Illegal Rental Fees: What Nunavut Tenants Must Know

Living as a tenant in Nunavut comes with specific protections against unfair or illegal rental fees. Understanding which charges are not allowed can help you avoid unnecessary costs and confidently assert your rights. Whether you're moving in, paying rent, or dealing with maintenance and repairs, it's crucial to know what is – and isn’t – legally permitted.

Understanding Legal vs. Illegal Fees in Nunavut

Nunavut residential tenancies are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut). This legislation strictly controls what landlords can and cannot charge tenants.

Common Legal Fees

• Security deposit (up to one month's rent)
• Rent payable as agreed in your lease
• Key replacement, if keys are lost

Landlords must provide receipts for all payments.

Fees That Are Not Allowed

• Application fees or "processing fees"
• Extra charges for standard repairs or maintenance
• Penalties for paying rent in cash or late (beyond allowable late fees)
• Charges for routine property inspections
• Charges for service animals or support pets
• Mandatory cleaning fees when moving out (unless tenant consented in agreement and only if not normal wear and tear)

How to Recognize and Respond to Illegal Fees

Landlords may not always be aware of the latest rules, but tenants should stay informed. Always request receipts and a list of charges in writing. If you see a fee on your rental agreement or monthly bill that you don’t understand, follow these steps:

• Ask the landlord to explain the fee and provide reference to the legislation
• Check whether the fee is mentioned in your rental agreement
• Compare with information from the Nunavut Rental Office

What to Do if You Are Charged an Illegal Fee

If you believe you were charged an illegal fee, you should:

• Document the fee and all communication with your landlord
• Contact the Nunavut Rental Office for advice or to file a complaint
• Consider using official forms to apply for a fee refund

For more information about rental agreements and tenant obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Key Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Application for Dispute Resolution (Form 1): Use this form to request a hearing with the Rental Office if a landlord charges you an illegal fee.
  Example: If you're charged a processing fee on top of your security deposit, submit this form to dispute it.
  Download Form 1 from the Nunavut government

Security Deposits: What Tenants Should Know

Landlords in Nunavut can only ask for a security deposit up to one month’s rent, and it must be returned after you move out (unless money is owed for damage beyond normal wear and tear). For tips on protecting your deposit, see Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Examples of Illegal Fee Situations

• If your landlord asks for an "administration fee" before processing your rental application, this is not allowed
• Requiring you to pay a monthly “inspection fee” in addition to rent is illegal

If your landlord insists on such charges, you have a right to refuse and seek help from the Rental Office.

Protecting Yourself: Practical Tips

If you ever need to move or find a new place to rent, Explore Houseme for nationwide rental listings.

For a detailed summary of tenant protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

FAQ: Illegal Fees in Nunavut Rentals

1. What fees are landlords in Nunavut allowed to charge?
   Landlords can charge rent, a security deposit (up to one month’s rent), and costs for lost keys. Additional or surprise fees are not allowed unless clearly agreed to in writing and legal under the Act.
2. Can my landlord charge for routine repairs?
   No, routine maintenance and repairs are part of the landlord's responsibility unless the tenant caused the damage through negligence or misuse.
3. What should I do if my landlord charges me an illegal fee?
   Politely request documentation, state your knowledge of your rights, and if needed, apply to the Rental Office using the official dispute form.
4. Are pet deposits or pet fees legal in Nunavut?
   Landlords cannot charge extra fees for service or support animals. Standard pet deposits are not specifically recognized under Nunavut law but check your agreement for any conditions.
5. Where can I get help if I have problems with rental fees?
   The Nunavut Rental Office provides tenant support and dispute resolution services. Contact details are below.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Application fees, inspection fees, and many "administrative" or "cleaning" fees are illegal
• Document every payment and keep communications in writing
• If unsure, contact the Nunavut Rental Office for clarification or dispute resolution

Staying informed is your strongest protection against unnecessary costs.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office – Tenant inquiries, complaints, and forms
• Phone: (867) 975-7365 | Toll Free: 1-888-339-7365 | Email: rto@gov.nu.ca
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (full text)
• Tenant support is also available from local advocacy organizations and through your community government office.

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut). Official legislation link.
2. Nunavut Rental Office. Official tribunal link.
3. Government of Nunavut – Dispute Resolution Forms. Official forms page.

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