Nunavut Tenant Guide: Maintenance & Repairs Explained

Finding an issue in your rental home can be stressful—especially in Nunavut, where remote locations make repairs complex. As a tenant, understanding your maintenance rights and responsibilities under Nunavut law helps you resolve problems faster and protects your home comfort. This article breaks down what you need to know, from reporting issues to making a complaint, plus practical advice and the most up-to-date official resources.

Understanding Maintenance Obligations in Nunavut

Both landlords and tenants in Nunavut have specific roles when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Clear communication and knowing where responsibilities lie is the first step to a healthy rental experience.

Landlord Responsibilities

• Keep the rental home in a good state of repair so it meets health, safety, and housing standards.
• Fix problems with the structure (walls, roof), plumbing, heating, electrical, and appliances provided with the unit.
• Respond to tenant repair requests in a reasonable timeframe—emergencies (like broken heat in winter) must be handled right away.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Report required repairs to the landlord promptly and in writing if possible.
• Keep the unit clean and undamaged, and avoid causing problems through neglect or misuse.
• Make minor maintenance (like replacing light bulbs) unless your tenancy agreement says otherwise.

For a complete look at both landlord and tenant obligations, see Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

Steps to Take If Repairs Are Needed

If something is broken or unsafe, here’s how you can act:

• Document the problem – Take clear photos, note when the issue started, and keep all communication with your landlord.
• Contact your landlord – Notify them in writing, describing the issue and requesting repairs. Email or a written letter is best.
• Follow up – If nothing is fixed within a reasonable period, send a reminder in writing, mentioning any health or safety risks.

Consistent, polite record-keeping helps if you need to escalate your issue.

What Counts as an Emergency?

Emergencies must be dealt with right away. These include:

• No heat in winter
• No water, electricity, or major plumbing failure
• Serious leaks, flooding, or fire hazards

If the landlord does not respond quickly, you may take further action to protect your health and safety. For more, see Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities.

Your Rights and Nunavut’s Tenancy Law

All residential tenancies in Nunavut are governed by the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act^[1]. Both landlords and tenants must follow these rules—covering obligations, dispute resolution, and forms.

The official agency handling tenancy matters in Nunavut is the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office (RTO). They offer dispute resolution, advice, forms, and mediation services to both tenants and landlords.

For an overview of tenancy law in Nunavut, check Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut.

Official Nunavut Forms for Repairs and Complaints

Nunavut uses specific forms for tenants who need to take action regarding repairs or landlord obligations:

• Application for Orders (Form 6)
  When a landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you can complete Form 6: Application for Orders to request that the Residential Tenancies Office order the landlord to fix the problem.
  Example: Your heating has failed for several days, and your landlord does nothing. You fill out Form 6, describing the issue and providing evidence (photos or messages), then submit it to the RTO.
• Notice of Entry (Form 10)
  If your landlord needs to enter the property to inspect or fix something (unless it’s an emergency), they must file a Form 10: Notice of Entry and give you proper notice.

Find full instructions for filing forms and current documents via the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office.

Health and Safety—When Is Immediate Action Required?

Repairs that affect health and safety (mold, pest infestations, structural hazards) should be reported to your landlord right away. If there’s no action, document the hazard and seek guidance from the Residential Tenancies Office or your local housing authority. For more information on common safety issues, visit Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

What If Repairs Aren’t Made?

If you’ve reported the issue and followed up, but your landlord does not make the necessary repairs, you can:

• Submit Form 6 to the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office
• Attend a hearing if scheduled—bring evidence and copies of your communication
• Ask for an order to reduce your rent until repairs are made, if applicable

Never withhold rent without a legal order—doing so could jeopardize your tenancy.

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FAQ: Nunavut Tenant Maintenance & Repairs Issues

1. How quickly must my landlord fix an urgent repair?
   Landlords must address emergency issues—such as no heat or water—immediately. For less urgent issues, repairs should be completed within a reasonable period, depending on the problem's severity.
2. Can I withhold my rent if repairs aren't made?
   No. Instead, file a formal complaint by submitting Form 6 to the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office. Withholding rent could put your tenancy at risk.
3. What do I do if repairs are not made after filing a complaint?
   If an RTO order is not followed, contact the RTO for enforcement. They can guide you on your next steps.
4. What qualifies as an emergency repair?
   Repairs involving loss of heat, electricity, water, major leaks, or anything threatening health or safety count as emergencies and must be fixed urgently.
5. Who pays for damage caused by tenants?
   If a tenant causes damage through negligence or misuse, they are responsible for repair costs. Normal wear and tear is the landlord’s responsibility.

How To: Navigating Repairs and Complaints in Nunavut

1. How do I file a repair complaint with the RTO?
   1. Document the problem and keep all communications. 2. Complete Form 6: Application for Orders, attach your evidence, and send it to the RTO. 3. Wait for a hearing notice and attend if scheduled.
2. How can I prove my landlord received my repair request?
   Always request confirmation of receipt—send your request via email or registered mail so you have a record.
3. How do I follow up if my landlord ignores my complaint?
   After your initial and reminder message, submit an official complaint using Form 6 to the RTO if there's no response.

Key Takeaways

• In Nunavut, landlords must keep rentals safe and healthy; tenants should report issues quickly and in writing.
• Use the official RTO forms—especially Form 6—to handle unresolved repair problems.
• Never withhold rent; always use proper legal steps for complaints.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office (RTO): Official RTO page (including all forms, dispute guidance, and contact info)
• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act: Complete legislation
• Learn more: Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut

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1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act
2. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office
3. RTO Form 6: Application for Orders

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