Nunavut Landlord Health & Safety Rules: Tenant Essentials

Across Nunavut, landlords have a duty to maintain safe and healthy rental homes. These standards are not just good practice—they are legal obligations that help protect tenants from health hazards and unsafe conditions. Understanding these requirements empowers both new and long-term tenants to expect safe, habitable housing, and to know what to do when problems arise.

Nunavut's Health and Safety Standards for Rental Housing

Landlords in Nunavut must follow health and safety laws to make sure rental properties are clean, safe, and fit to live in at all times. These rules are set out in the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[1] and enforced by local health and building authorities.

What Landlords Must Provide and Maintain

• Basic structural safety: No major leaks, unsafe wiring, or dangerous stairs
• Proper heat and weatherproofing: Especially crucial in Nunavut’s harsh winters
• Working plumbing and sanitation: Access to clean water, toilets, operable sinks, and showers
• Pest control: Landlords must address infestations promptly
• Ventilation and safe air quality: Well-ventilated kitchens and bathrooms; no mould, smoke, or dangerous fumes
• Locks and security: Secure doors and windows for tenant safety

Tenants should expect these standards from the first day of their lease, and throughout their stay. If you're unsure what counts as a 'safe and habitable' home, see Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting for more detail.

Routine Maintenance & Repairs

Landlords must keep the rental in good repair—this means fixing things like broken windows, malfunctioning heaters, or leaking pipes in a timely way. Tenants are expected to report these problems promptly but are not responsible for repairs caused by normal wear and tear.

For guidance on requesting repairs or resolving disputes, check out Routine Repairs in Rental Units: Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities.

Pest Control and Sanitation

Nunavut law makes landlords responsible for managing pest infestations and providing a clean rental space at the start of your tenancy. If pests invade during your stay, inform your landlord right away with a clear, dated notice. They must act promptly under local health regulations.

What Happens If Minimum Standards Aren’t Met?

If a landlord does not meet these health and safety obligations, tenants have the right to:

• Report the issue directly to the landlord (in writing)
• Contact local environmental health or building authorities for inspections
• Submit a complaint or application for remedies through the Nunavut Residential Tenancy Office

Some common complaints include lack of heating, unsafe stairs or entryways, water leaks, and repeated pest problems.

If your landlord is not responding to your complaints, document the issue with photos and keep copies of your written requests. This can help your case if you have to file a formal dispute.

Relevant Forms for Nunavut Tenants

• Form 1: Application to the Rental Office – Used if you need the Residential Tenancy Office (RTO) to resolve a dispute about repairs or standard breaches. Download Form 1 (PDF). For example, if your heating hasn't been repaired despite repeated requests, use this form to ask the RTO for help.
• Notice to Landlord of Repairs Needed – While there is no mandatory government template, always write and date a clear request (keep a copy) describing the problem. Written notice is an important first step before escalating issues.

Enforcement: The Residential Tenancy Office (RTO)

The Residential Tenancy Office in Nunavut is responsible for handling all rental disputes, including health and safety issues and landlord compliance. All complaints or disputes regarding health standards should go through this office after first notifying your landlord.

Before moving to formal complaints, see the Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut page for a full breakdown of your protections and responsibilities under the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act.

Common Issues and Tenant Action Steps

Here’s what to do if you encounter safety or habitability problems:

• Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible
• Keep a record of all communications
• Contact Nunavut’s Environmental Health division if health hazards exist
• Apply to the Residential Tenancy Office using Form 1 if issues remain unresolved

Know Your Rights as a Tenant

Every tenant in Nunavut deserves a rental home that is safe, healthy, and well-maintained. Browse apartments for rent in Canada confidently, knowing that Nunavut has legal protections in place for tenants’ well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord won’t fix a health or safety issue?
   First, inform your landlord in writing and keep a copy. If they don’t respond, you can contact local environmental health authorities or file an application (Form 1) with the Residential Tenancy Office.
2. Does my landlord have to provide working heat and running water year-round?
   Yes. Landlords are required to maintain all essential services, including heating and running water, regardless of the season.
3. Who is responsible for getting rid of pests in my rental unit?
   The landlord is generally responsible for pest control, unless you caused the infestation. Report any issues as soon as they arise.
4. Can I refuse to pay rent if my rental isn’t safe?
   No. Tenants must continue to pay rent even if repairs are needed. Instead, follow the dispute process with the landlord and file with the Tenancy Office if issues are not resolved.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Nunavut landlords must keep rentals safe, healthy, and in good repair by law
• Tenants should always give written notice of problems and keep records
• The Residential Tenancy Office enforces rights and can help resolve disputes

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Office (Nunavut Justice) – Handles tenant complaints and disputes
• Nunavut Environmental Health – For immediate health, pest, or safety dangers
• Review your rights at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut
• For general housing help, the Nunavut Housing Corporation provides programs and services

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act, Government of Nunavut
2. Residential Tenancy Office – Government of Nunavut

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