How to Split Rent and Deposits With Roommates in Nunavut

Sharing a rental home with roommates in Nunavut can be an affordable and social housing solution. However, it's important for all co-tenants to understand how rent and deposits should be split—and what the legal implications are under Nunavut's residential tenancy laws. This guide explains your rights, responsibilities, and best practices for splitting rent and deposits in Nunavut, making roommate living easier and fairer for everyone.

Understanding Roommate Arrangements in Nunavut Rentals

The way you and your roommates share rent and deposits is shaped by your rental agreement and how the tenancy is structured. In Nunavut, co-tenants typically appear together on the same lease, but sometimes only one tenant is officially listed while others are subtenants or informal roommates.

• Joint Tenancy: All roommates sign the same lease and share equal legal responsibility for the entire rent and deposit.
• Subtenancy: Only one tenant signs the rental agreement; other occupants pay their rent to the tenant rather than directly to the landlord.

No matter your arrangement, it’s crucial to clarify each roommate’s rights and obligations from the start.

How to Fairly Split Rent and Deposits With Roommates

In Nunavut, there’s no law dictating exactly how rent or deposits must be divided among roommates. Most commonly, rent and the security deposit are split equally—but agreements can be customized based on:

• Room sizes (a larger or en-suite room may justify paying more)
• Access to parking, storage, or special amenities
• Private versus shared bathroom

Always agree on the split in writing. Many roommates sign a separate agreement to prevent misunderstandings. This agreement should outline:

• How each person pays their share
• Who collects and submits the deposit/rent to the landlord
• How to resolve disputes about damage or unpaid rent

Security Deposits Explained

Nunavut law permits landlords to collect a security deposit (also known as a damage deposit), up to one month’s rent. The deposit protects the landlord in case of damage or unpaid rent. If you and your roommates pay together, make sure to collect receipts and decide how any deductions (for cleaning, damage, unpaid bills) will be handled at move-out.

For a detailed overview, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Legal Responsibilities When Sharing a Lease

When all roommates are on the lease (joint tenancy), each is jointly and severally responsible. This means the landlord can seek the full rent from any one tenant if another fails to pay. It’s important to choose roommates you trust, because you may need to cover another's share if they leave or don't pay.

Each roommate is also equally responsible for the condition of the property and any damage that may occur. So, good communication and regular documentation (like photo checklists) are essential.

To understand all your legal obligations, review the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained page.

What Happens When a Roommate Moves Out?

If one roommate leaves before your lease ends, it does not automatically reduce the rent owed or the deposit amount. The remaining tenants are still responsible for the full rent unless the lease is changed with the landlord’s approval. In Nunavut, you may use an official form to update or terminate the lease if needed (see next section).

Important Nunavut Forms and Legislation

All residential tenancies in Nunavut are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)^[1]. Official forms and more information are available through the Residential Tenancy Office of Nunavut^[2].

• Application to Terminate Tenancy (Form 1): Used to formally notify about ending a lease or removing a tenant. For example, if a roommate wants to move before the lease ends, all tenants can submit this form together. Download Form 1 here.
• Application to the RT Office (Form 2): For disputes about deposits, damage, or unpaid rent among tenants or with the landlord. This is helpful if deposit splitting is disputed after move-out. Download Form 2 here.

If you have questions about your rights, see the official page: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Best Practices for Smooth Roommate Tenancies

• Hold a move-in inspection and keep photos documenting property condition
• Write down who paid which share of the deposit and rent
• Decide in advance how you’ll handle unpaid shares or damages
• Communicate openly with roommates—and the landlord—about any changes
• Always keep receipts and proof of payment

Planning ahead can help everyone get along—and protect your financial interests.

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FAQ: Splitting Rent and Deposits With Roommates in Nunavut

1. Are all roommates responsible for the full rent if one person doesn’t pay? Yes, if you’re all listed on the lease, each roommate shares full legal responsibility for the entire rent, not just their portion.
2. How should we split the security deposit among roommates? Most commonly, the deposit is split equally, but you can agree on another method based on room size or other factors. Document your agreement in writing to avoid confusion at move-out.
3. What should I do if a roommate moves out early? Inform your landlord and submit the proper termination form if allowed by your lease terms. The remaining tenants are still responsible for the full rent unless the lease is officially changed.
4. Can the landlord return the deposit directly to each roommate? Typically, the landlord returns the deposit to whoever paid it in one payment, but you can ask for individual refunds if you each paid separately and it’s clear who paid what.
5. Where can I get help if a roommate won’t pay their share? You can apply to the Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office for dispute resolution using the official forms or seek help from a local legal clinic.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Agree on rent and deposit splits in writing with your roommates
• Each co-tenant is legally responsible for the full rent and deposit in most shared leases
• Use official Nunavut forms for ending leases or resolving disputes
• Stay informed about your rights under Nunavut tenancy law

Understanding your legal responsibilities and communicating openly with roommates helps ensure a positive rental experience in Nunavut.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office – Forms, information, and contact details for tenancy issues
• Nunavut Legal Services Board – Free or low-cost legal advice for Nunavut residents
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) – Rental Guidance

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1. See the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut) for the full legislative text.
2. Contact the Residential Tenancy Office of Nunavut for official forms and support.

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