Tenants and renters in Nunavut have the right to safe, livable housing and to clear information about health hazards that could affect physical or mental wellbeing. This guide explains common hazards landlords should disclose, practical steps for documenting dangers, and how to use official forms and services in Nunavut to request repairs or report public health risks. If you rely on accessible features for mental health supports or have vulnerabilities, knowing what must be disclosed and how to act quickly can protect you and your household. Use the steps below to document issues, notify your landlord, and escalate to territorial health or justice resources when necessary.
What landlords must disclose
Landlords must tell tenants about known conditions that are likely to cause harm or that make a unit unsafe or uninhabitable. Common examples include the following:
- Mold growth that affects indoor air quality or the unit's ability to be safely lived in.
- Safety risks such as carbon monoxide leaks or faulty heating that could cause injury or illness.
- Known asbestos or lead hazards in older buildings when those materials are in a condition that may release dust or fibres.
- Ongoing water damage, persistent leaks, or plumbing failures that affect sanitation or structure.
- Pest infestations that a landlord knows about and has not addressed.
How disclosure usually works in practice
Disclosure can be written (email or letter) or verbal, but written notices create a record you can use later. A landlord who knows of a hazard should tell new or existing tenants before a problem worsens, and should arrange repairs or mitigations promptly. If a hazard is life-threatening, landlords should act immediately and notify emergency services as required. When communicating, keep copies of messages and photos of the hazard to support any follow-up actions.[1]
Documenting hazards and collecting evidence
Good evidence speeds up repair and enforcement processes. Useful items include:
- Photographs or video showing the hazard and date stamps if possible.
- Copies of written notices you send or receive, including emails and texts.
- Records of repair attempts, work orders, invoices, or missed appointments.
- Names and contact details of any contractors, health inspectors, or neighbours who can corroborate the issue.
When to involve public health or territorial authorities
If a hazard is linked to a public-health risk—such as contaminated water, carbon monoxide, or infectious conditions—you can contact Nunavut public health to report it and request an investigation. For non-urgent but serious habitability issues, filing a written repair request with your landlord is the first step; if that fails, you may escalate to territorial dispute resolution or courts. Use official reporting and forms when available and keep copies for your records.[2]
Required forms and official steps
Common documents tenants use in Nunavut include:
- Maintenance Request Form (Nunavut Housing Corporation): use this to ask formally for repairs when your unit is managed by the housing corporation; include photos and a clear description of the hazard and keep a copy for your files.[1]
- Report a Public Health Concern form (Government of Nunavut Health): use this form when the hazard poses a public-health risk, such as contaminated water or suspected infectious hazards; explain what you observed and any dates/times to help investigators.[2]
- Copy of applicable tenancy legislation (read the Residential Tenancies rules applicable in Nunavut for legal timeframes and dispute options): use the legislation to understand timelines for repairs and remedies if your landlord does not act.[3]
What to do if the landlord does not act
If written requests and reasonable timeframes do not lead to repair, tenants can consider these steps:
- Gather and organize all evidence and communications about the hazard.
- Send a formal written notice requesting repair within a clear timeframe.
- Apply to the territorial dispute body or court for an order requiring repairs or other remedies; include your documentation and copies of notices sent to the landlord.[4]
Key Takeaways
- Landlords should disclose known health hazards and act to repair them promptly.
- Document hazards with photos, written requests, and dates to strengthen any complaint.
- Use official Nunavut forms and public-health reporting when hazards risk safety.
FAQ
- Do landlords in Nunavut have to tell new tenants about previous mold or pest problems?
- Yes. If a landlord knows about ongoing mold or pest problems that affect habitability, they should disclose these issues to current and prospective tenants so people can make informed decisions.
- What if my landlord told me about a hazard but didn’t fix it?
- Keep your written records and use the appropriate repair request form; if the landlord still does not act, you can escalate to territorial authorities or dispute resolution with your documentation.
- Can I withhold rent if a health hazard isn’t fixed?
- Withholding rent is risky and may not be allowed under territorial rules; instead, follow the formal repair request process and seek advice from tenant services or the dispute tribunal before stopping payments.
How-To
- Document the hazard with dated photos, videos, and notes describing when you first noticed the problem.
- Send a written repair request to your landlord or property manager and keep a copy for your records.
- If needed, submit the Maintenance Request Form to Nunavut Housing Corporation or the landlord's official repair intake.
- Report immediate public-health dangers to Government of Nunavut Health so they can investigate and advise.
- If repairs are not made, apply to the territorial dispute body or court with your evidence to seek orders for repair or compensation.
Help and Support / Resources
For help finding rental listings while you consider moves or alternative housing options, see Houseme - your rental solution in Canada. For tenant-focused guidance on health and safety and landlord obligations, also read Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting and Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.
