Nunavut Tenant Maintenance & Repair Rights Explained

If you’re renting a home in Nunavut, understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding maintenance and repairs is essential for safe and comfortable living. Nunavut’s rental laws set out clear responsibilities for both tenants and landlords, aiming to ensure rental units remain secure and healthy. This guide will clarify what you’re entitled to, what you must do, and how to resolve maintenance and repair issues in your rental.

Who Is Responsible for Repairs and Maintenance?

In Nunavut, the Residential Tenancies Act^[1] outlines both landlord and tenant duties. Generally, landlords are required to ensure your home meets health and safety standards, remains in good repair, and is suitable for living. Tenants, on the other hand, are responsible for keeping the rental clean and for any damages they or their guests cause beyond regular wear and tear.

• Landlord responsibilities: Structural repairs, heating, plumbing, electrical, pest control, and ensuring vital services (water, heat, power) are always available.
• Tenant responsibilities: Basic cleanliness, alerting the landlord promptly about needed repairs, not causing property damage, and taking care of minor day-to-day upkeep.

For a deeper look at tenant and landlord obligations, read the Obligations of Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities Explained.

What Counts as an Emergency Repair?

Some problems—like a broken furnace in winter, lack of running water, or an electrical hazard—are considered emergencies. Landlords must respond quickly to these situations to protect your safety and well-being.

• No heat during cold months
• Flooding or major water leaks
• Broken locks or doors compromising security
• Serious pest infestations (like bedbugs or mice)

If you face any of these, contact your landlord immediately and document the issue. For common household problems, you may find Emergency Situations and Repairs: Tenant Rights and Responsibilities helpful.

Steps to Take When Something Needs Repair

• Notify your landlord as soon as you notice the problem—ideally in writing (text, email, or letter) and keep a record for your files.
• Describe the issue and ask for a timeline for repair.
• If the landlord does not respond or the issue is not fixed within a reasonable time, you may escalate the matter by submitting a complaint to the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office (RTO).

Tenants should always provide access to the unit for repairs. Your landlord must give 24 hours’ written notice before entering, except in emergencies.

Official Forms for Maintenance Disputes

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Office (Form 1): Used when you need an official decision about a dispute—such as unresolved repairs.
  Example: If your landlord won’t fix a serious leak after reasonable notice, you can apply for an RTO hearing.
  Download Form 1: Application to RTO
• Notice to Enter (Form 6): Landlords must provide this to enter your rental except for emergencies.
  View Notice to Enter (Form 6)

You can find all official forms and guides through the Nunavut Rental Housing portal.

Health and Safety Maintenance Issues

Nunavut’s law requires landlords to keep rental properties safe and healthy. If you encounter mould, pests, broken windows, or heating problems, your health could be at risk. These concerns are covered by both general repairs obligations and health legislation.

To better understand such issues, check out Health and Safety Issues Every Tenant Should Know When Renting.

Process for Escalating Unresolved Repairs

If a landlord does not resolve a maintenance or repair problem after you have notified them, follow these steps:

1. Give written notice and allow a reasonable time for repair.
2. If not resolved, fill out and submit Form 1: Application to the Residential Tenancies Office for a hearing.
3. Collect evidence such as photos, written conversations, and witness details.
4. The RTO will conduct a hearing and can issue orders requiring repairs or adjusting your rent.

This process helps ensure your rental remains suitable for living—without causing unnecessary conflict.

Moving In and Out: Initial and Final Inspections

When moving in, always document the condition of your rental. Photos and an inspection checklist can avoid deposit disputes later. Likewise, after you move out, a final inspection can help resolve disagreements about who should pay for repairs.

For guidance on these steps, see Guide to the Initial Rental Property Inspection for Tenants.

Looking for another place to live? Find rental homes across Canada on Houseme for a wide selection of listings in every region.

Want more information on your rights in Nunavut? Visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Nunavut for a full overview.

FAQ

1. Can my landlord make me pay for repairs?
   Landlords are responsible for most repairs, but if you or your guests cause damage beyond normal use, you may be required to pay those costs.
2. What should I do if my landlord won’t fix an urgent problem?
   Notify your landlord immediately in writing. If the issue is not addressed quickly—especially if it affects your health or safety—fill out Form 1 to request a hearing with the Nunavut RTO.
3. Do I have to let my landlord in for repairs?
   Yes, you must allow access for repairs, but your landlord must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice except in emergencies.
4. Are there rules for cleaning and minor maintenance?
   Tenants are expected to keep their unit reasonably clean and maintain fixtures, but major repairs are the landlord’s duty.
5. Is pest control my responsibility?
   Generally, no. Your landlord must address most pest problems unless you have caused them through neglect or uncleanliness.

How To: Resolve Maintenance and Repair Issues in Nunavut Rentals

1. How do I request a repair from my landlord?
   Notify your landlord in writing, clearly describe the issue, and keep a record of the communication.
2. How can I escalate a maintenance complaint?
   If your landlord does not respond, gather evidence and fill out Form 1: Application to the Residential Tenancies Office.
3. How do I prepare for an RTO hearing?
   Bring all supporting documents including photos, written notices, and statements from witnesses if available.
4. How quickly should landlords fix emergency repairs?
   Emergencies must be addressed as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.
5. What happens if I make repairs myself?
   You may only recover costs if you followed the legal process—notify the landlord, allow time for response, and get approval from the RTO if needed.

Key Takeaways

• Landlords in Nunavut must keep rentals in good repair and address emergency issues promptly.
• Tenants should report problems quickly and allow access for repairs.
• If issues are unresolved, tenants can apply to the Nunavut RTO using Form 1.

Maintaining open communication and knowing your rights ensures a positive rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Nunavut Residential Tenancies Office (RTO) — handles complaints, applications, and tenancy information
• Nunavut Rental Housing Resources — forms, guides, and tenant tools
• For advice or advocacy, contact your local housing association or legal aid service in Nunavut

---

1. Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act. Read the Nunavut Residential Tenancies Act (full text)
2. Nunavut Community and Government Services: Residential Tenancies Office (official site)
3. Nunavut Rental Housing: Official housing guides and forms

Categories

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities Rent & Deposits Leases & Agreements Moving In / Out Maintenance & Repairs Evictions Roommates & Shared Housing Discrimination & Accessibility Utilities & Services Affordable Housing & Subsidies Dispute Resolution & LTB Safety & Security Privacy & Entry by Landlord Special Tenancy Situations Tenant Insurance & Liability Post-Eviction Resources Landlord Compliance & Penalties Legal Precedents & Case Summaries Mental Health & Tenancy