Moving into a new rental home in Nunavut brings exciting changes—but also important responsibilities regarding maintenance and repairs. Understanding how these responsibilities are shared, how to request repairs, and what to do when there’s a problem will protect your rights and help keep your home safe and comfortable. This article explains Nunavut’s maintenance and repair rules for tenants, outlines what landlords must provide, and walks you through key forms and processes.
Responsibilities for Maintenance and Repairs in Nunavut
Under Nunavut’s Residential Tenancy Act1, landlords and tenants both have clear responsibilities. Proper upkeep ensures rental homes are livable and prevents health and safety issues down the road.
- Landlords must keep the property in a good state of repair—including heating, plumbing, locks, and safety features—at all times.
- Tenants must keep their unit clean, avoid damaging the property, and promptly tell their landlord about any needed repairs or unsafe conditions.
To learn more about your broader rights as a renter in the territory, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.
Common Maintenance Problems: What’s Covered?
Landlords in Nunavut are responsible for anything that makes the unit unfit to live in or affects health and safety—such as heating failures, broken appliances supplied with the unit, plumbing leaks, or issues with doors and windows. Tenants should report any such problem as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse.
If your concern involves things like mould, pests, or unsafe electrical systems, these are also considered maintenance and repair issues. Addressing them quickly helps keep everyone safe.
For more about routine upkeep, read Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.
How to Request Repairs
When something goes wrong in your unit, let your landlord know immediately. It’s best to:
- Inform your landlord in writing (email or letter preferred)
- Describe the problem and how it affects your ability to live comfortably or safely
- Ask for a repair timeline and keep a copy for your records
When Emergency Repairs Are Needed
Emergency repairs—like a broken furnace in winter, burst pipe, or loss of power—should be reported to your landlord immediately. If they don’t act quickly, contact Nunavut’s Office of Residential Tenancies for next steps, or consult Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.
Entry for Repairs: Notice Requirements
Except during emergencies, your landlord must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your rental for repairs. You do not have to be present, but you must allow reasonable access for maintenance or inspection.
Important Official Forms for Repairs in Nunavut
If your landlord fails to act after you’ve requested repairs, you can formally apply for help using these important resources:
- Form: Application for Remedy (Form 5) – Use this if you need the Rental Office to order your landlord to make repairs. Fill in details about the issue, when you notified your landlord, and what response you received.
Access it via the official Application for Remedy (Form 5) page. - Form: Request for Inspection (Form 6) – If you believe repairs are urgent or affect safety, request an inspection by Nunavut’s Rental Officer. Submit this form to ask for an official review of the unit’s condition.
Find the form on the Request for Inspection (Form 6) page.
When submitting these forms, attach any supporting evidence, such as photos or messages exchanged with your landlord. This helps build a clear case for prompt repairs.
Health and Safety in Your Rental
Every tenant has the right to a safe, healthy place to live. Problems like poor ventilation, pest infestations, or broken smoke alarms could put your well-being at risk. To understand more, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.
What if Repairs Are Not Made?
If your landlord ignores repair requests or the problem is urgent, you can:
- Apply to the Office of Residential Tenancies (Nunavut Rental Office) for help
- Seek inspection and formal orders using official forms (see above)
- Ask for compensation if unaddressed repairs affect your health or result in extra costs
Always follow proper steps and gather evidence to support your claim.
Useful Tip for Nunavut Renters
If you’re searching for a new apartment or house, Canada's best rental listings platform can help you find quality homes, including those with strong maintenance records and responsive landlords.
FAQ: Nunavut Maintenance and Repairs
- What should I do if my landlord ignores my repair request?
If your landlord does not respond to your written request, you can submit an Application for Remedy (Form 5) to Nunavut’s Rental Office. Attach details and evidence about the problem and your previous communication. - Does my landlord need to give notice before entering my unit for repairs?
Yes, landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice except for emergencies. You cannot unreasonably deny access for repairs. - What repairs am I, as a tenant, responsible for?
Tenants must repair damage they cause or that is due to their negligence. You are also expected to keep the unit clean and report issues quickly. - Can I withhold rent if repairs are not done?
No, you must continue to pay rent as usual. Instead, use official complaint forms to resolve the problem. - Where can I learn more about my rights in Nunavut?
See Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for a comprehensive overview.
How To Handle Repair Disputes in Nunavut
- How do I formally request a repair if my landlord doesn't respond?
Complete the Application for Remedy (Form 5) and file it with the Nunavut Rental Office, including proof of your original repair request. - How can I document maintenance issues for my records?
Take date-stamped photos, keep copies of written requests, and track any conversations about the problem. - How do I arrange for an inspection if there is a health or safety concern?
Fill out the Request for Inspection (Form 6) and submit it to the Rental Office to prompt an official property review.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must make timely repairs and maintain your unit’s safety.
- Tenants should report issues early and document all communications.
- Use official forms and contact Nunavut’s Rental Office if problems persist.
Need Help? Resources for Tenants
- Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies (Rental Office) — Information, forms and tenant support
- Email: [email protected] | Call: 1-867-975-6177
- Review and download forms: Nunavut Rental Forms & Guides
- Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut) – View the full text
- Nunavut Office of Residential Tenancies (Rental Office) – Official website
