Legal Rent Increases in Nunavut: Tenant Rights and Rules

If you rent a home or apartment in Nunavut, you may be wondering when and how your landlord is allowed to raise your rent. Understanding Nunavut's unique tenant laws can help you feel confident and prepared if your landlord notifies you of a rent increase.

Who Regulates Rent Increases in Nunavut?

Residential tenancies in Nunavut are overseen by the Residential Tenancies Office of Nunavut. This office administers the laws set out in the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)^[1].

What Makes a Rent Increase Legal in Nunavut?

In Nunavut, rent can only be increased under certain conditions spelled out in the legislation:

• The tenant must receive a written notice of rent increase from the landlord.
• The landlord can only increase the rent once every 12 months.
• The notice period for rent increases is at least three full months before the new rent can start.
• If you have a fixed-term lease, the rent can typically only be raised at renewal, unless your lease states otherwise.

It’s important to remember that a rent increase is only legal if all these requirements are met.

Required Notice and Official Forms

Your landlord must use the official written form to notify you of a rent increase:

• Form: Notice of Rent Increase (no official number, but it must be in writing and include the following):
  • The address of the rental unit
  • The current rent amount
  • The new rent amount
  • The date the new rent will take effect (minimum three months from the notice)
  • The date the notice is given

The Nunavut Department of Justice provides templates and more information on required forms.

Example: If you receive a rent increase notice on May 1, it cannot take effect until August 1 or later.

Limits and Rules on Rent Increases

Unlike some other Canadian provinces, Nunavut does not have a government-set cap or guideline for how much rent can be increased. However, the rules about frequency (once every 12 months) and proper notice (three months in writing) always apply.

If you feel a rent increase is unreasonable or was not properly served, you have the right to dispute it. Learn more about the process in the section below.

What to Do If You Disagree with a Rent Increase

If your landlord does not provide proper notice or tries to raise your rent more than once in 12 months, you can:

• Contact the Residential Tenancies Office for advice or to file a complaint
• Submit a written objection to your landlord explaining why the increase is not valid
• Apply to resolve the dispute with the Residential Tenancies Office, which acts as Nunavut’s tribunal for rental matters

Tenants who moved into a new place recently should also review Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know to ensure all fees and deposits are handled correctly.

Your Rights and Protections

As a tenant, you have important protections. Your landlord cannot evict or penalize you simply for questioning a rent increase. The Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut resource covers further rights regarding repairs, eviction, and security deposits.

Tip: Always keep a copy of any rent increase notices or landlord correspondence. Documentation helps protect your rights if there is a dispute later.

If you want more details on how rent increases work in general, see Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know.

For tenants searching for a new home in Nunavut or elsewhere, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme easily and securely online.

FAQ: Rent Increases in Nunavut

1. How often can my landlord increase my rent in Nunavut?
   Landlords may only increase rent once every 12 months, and must provide at least three months’ written notice.
2. Is there a limit to how much my rent can be raised?
   Currently, Nunavut does not set a government cap on the percentage or dollar amount of a rent increase. However, increases must still comply with frequency and notice requirements.
3. What should I do if I receive a rent increase without proper notice?
   You can dispute the increase through the Residential Tenancies Office. Do not pay the new amount until the issue is resolved.
4. Does a rent increase affect my deposit or lease?
   A rent increase does not automatically change your security deposit or lease terms, but it may be reviewed at lease renewal. Check your agreement and Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for details.
5. Who do I contact for help with rent disputes in Nunavut?
   The Residential Tenancies Office of Nunavut can provide guidance and help you file a complaint.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Landlords can only increase rent once per year and must give three months’ notice in writing.
• No government cap on increase amounts, but you have the right to dispute unfair increases or improper notice.
• Stay informed and protect your rights by understanding Nunavut tenancy laws.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office: Information, complaint forms, and dispute resolution
• Nunavut Justice: Tenancy Forms and Documents
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut: Easy-to-read rights and responsibilities

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office
3. Nunavut Justice – Tenancy Documents and Forms

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