Nunavut Tenant FAQ: Utilities & Services Explained

Many tenants in Nunavut have questions about utilities, heating, water, and essential services in their rental homes. With unique climate conditions and different housing arrangements in Nunavut, understanding your rights and obligations is key to a safe, comfortable tenancy. This guide offers clear answers to the most common utilities and services questions from tenants across the territory.

Who Is Responsible for Paying Utilities?

Responsibility for utilities—such as electricity, heating oil, water, and sometimes even garbage collection—depends on what’s stated in your lease or tenancy agreement. In Nunavut, some rental units (especially public or social housing) may include utilities in the monthly rent, while others require tenants to set up and pay accounts themselves.

• Check your written lease or agreement carefully for details about which utilities are your responsibility.
• If the landlord is responsible, they must ensure these services are provided and functioning throughout the tenancy.
• If you are responsible, set up utility accounts as soon as you move in to avoid service interruptions.

If you’re unsure, ask your landlord before signing the agreement. Knowing your financial obligations up front can help you budget and plan your move.

What Happens if Utilities Stop Working?

Essential services like heat, water, and electricity are especially important in Nunavut. If any of these stop working, action must be taken quickly. By law, landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that meets health and safety standards and supply vital services unless the disruption is beyond their control (e.g., power outages by the utility). Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting offers more detail on your rights in these situations.

• Contact your landlord or property manager right away if an essential service fails.
• If repairs are delayed and conditions become unsafe, you may be able to seek help through Nunavut’s rental tribunal (see Resources below).
• Always document the issue and your communications with the landlord.

Setting Up and Changing Utility Accounts

If you’re moving into a new place and utilities aren’t included, you’ll need to set up accounts with relevant providers (such as Qulliq Energy Corporation for electricity or local municipal offices for water and waste collection). Contact providers in advance to avoid any gaps in service upon moving in.

• Some landlords may require proof the utilities have been transferred to your name before handing over keys.
• Keep copies of account numbers and payment receipts in case of future disputes.

If you’re moving out, contact utility providers to close your accounts or transfer them to the next tenant. This helps avoid unnecessary charges and ensures a smooth transition for everyone involved. For more helpful advice, check out Essential Tips for Tenants When Moving Into a New Rental Home.

Common Utility Issues and How to Resolve Them

Sometimes, tenants encounter issues like unexpected high bills, shared meters, or disputes about who should pay for repairs. Here’s how to handle these situations:

• Shared Utilities: If more than one unit shares a meter, the landlord must fairly apportion costs or clearly state billing arrangements in your lease.
• Service Disconnections: Landlords cannot cut off essential utilities to force a tenant to leave or as retaliation for a complaint. Doing so is against Nunavut’s residential tenancy laws.
• Repairs affecting utilities: If a repair is needed to restore an essential utility, inform your landlord in writing. If they do not respond, you may make a formal complaint or contact the Rental Office. For more on repair-related rights, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Always keep records and written communications as evidence in the event of a dispute.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Application to the Rental Office (Form 1): Use this to file a complaint if your landlord fails to provide a service or make a repair. Download the form and instructions from the Nunavut Department of Justice – Rental Office website. For example, if your landlord does not repair the heating system after you report the problem, you can fill out Form 1 and submit it to the Rental Office for resolution.
• Notice of Termination (Form 2): If a landlord fails to provide essential services, tenants may use this form to give notice of ending the tenancy early. Find it at the official Nunavut government site and follow instructions carefully.

Review each form’s guidelines to ensure your complaint or notice is valid and complete.

Legislation and Where to Get Help

Nunavut tenancy laws are set out in the Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)^[1]. This Act requires landlords to maintain homes to basic standards and outlines everyone’s duties around services and repairs.

The Nunavut Rental Office oversees disputes between tenants and landlords and provides official forms and information.

For more details on Nunavut housing rights and rules, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

For broader rental searches beyond Nunavut, you can Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme.

Frequently Asked Questions About Utilities & Services

1. Are utilities always included in Nunavut rental agreements? Not always. Some rentals include utilities in the rent, while others require tenants to pay separately. Check your lease for details.
2. What should I do if my rental loses heat, water, or power? Contact your landlord immediately. If repairs are not made swiftly, file a complaint with the Rental Office using the Application to the Rental Office (Form 1).
3. Who pays for repairs if a utility stops working? Usually, the landlord is responsible for repairs to essential services unless your lease says otherwise.
4. Can my landlord cut off essential utilities? No. Shutting off heat, water, or electricity to force a tenant to leave is illegal under Nunavut’s tenancy law.
5. How do I set up a utility account in my own name? Contact the relevant utility provider before moving in. You may need your lease and ID to open a new account.

How To: Dealing with Utility Problems in Nunavut Rentals

1. How do I report a utilities issue to my landlord? Write or call your landlord promptly and keep a copy of your message. Give details about the problem and request a repair.
2. What steps can I take if the landlord does not fix the problem? Submit Form 1 – Application to the Rental Office with all supporting documents (like your messages and photos).
3. How do I end my tenancy if services aren’t restored? Use Form 2 – Notice of Termination to notify your landlord, making sure you meet legal requirements in the instructions.

Key Takeaways for Nunavut Tenants

• Always clarify which utilities you are responsible for before moving in.
• Act quickly and document everything if essential services are disrupted.
• Use official forms and seek advice from the Nunavut Rental Office if problems continue.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Rental Office (Dispute resolution, forms, tenant support): (867) 975-6314
• Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut) – Full legal text
• Nunavut Housing Corporation – Housing supports and community resources
• Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut – Local facts and rights

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1. Residential Tenancies Act (Nunavut)

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