Maintenance and Repairs Checklist for Nunavut Tenants

Staying on top of maintenance and repairs in your Nunavut rental is essential for your safety, comfort, and legal rights as a tenant. Knowing what to expect, what your landlord must provide, and what you should do when something isn't working can help you resolve issues quickly and avoid disputes. This checklist covers everything Nunavut tenants need to know about property repairs, emergency fixes, official forms, and where to get help.

Understanding Maintenance Responsibilities in Nunavut

Nunavut's rental regulations are shaped by the Rental Office of Nunavut, using the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)^[1]. Both tenants and landlords share responsibilities to ensure rentals remain in good condition:

• Landlord's duty: Keep the unit safe, clean, and fit for habitation. Major repairs (e.g., plumbing, heating, structure) are always the landlord's job.
• Tenant's duty: Maintain reasonable cleanliness, report any damage right away, and avoid causing damage beyond normal wear and tear.

For more on your rights and expectations, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Checklist: What Does the Landlord Have to Maintain?

• Heating and hot water systems
• Electrical wiring and lighting
• Major appliances provided with the unit
• Plumbing (sinks, toilets, showers, pipes)
• Doors, windows, and locks
• Floors, walls, ceilings, roof
• Common areas in multi-unit buildings
• Pest infestations (e.g., mice, bedbugs)

Before moving in, it's smart to complete a walk-through and record the unit's condition. Get tips on this from the Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

What Tenants Are Responsible For

• Reporting any problems or damages immediately
• Changing light bulbs and smoke detector batteries (unless your lease says otherwise)
• Keeping the unit sanitary and tidy
• Preventing moisture, mould, or accidental damage

Reporting Repairs: The Right Way

Always notify your landlord in writing when something needs fixing. If it’s urgent (no heat in winter, no running water, broken exterior locks), state that it’s an emergency. Keep copies of all correspondence—you may need them later.

Emergency Repairs in Nunavut

Emergencies are situations making the unit unsafe or unlivable (e.g., main water leaks, no heat during cold temperatures, fire hazards). Landlords should address emergencies immediately, usually within 24 hours. If you can't reach your landlord and the problem can't wait, you may be allowed to arrange the repair and seek reimbursement—but always check the law first and keep receipts.

For more on emergencies, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Pest Control and Unhealthy Conditions

If you encounter mice, bedbugs, or unsanitary conditions, report them to your landlord as soon as possible. Pest removal is usually the landlord's responsibility, unless caused by a tenant’s actions.

Your housing must meet health and safety standards. Get details on what to look out for in Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

When Repairs Are Not Done: Filing a Complaint

If your landlord delays or refuses essential repairs, you can apply to Nunavut’s Rental Office for help.

• First, provide written notice to your landlord about the problem.
• If not fixed promptly, file a complaint with the Rental Office.

Form to Use:
Application to the Rental Office (Form 2) — Used to request an order requiring the landlord to do repairs or for rent reductions due to lack of maintenance.
Download Application to the Rental Office (Form 2)^[2].
Example: If your unit has no functional heating and you have already notified the landlord in writing, you can submit Form 2 to the Rental Office to request an urgent repair order.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• Nunavut Rental Office – For applications, disputes, and forms
• Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut) – Official Legislation
• Local community legal clinics for advice
• Tenant advocacy groups (where available)

For easy access to rentals and moving resources, Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

FAQ: Nunavut Tenants and Maintenance

1. What should I do if my landlord won’t repair something important?
   First, provide clear written notice with details. If they don’t respond, you can file an Application to the Rental Office (Form 2) to have repairs ordered.
2. Who pays for emergency repairs if I arrange them myself?
   If you can’t reach your landlord and the repair is truly urgent, you may pay up front and apply for reimbursement—but document everything and check the law first.
3. Are smoke detectors and CO alarms the landlord’s responsibility?
   Landlords must supply working alarms; tenants usually handle battery changes unless otherwise stated in the lease.
4. What is normal wear and tear versus tenant-caused damage?
   Normal wear means things that happen over time (e.g., faded paint). Tenant-caused damage is anything resulting from neglect or misuse.

How-To: Getting Urgent Repairs in Nunavut

1. How do I report a repair to my landlord?
   Send a written note (email, text, letter) with the problem details, location, and why it needs fixing.
2. How do I apply to the Rental Office for repairs?
   Fill in Form 2: Application to the Rental Office, attach supporting documents, and submit it to the Rental Office (in person, by email, or as the Office directs).
3. How can I prove a repair is urgent?
   Include photos, describe the risks (e.g., no heat in winter), and explain attempts to contact your landlord.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords must keep Nunavut rentals safe and in good repair—tenants must notify them of problems right away.
• Always report issues in writing and keep records.
• For unresolved repairs, submit Form 2 to Nunavut’s Rental Office for help.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants in Nunavut

• Nunavut Rental Office – Information, dispute applications, and official forms
• Community legal clinics and tenant advocacy programs (check your local hamlet or municipality)
• Detailed rights: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

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1. [1] See the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut) for complete legal requirements.
2. [2] Official repair forms: Rental Office Forms and Applications.

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