Nunavut Rent Control Exemptions: What Tenants Should Know

Are you a tenant in Nunavut and unsure whether your home is protected by rent control? Navigating Nunavut’s rental laws can be difficult, especially when it comes to increases that might affect your budget. This article guides you through Nunavut's approach to rent control, outlines common exemptions, and explains steps you can take to protect your rights.

Does Nunavut Have Rent Control?

Nunavut has unique rules for rent increases compared to other provinces. While there isn’t a strict “rent control” law setting caps on rent increases, the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut) provides important protections for tenants, such as required notice periods and rules for when and how rent can be raised.^[1]

Which Rentals Are Exempt from Rent Control Rules?

Not all rentals in Nunavut are offered the same protections around rent increases. Some key exemptions include:

• Social and Subsidized Housing: Units managed by non-profit housing providers or public housing authorities may have separate rent-setting rules not governed by the standard Act. These are often based on income, not market value.
• New Construction or Recently Converted Units: If your rental is a newly constructed or recently converted building, the landlord may not be limited by previous rental rates.
• Commercial or Short-Term Rentals: Retail, commercial, and units rented for short-term stays (less than 6 months) are typically not covered by residential tenancy law.

If you're unsure whether your unit is one of these exemptions, it’s best to ask your landlord in writing or contact the regulatory board for guidance.

What Rent Increase Rules Apply for Covered Rentals?

For most residential tenancies in Nunavut that are covered, landlords must provide written notice before increasing your rent. The rules include:

• A landlord must give at least 3 months’ written notice before a rent increase.
• Rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
• The notice must clearly state the amount of the new rent and the date it will take effect.

Unlike provinces with fixed annual limits, Nunavut does not set a maximum percentage for rent increases. However, tenants have the right to challenge increases they believe are unfair.

How to Challenge a Rent Increase or Unfair Exemption

If you receive a rent increase notice and believe your unit should be covered by Nunavut’s residential tenancy protections—but your landlord claims it’s exempt—you have several options:

• Contact the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office for clarification or dispute resolution.
• File an application against the landlord for review if the increase seems excessive or your exemption status is unclear.

Common tenant issues, such as understanding rent increases or obligations after receiving a notice, are also discussed in our Understanding Rent Increases: What Tenants Need to Know article for more details.

Official Forms for Tenants

• Notice of Rent Increase Form: Used by landlords to notify tenants of a rent increase. Tenants should keep this document for their records and review the notice period.
  Download: Official Notice of Rent Increase (PDF)
• Application to the Residential Tenancies Office: If you need to dispute a rent increase or exemption, submit the "Tenant Application" form.
  Download: Tenant Application Form (PDF)

Example: If your landlord gives you a rent increase notice for a newly renovated apartment and you think your place isn't exempt, you can complete the Tenant Application form to request a ruling from the Residential Tenancies Office.

Key Tenant Rights and Where to Learn More

For a full overview of your legal protections, see Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut. You’ll find details on eviction, rent, repairs, deposits, and more.

Looking for housing? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme to easily browse options across Nunavut and the rest of the country.

FAQ: Rent Control and Exemptions in Nunavut

1. Does Nunavut have rent control limits like other provinces?
   Nunavut does not have a fixed cap on rent increases, but it does require proper notice and limits on how frequently rent can be raised.
2. Are all Nunavut rentals covered by rent control?
   No. Social housing, some new buildings, and short-term units are often exempt from the standard rent increase rules.
3. How much notice must my landlord give before raising the rent?
   Your landlord must give you at least three months’ written notice before increasing your rent.
4. Can I dispute a rent increase I believe is unfair?
   Yes. You can file a Tenant Application with the Residential Tenancies Office to have your case reviewed.
5. Where can I find more information about my rights?
   The Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office and our Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut guide offer comprehensive resources.

Conclusion: What Nunavut Tenants Should Remember

• Not all rentals in Nunavut are covered by rent control; know if your unit is exempt.
• Written notice (3 months) is required for all rent increases.
• Tenants can challenge rent increases or exemption status with the Residential Tenancies Office.

Stay proactive—if your rent is going up, check the notice, know your rights, and seek guidance when needed.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office – Tenant applications, dispute resolution, and general inquiries
• Phone: (867) 975-6314 or Toll-free: 1-877-212-6432
• Email: rto@gov.nu.ca
• Find more detailed legal information at Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut, current version)
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office

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