If you re a tenant in Nunavut facing repairs, a rent dispute, eviction notice or problems getting your security deposit back, you have options for filing a complaint. This guide explains how the Nunavut Rental Office handles tenant concerns, what evidence to gather, which official forms to use, and practical timelines so renters in Nunavut can protect their rights. It uses clear, step-by-step language and links to the government office and legislation so you can follow official procedures and complete filings correctly.
What the Nunavut Rental Office does
The Nunavut Rental Office is the official tribunal that handles residential tenancy disputes in Nunavut and accepts complaints about habitability, deposits, unlawful notices or evictions, and other tenancy issues. Tenants can submit complaints to request mediation or a hearing so the office can issue decisions that resolve disputes.[1]
Common tenant complaints you can bring
- Repairs and maintenance problems such as no heat, plumbing failures, or mold.
- Illegal entry or privacy breaches by a landlord or their agent.
- Unlawful rent increases, improper charges, or deposit disputes.
- Eviction notices, termination disagreements, or threatened eviction without proper process.
- Harassment, retaliation, or other prohibited conduct affecting tenancy rights.
Documents and evidence to prepare
- The signed lease or rental agreement and any written amendments.
- Photos or videos showing damage, mold, or safety problems with dates.
- Receipts for rent payments, repair invoices, and any notices served or received.
- Copies of emails, texts, or letters exchanged with your landlord about the problem.
Before filing, try to resolve the issue directly with your landlord in writing. If that does not work, you can file an official complaint with the Rental Office. Include clear timelines, photos, and copies of correspondence to support your case. If you need to find alternative housing while resolving a dispute, consider looking at Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.
Official forms and how to use them
The Rental Office requires specific forms to start a complaint. The most commonly used is the official complaint or application form available from the Government of Nunavut s housing or rental office website. Typical form information includes the applicant s name, address of the rental unit, a statement of the issue, and the remedy requested. When you complete the form you should attach your evidence (photos, receipts, copies of notices) and provide contact details for any hearing notifications.[2]
Example: If your heat has been off for more than 48 hours and your landlord has not fixed it after written requests, complete the Rental Office complaint form, attach dated photos and copies of your repair requests, and request an order for repairs and compensation for any expenses you incurred.
FAQ
- What can the Nunavut Rental Office help me with?
- The office can hear disputes about repairs and maintenance, deposit returns, unlawful rent increases, eviction notices, and allegations of harassment or retaliation; it can order remedies or monetary awards.
- How long do I have to file a complaint?
- File as soon as possible; some claims have specific time limits under the residential tenancy rules, so contact the Rental Office or check the legislation promptly to avoid missing deadlines.
- Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?
- No, you do not need a lawyer; many tenants represent themselves. Legal assistance or duty counsel may be available if your case is complex.
How-To
- Collect evidence: photos, receipts, the lease, and copies of all communications with your landlord.
- Try to resolve the issue directly: send a clear written request and give the landlord reasonable time to respond.
- Complete the official Rental Office complaint form, attach your evidence, and state the remedy you want.
- Submit the form as directed (online or in person) and pay any filing fee if required; keep a copy of everything.
- Attend the hearing or mediation, present your evidence clearly, and follow any order issued by the Rental Office.
Help and Support / Resources
- Nunavut Rental Office - Government of Nunavut
- Nunavut Department of Housing and Community Development
