Duties in Nunavut

Under Nunavut's Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)^[1], landlords must ensure your rental unit is safe, in good repair, and meets local health and safety codes. If something breaks or becomes hazardous:

• Your landlord is responsible for making most repairs—especially those that pose a safety risk.
• Tenants are responsible for keeping their unit reasonably clean and reporting problems right away.

If your landlord doesn't fix major health, safety, or maintenance issues after you've notified them in writing, you can take further steps to protect your well-being.

Reporting Unsafe Conditions: What to Do First

Step 1: Notify Your Landlord in Writing

• Describe the problem clearly and request repairs or remedial action.
• Keep a copy of your request for your records.

Step 2: Involve Local Authorities (if urgent)

• If the issue is severe (e.g., lack of heat in winter, sewage backup) and your landlord does not act quickly, contact your local Environmental Health Officer or municipal housing office.

Step 3: Apply to the Nunavut Rental Office

If your landlord still doesn't cooperate, tenants can apply to the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office for help resolving the dispute.

Filing a Formal Complaint: Forms and How to Apply

To make a formal complaint or request an order regarding repairs under unsafe living conditions:

• Application for Order (Form 1): Use this form to ask the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office to order your landlord to make repairs or correct unsafe conditions.
  Download Application for Order (Form 1)
• When to use: For example, if your heat or water system fails in winter and the landlord ignores your written repair request, you can file this form.
• Tenant Statement (Form 2): Attach a written statement explaining the unsafe condition, what actions you took (including copies of all written requests), and how it affects you.
  Download Tenant Statement (Form 2)

File the completed forms at the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office—contact or submit by mail, fax, or in person at their regional office. For guidance, call (867) 975-7222 or check their official website.

What Happens After You File?

• The Residential Tenancies Office may contact your landlord, investigate, and hold a hearing.
• If necessary, they can order your landlord to fix the unsafe condition or allow you to withhold rent until repairs are made (with formal permission).

Key Legislation and Where to Learn More

Nunavut renters are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)^[1]. Knowing your rights helps you take prompt, effective action to protect your safety.

For general safety and health expectations in a rental, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting. For a summary of tenant and landlord rights, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Many renters look for healthy, well-maintained properties—Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings to find a rental that fits your standards anywhere in Canada.

FAQ: Dealing With Unsafe Living Conditions in Nunavut Rentals

1. What should I do if my rental unit needs urgent repairs?
   Immediately notify your landlord in writing. If the issue isn't fixed quickly and poses a health or safety risk, you can contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office or local housing officer for help.
2. Can I stop paying rent if my home is unsafe?
   No. Never withhold rent without formal approval from the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office. If a repair order is granted, you may be allowed to temporarily hold rent until repairs are completed.
3. What happens if my landlord refuses all repairs?
   You can apply to the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office using Application for Order (Form 1). If the Office finds your concerns valid, they can order repairs or other remedies.
4. Who do I contact for emergency health hazards?
   Immediate threats (like major plumbing, fire, or gas issues) should be reported to emergency services and the local health inspector before seeking help from the Tenancies Office.
5. Are there protections for tenants against retaliation for reporting?
   Yes. Nunavut law prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who legally exercise their rights, including making complaints about unsafe conditions.

Conclusion: What Nunavut Tenants Should Remember

• Unsafe living conditions should be reported promptly—in writing—to your landlord and, if unresolved, to the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office.
• Official forms like Application for Order (Form 1) protect your right to a healthy home.
• Keep a paper trail of all communications and learn your legal rights under Nunavut law.

By acting early and following the right steps, Nunavut tenants can ensure safe, comfortable homes for themselves and their families.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office – Phone: (867) 975-7222 or contact your regional Family Services office
• Application for Order (Form 1) and Tenant Statement (Form 2)
• For advice and tenant advocacy, contact the Nunavut Department of Family Services
• Find more details in the official Landlord and Tenant information page

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut). Read full legislation and details here.

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy