Landlord Inspection Rules for Tenants in Nunavut

Understanding when and how your landlord can inspect your rental unit in Nunavut is important for maintaining your privacy and rights as a tenant. Inspections help ensure properties are safe and well-maintained, but there are clear rules your landlord must follow under Nunavut law. This guide explains those rules in plain terms to help you stay informed and protected.

Who Oversees Tenancy Rules in Nunavut?

Nunavut residential tenancies are regulated by the Residential Tenancies Office of Nunavut. The main law governing landlord inspections is the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut).¹

When Can a Landlord Enter for an Inspection?

Your landlord cannot enter your unit just anytime. Nunavut regulations set out when and why a landlord may access your rental:

• With Proper Notice: Landlords must give tenants at least 24 hours written notice. This is to protect your privacy and give you time to prepare or be present.
• Permitted Reasons for Entry:
  • To inspect the condition of the unit
  • To make repairs or do maintenance
  • To show the rental to prospective tenants or buyers (only in certain circumstances)
• Reasonable Hours: Inspections must generally take place between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., unless you agree to a different time.
• Emergencies: In case of an emergency—like a fire, flood, or urgent repair—landlords can enter without advance notice to protect the property or tenant safety.

Routine inspections cannot disrupt your peaceful enjoyment of your home.

What Must Be Included in the Notice?

The 24-hour written notice should specify:

• Date and time range of the entry
• Purpose of the inspection

This notice can be delivered in person or left in a place where you are likely to see it (like on your door).

What Is Allowed During an Inspection?

During inspections, landlords and their agents are only permitted to look at the general condition of the property. They cannot search your personal belongings or invade your privacy. The main focus should be on things like:

• The state of walls, floors, and fixtures
• Checking for needed repairs or safety issues
• Verifying cleanliness or looking for damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear

If health or safety issues are discovered—like mold, pests, or unsafe wiring—your landlord may need to arrange for repairs. You might find the information in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting helpful if you face those situations.

Can You Refuse a Landlord's Inspection?

If your landlord has not followed the proper notice procedures, you have the right to refuse entry. However, if the notice is valid and for a lawful reason, you must allow the inspection. Consistently blocking lawful entry could result in problems or even grounds for eviction.

Initial and Final Inspections

Inspections are especially important at the start and end of your tenancy. An initial inspection (move-in) documents the unit’s condition so everyone agrees on what is considered existing damage. A final inspection at move-out helps decide if any deductions should be made from your security deposit. Learn more about these steps in the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Relevant Forms for Tenants and Landlords

• Condition Inspection Report (no specific number):
  Used at move-in and move-out to record the condition of the rental unit. Both tenant and landlord should sign and keep a copy.
  • Condition Inspection Report (Official Form)
  Example: Complete this form together with your landlord before you move in and again when moving out. This protects your security deposit and helps resolve any disputes about property condition.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a tenant, you have a right to privacy—but you’re expected to take care of the property and allow your landlord to access it lawfully. Both sides should act respectfully and in good faith.

For an overview of Nunavut tenancy laws, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Landlord Inspections in Nunavut

1. Can my landlord enter my unit without notice?
   Only in an emergency—such as a burst pipe or fire—can your landlord enter without giving you notice. Otherwise, at least 24 hours written notice is required.
2. What should be in a landlord’s inspection notice?
   The notice must include the reason for entry, the date, and the specific time range when your landlord plans to inspect.
3. How often can my landlord do inspections?
   There’s no fixed rule, but inspections cannot be so frequent that they disturb your right to quiet enjoyment. Most landlords do periodic checks, such as once or twice a year or when there’s a specific concern.
4. What do I do if my landlord violates inspection rules?
   Document what happened and contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office. You may be able to make a formal complaint or seek help to resolve the dispute.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office – Official government agency for tenant-landlord disputes, complaints, and resources
• Phone: 867-975-6590 (Iqaluit office) / Toll-free: 1-866-223-8139
• Email: rto@gov.nu.ca
• See the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut page for a full overview of your rights and responsibilities

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1. Source: Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut) - full text
2. Official tribunal/board: Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office

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